Brit Reacts to 20 Things Only Americans Do (And Think It's Normal)

Brit Reacts to 20 Things Only Americans Do (And Think It's Normal)
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[@zaqzilla1]

It's not obsession over the military. It's appreciation for people willing to put their lives on the line for others.

[@bcase5328]

US Enlisted Military personnel don't get paid a lot. If they serve in combat, they risk their life to serve. They and their family sacrifice a lot to follow their postings. Public show of respect is minimal benefit.

[@tbergstrom4599]

Its also not the U.S that is abnormal. Its the shift in much of western civilization away from the important stories of survival, which throughout human history involved warfare that is abnormal ..... at least as the statistical connotation of the word applies

[@1nikg]

Aye that's how it works

[@randyhodder6015]

England would be in a totalitarian government speaking Russian if not for us

[@synchronuse]

That's laughable. You think that money is going to our brave soldiers?

[@kadijadeen2724]

When I was in London, my friend and I had breakfast at the American themed "Breakfast Club," and they were advertising that they served milkshakes in red SOLO cups (which we thought was weird). At the end of our meal, out server inquired if she could ask us a question: "Why are they called SOLO cups?" We explained that SOLO was the brand, and that we don't typically serve milkshakes in them, but that they come in numerous colors, are typically used at college parties, to play drinking games, and picnics, or for children because they're durable but disposable. We also showed her that the lines on the cup actually indicate standard pour measurements for alcoholic drinks: LINE 1: shots (liquor), 2: wine, and 3: 12 oz beer. Her response: "🤯".

[@MarieAntoinetteandherlittlesis]

Lol did you tell her that those were the wrong cups- milkshakes should be served in Styrofoam cups to preserve the cold 😂 With a spoon and an extra thicc straw

[@kadijadeen2724]

@@MarieAntoinetteandherlittlesis No, but fair point! Classic! 😅

[@protorhinocerator142]

Back in the 70's they made something called the Solo Cozy Cup. There were two parts to this. There was a wider version of the plastic cup we all know today (it was called a bowl) and there was a sturdy plastic base. The bowl kinda clipped into the base and made a stable platform for eating something light. It clipped in with that little bottom ridge on the bowl. The red beer cups came later. Originally they were for families drinking regular drinks at the kitchen table. Teenagers quickly began using them for beer. The Solo company seemed eager to cater to this new market. If you look at the modern beer cup, you will see 3 primary gradiations on the side of the cup, where it gets slightly wider each time. Those are for measuring an ounce of alcohol. a. The bottom part is for hard liquor. That's an ounce. b. The middle part is for wine. That much wine has an ounce of alcohol. c. The top marking is for beer. One red cup of regular beer has an ounce of alcohol. It's actually a very scientific way to get drunk at parties. Or at least close enough to scientific when you're sloshed.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

@@protorhinocerator142 Yeah, at least in the 90's while I was in the Navy, that was a winning conversation to have with any European bartender, since you COULD find very similar (and similarly graduated) plastic cups overseas. I never figured out if the lines were necessarily engineered on purpose, or a "happy accident" because being a U.S. product, I'd believe either way... SO I could go to almost any store almost anywhere and get a small supply of the cups to keep onboard... AND overseas just have one such cup in my backpack (in case I had NO idea where to find them)... AND a short demo, allowing the bartender to use his "legit' measuring utensils/skills" and then pour into the plastic cup, it was proof that the graduated cups were "good enough" to work by, even if you had NO idea how to tend bar (like most college kids)... AND for the "big reveal" sometimes it was worth a free cocktail or a beer or something... Sometimes it just got a little "extra love" when I ordered something... Kinda almost too bad we have the internet, and likely as not, EVERYBODY already knows by now. haha... ;o)

[@missrandom7145]

A shake in a solo cup is so weird to me lol

[@itsjustmet1743]

17:10 LOL, I was literally eating a spoonful of peanut butter when this played

[@josiebehnke2389]

that is one of my favorite snacks!

[@itsjustmet1743]

@@josiebehnke2389 mine too.

[@TDAEON]

I like to dip the spoon of peanut butter in chocolate chips. Insta treat!

[@joshjones6072]

Lol awesome

[@FoxFoxM3]

A spoon of peanut butter slapps it’s just a thing

[@janicewilson6146]

Small talk if not intrusive, opens possible friendships. a nicer way to promote a positive happy society.

[@reneebrown2968]

Camo is not strictly for military use only. Hunters also wear camo to blend and for some it's a fashion style.

[@roadsidebong6333]

Yea its common to see camo in a rural area

[@ThyGeekGoddessMuze]

Few veterans actually wear camo. I like Army surplus bags, but they were better made of hemp.

[@blakedjameson]

I wear camo for hunting but I have good camo and it's just comfortable so I just wear it all the time

[@michellearmenta1116]

I live in Guam U.S.A. every morning in school, the kids recite the Pledge of Allegiance, then sing the National Anthem, followed by the Guam Hymn in it's native language. God bless America!

[@joehartoon]

Have you thought about creating a Guam channel? As an American in Michigan who has traveled ain't gonna lie, never studied or talked to anyone from Guam

[@michellearmenta1116]

@@joehartoon I tried to get my niece to start a channel - Vegas girl in Guam. Have her go around exploring the island but she didn't want to. I've been to Pinconning, MI. It was beautiful there. I loved the fireflies!

[@cindirose3390]

I wish, but not in the continental states 😢

[@kellywiewall4928]

You can also die for your country at 18 but not drink

[@gracieb.3054]

Ick.

[@Kefroth1]

I think the best argument for the "month before day" format is digital file names. If you name a file by month first, when you sort your files, they will line up with month first and then filter by day. If you do it the other way around, your files get organized by the number of the day resulting in a jumbled mess of months.

[@nilmerg]

wouldn't it then be more intuitive to do year/month/day ??

[@Kefroth1]

@@nilmerg You could do that, but most use cases are going to be for the current year. Having a folder for the year that contains your files for that year is probably best practice.

[@nilmerg]

@@Kefroth1 yeah that is fair i suppose

[@catseye1009]

I have used both date formats interchangeably without really thinking about it, but then I have lived in different countries and I tend to use military time. Many government agencies use military time as it is much easier IMO.

[@Kefroth1]

@@catseye1009 I was in the military and tend to use military time and date formatting (as of writing this, it is currently 1710 on 09JUN2024 for me) but when it comes to writing file names, the military date formatting is not as efficient for organizational purposes. It is best for spoken and written documents to eliminate ambiguity.

[@allydae6758]

Peanut butter was one of the foods that sustained us during the Great Depression. When the soldiers came back from war they introduced their wives and families to it and we kept it around because it was cheap, filling, healthy and delicious. American families were eating PB&J sandwiches every other day if not every day during the Great Depression.

[@danes7534]

Architect here. Bathroom stalls are raised high from the floor so that wheelchairs can make a full circle around the space without obstruction. It’s part of the code from the ADA (American Disabilities Act). The stall gaps are just designed to easily replace parts when they get damaged, but poor construction makes them look cheap and you get the bad gaps in the door.

[@gracieb.3054]

Most of the time this isn't really noticeable. However, a couple of times there was a two inch gap next to the closed door and I could see women sitting on the toilets and I saw way too much. It was only a couple of times, but it was not okay.

[@ChaosLoveHub]

In Europe we have dedicated stalls for disabled users which include lower sinks and metal bars on walls to help with mobility and transfer to and from the toilet...

[@allthingssilver7635]

​@trestiacititoare9885 we have dedicated stalls for wheel chairs too, I'm not sure what the first guy is talking about. The stalls here are small, no wheel chair is fitting inside them and they still have short doors and wide gaps

[@DorkPrince]

What aggravates me is how cheaply and easily a simple board about 3 inches wide and maybe half an inch thick could be screwed to the side of the bulkhead opposite from the door's opening motion to cover that gap. Also, another aggravating thing my spouse mentioned that now I notice all the time, is that regardless of how much room there is in the stall, the metal-box toilet paper holder is always right at your knees, and the toilet is always right up maybe 9 inches from the side of the stall. You're either pinching your knees together or getting intimate with the toilet paper holder. About 35% of people stand up to wipe. Why can't the toilet paper holder be higher where it still can be reached in either sitting or standing position? Another pet peeve: automatic paper towel dispensers set to always have a towel dispensed waiting to be pulled, and it's always extended so far that it either is laying on the trash can directly under it or it's laying in the water puddle that ignorant apathetics splash all over the counters while washing. I guess i should just be thankful that at least someone's washing their hands, but still... Another pet peeve: public parks' restrooms that have only one soap dispenser and it's usually empty because the parks department can't keep enough people on staff to maintain them. Also: "automatic" anything, because 1. We're all too stupid to shut the damned water off when we're done or 2. We're all too stupid to only take as much soap as is needed. Of course, none of the automatic devices work, at least not correctly. I could go on, but my 40 GB file transfer just finished so I need to get back to my other stuff...

[@LiberalLoudMouth]

Yeah, we also have wheelchair accessible stalls. The OP isn't correct because there are places that have no gap at all. The gap doesn't even make sense in terms of turning around because the stalls would have to be wider. He's repeating some falsehood, no doubt. @@ChaosLoveHub

[@timbuktu8069]

Confusing America (the U.S.) with the Americas (the continents) is like confusing Britain with the British Isles. We know what we mean.

[@protorhinocerator142]

Calling it The United States is just as bad. Mexico is officially called The United States of Mexico. So if "America" attacks Iraq you know it's not Paraguay invading. There is almost no situation where America doesn't mean the USA. If you want to refer to the continents, there's always North America, South America, The Americas, or The New World. These would cover every situation where "America" doesn't mean the USA.

[@buzzaard7036]

Thats why we also say Murica @@protorhinocerator142

[@MeMyself_andAI]

Great comparison tbh

[@dagman85]

​@protorhinocerator142 - at least in Mexico, and possibly other Latin American countries, they think of North America and South America as a single continent called America. Personally, I think that is really inconsistent since they view Europe and Asia as separate continents, but that is where their confusion comes from.

[@timbuktu8069]

By that logic, if we refer to The United States of Mexico as Mexico Then linguistically we should refer to The United States of America as America.@@protorhinocerator142

[@lisainsthnme]

Kids in the US often have access to cars or even have their own. And we drive everywhere out of cities. When drinking age was 18, teens were dying in alcohol related motor vehicle collisions in high numbers. Age increase resulted in teen vehicular death rates significantly decreased.

[@StephaniescraftyworldBlogspot]

As a military spouse I can say it’s not obsession - it’s gratitude for the people who are willing to put their lives on the line for their country and for all the sacrifices they make

[@JS-jn8ku]

All the way back to the sacrifices made for our Independence. Real Superheroes to me. Gratitude for you as well. You serve as well.

[@rosealeigh_]

Yeah my father served for 23 years and my husband does currently, and him and I are so awkward when people come up and talk to us but I understand why they do. The Viet Nam vets came back and were treated horribly, spat on, kicked, etc… seeing people of that gen being welcomed home with graduate makes me misty eyed because they normally get misty eyed. It is the biggest reason we don’t mind when people come up and thank him for his service, so many people before weren’t. I hope you get great duty stations!

[@dashhuber2901]

Peanut butter is easily storable, high in protein, and can be eaten without preparation. It was a major player in keeping American soldiers fed, and healthy during the world wars, while other countries didn't even consider it as an option. It is very nearly the perfect war ration.

[@dreadcthulhu5]

It's also a staple of the impoverished for the same reasons.

[@0rbital_nugget188]

Unless you're like me and you're allergic.

[@julieenslow5915]

All true, thank you for the excellent summary. It travels well, keeps college kids alive during finals, fits well in backpacks!

[@terryomalley1974]

Peanut butter was also invented in Canada.

[@dreadcthulhu5]

@@terryomalley1974 The history of turning peanuts into food products is an interesting one. There is also evidence that South American Incas and Aztecs ground peanuts into a butter. George Washington Carver developed over 300 uses for peanuts with 105 of them making them fit for human consumption though it seems none of them were peanut butter. And that Kellogg guy came up with his own version for Americans in 1895 so it seems different people were doing different things over the years so multiple people had a similar idea in turning peanuts into food products.

[@TeranRealtor]

A reason for the 21 drinking age just dawned on me. I had never really thought of it this way before. Sure most countries allow drinking at 18 or even younger - but most countries don't have their 16 year olds driving automobiles for thousands of miles per year - or going to restaurants, bars and parties every Friday and Saturday night. The USA does not have the culture of walking or public transportation that many other countries do.

[@garycamara9955]

Good!

[@garycamara9955]

The UK relys more on the US military than their own.

[@wjf213]

Insurance companies were the driving force behind raising the drinking age, just like they were the ones pushing for the seatbelt law, and lowering the speed limit to 55mph. Anything to lower the risk of injury and having them pay out more in medical bills.

[@TeranRealtor]

@@wjf213 What you describe is a case of someone using real data to get the government to do things that actually make people safer. Insurance companies and lenders - when left to their true statistical reasoning - tell the truth about what really works and what does not work. This is far better than (for example) the anti-2A people, pushing an agenda, claiming to want to make things safer, but actually making people less safe.

[@ghost4realbitch]

@@wjf213 After Prohibition, the total ban on alcohol, many states established a minimum legal drinking age of 21. But that began to change after the voting age was lowered to 18. Lots of states followed by lowering their drinking ages, which changed the landscape for the entire country. By the 1980s, this unusual patchwork of drinking ages started to be seen as a problem, especially by activist organizations like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and RID (Remove Intoxicated Drivers). They lobbied for a 21-year-old minimum legal drinking age, and President Ronald Reagan supported the cause. His mechanism for enabling a national law? Threatening to withhold federal highway funding to states that didn’t comply.

[@cindydarrah8286]

I work in an elementary school and we say the Pledge to the flag every day of school right after the morning announcements.

[@TS-vy2ly]

Cool. I didn't think any schools still did that. Glad some do.🇺🇸

[@pjackson8322]

A couple of thoughts on tipping in the US. Most of the time waiters/waitresses depend on that for their wage as their employment wage is usually less than minimum. Also Ive recently experienced that you can use this to create a better than average experience on anything. Tip really well 20-50% (I even experimented with 100% on smaller item under $50) and watch the level of attention to detail about your purchase, food order, hair cut, whatever, go through the roof. And the next time you visit the same establishment try to visit the same person you had before and they will remember most if not everything about your last interaction. Its like having VIP service everywhere you go. Just keep tipping well and you keep getting treated very well. Its fun and it also pays people for going above and beyond from what the bare minimum required service is. Oh and for those that think im rich, far from it. I dont blow my money but when I need to get a hair cut or go out for that occasional dine out meal I tip as above and the increase in customer service for me makes it a far better experience and well worth the extra.

[@HestiasFire]

Dude. If I’m out at a restaurant and I see someone in uniform (military) I inform the wait staff that I’m paying for their meal. And if I have enough cash on me, I’m paying for their whole table. My great grandpa was in WWI, my Grandpa was in WWII, my brother-in-law was in Iraq. I have mad respect for anyone who serves.

[@MarieFara]

You are not going to convince Americans by saying, "The entire world is...".

[@creinicke1000]

That's so true.. in fact, if someone told me that, I'd stick my heals in even more.

[@Raggmopp-xl7yf]

Not only that, but the fastest way to get an American to do something is to tell them they can't.....

[@meganbrick6266]

Yeah we truly don’t care 😂 it’s one of the few traits we all share, I think

[@brandonhill2183]

Yep. I don't give a flying f*ck if other people do it differently. I'll do it how I want.

[@nigelfrasier2253]

This is so true

[@RipsterB]

After High School, three mates and I drove around the US for 2 months - from NJ to CA, via the nortgern Route 80, down the west coast and then along the Southern Route (mostly Routes 10 & 20) back to the east coast and then I-95 north, back to NJ. I think our total mileage was close to 8500 miles.

[@Alien_isolationist]

You're not from America if you're calling your homeboy mate. That's a spouse here, I legit never heard anyone use that word in 40 years

[@ogrehaslayers605]

​@@Alien_isolationistrecently I've started calling my buddies "my mates" and it's probably due to exposure to other cultures via the Internet. I'll be 50 in a couple days

[@Alien_isolationist]

@@ogrehaslayers605 that ish weird AF already, more so that you've allowed social media to influence you to speak like Europeans. Might as well call her mum at this point and say rubbish, poppycock & bruv 💀 Murica! 🇺🇲

[@rosiebarker6285]

I've been at my job since 1996. Last summer I had to have my 2nd shoulder surgery. When my sick time ran out they made me use up my vacation time. And it is 80 hours yearly for vacation time . Typically my vacation time gets used for illness, surgery, covid, or when I needed to be in the care center with my 93 year old mum on hospice care. My hubby is British....he is always mind blown by that. And we have been together here in Iowa since 1999

[@imdebra]

One big benefit of having food sold at drugstores is that if you're there picking up medication because you don't feel well or are disabled, then being able to pick up other things you need like food and toilet paper and such is soooo helpful.

[@jugularjuggla17]

Also minimizes your need to expose others to your illness cuz You don't have to go to multiple places to prep for resting up.

[@dontworrydehappy7104]

Totally agree!

[@mayflower5359]

Absolutely. My drug store carries fresh fruit and vegetables. So handy when I don't feel well enough to go shopping.

[@271cosme]

Also, some meds require, to be taken with food. So you could by the snack you like to take your meds with.

[@seaturtle979]

So so so true.

[@cameronfeeser7086]

As a teacher, yes. The pledge of alligence is usually the first thing we do, even before school announcements and learning.

[@Sunny-jz3dy]

I think it depends on where you Iive. Because they don't do the pledge of allegiance here in schools.

[@kassandrawesley2785]

​@@Sunny-jz3dyI know it was starting to die off when I was still in school, but my daughter's school still does it every morning. They say the Pledge and then "God bless our troops"

[@olddogtricks1099]

Not any more...🤔

[@dalehood1846]

@kassandra, The Pledge Of Allegiance is something that should ALWAYS be done, schools, churches, town meetings, and most of all, IN OUR GOVERNMENT Someone once said, " A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday, does not know where it is today." And we should never forget the sacrifice of people who have died to make sure we are free. All the best and May God bless.

[@larryblake842]

Sad thing is everyone thinks we are a democracy when we are a republic. The pledge of allegiance clearly states what we are.

[@sgdsingh9123]

Drug commercials drive me NUTS! (And NOTHING is five dollars. EVER!🤣)

[@Tarynnwahl1]

My husband was in the marines. We are proud of our military and our military personnel. Work hard play hard.

[@missbluepants888]

My mom raised 16 kids as a server at a country club, it was a job and atmosphere she truly loved. The highest hourly wage she earned was $5/hour, but, with tip, she averaged over $25/hour. She loved it so much that she didn't retire until she was almost 80 years old. She said that the people kept her feeling young.

[@amandadaley4826]

As a past bartender....I always tip big.

[@mikaelafox6106]

Wait, 16?! Your mom is a super trooper! 😊

[@Nipper-ty9tk]

I'm 58 and still cooking in the biz. I tip pretty good if the service and food are good. I'll even tip the kitchen staff. I started at 14 in the dish pit, worked my way up. No dept is better than another dept. With out clean dishes, cooks can't plate, without cooks, servers can't serve, without the servers, cooks can't cook, and dishwashers wouldn't have dishes to clean. I wish more places would realize that.

[@pablolasha]

🤍

[@devlyn873]

I never really thought of it as "the pharmacy has groceries", instead I always think of it as the Convenience Store has a pharmacy inside of it... because that's a convenient place to put it.

[@Fiona2254]

Nah it’s a pharmacy with a convenience store inside. Those groceries were added not that long ago. There were no groceries in pharmacies when I was growing up.

[@csailer2353]

Yeah I consider them more convenience stores than pharmacies. They may have used to be mainly pharmacies, but not anymore.

[@orvinal2883]

I go to Walgreens all the time for random stuff cuz it's close. Last time I got a prescription I didn't even go to Walgreens

[@CFWhitman]

@@Fiona2254 I wonder how much that is a product of where you live within the US. I was born in 1968, and I guess there may have been a bit of an increase in the amount of refrigerated items in drug stores, but other than that they seem about the same as they have been since the 1970s. They seem to always have sold stationery, dry foods, bottled and canned items (especially carbonated beverages), and a bit of electronics, toys, tools, and clothing (not nearly what you'd get in a real department store, but something).

[@dbspaceoditty]

yeah, the issue is that a lot of these stores, were farmacys before they were stores. discount drug mart medic drug walgreens pharmacy these are all places that were just places to get your drugs. on the opposite hand, places like walmart and giant eagle have pharmacys now, in which they origianlly didn.

[@johnweir3168]

During the 1970's there was a big push to switch the U.S. over to metric. I was in a engineering program and there was a lot of exercises that required converting between the English and metric measurements. It was a big pain. The effort failed because all of the highway signage would have to be changed over to kilometers while all of the car speedometers were in mph. Gasoline was sold by the gallon and all of the recipe books had things measured in teaspoons, tablespoons, cups, and lbs. Nobody wanted to do it. It was expensive to accomplish and confusing for people to work with when calculators were about the size of a small brick and expensive.

[@budmud2450]

Just curious, What size drive ratchets do mechanics use in most of the world?

[@morningrosie3684]

In my state, with the winter and spring we have, taking shoes off in the house is the nicest thing you can do. The amount of mud is insane.

[@zachcochran5738]

The “obsession” with the military is just a respect thing for most Americans. We all learn early on how our country was founded so from day one there’s a sense of appreciation for those willing to put on that uniform

[@Kim-hu9br]

Very true! Deep respect for those who fight for us. (That includes good cops and highway patrol, especially those who correct their own on the job). You protect the country we love, we OWE you our deepest respect. We. Owe. You. And it enrages most Americans to see the government abuse or cheat a soldier after coming home. No soldier should have to worry about his…(or her, read both sexes as I write, and I could go on about how women are a distraction to straight men and homosexuals would be distracted and that’s why practicality says that it’s best for only straight men to be in the military, men agree it diverts their attention, pregnancy rates are ridiculously high in the military, and so forth), …his family back home, either, that they’ll lose their home or go hungry, if he was providing before he was called up (otherwise I could see this get abused if someone already had a big family and didn’t work, and joined just to be able to buy a house they couldn’t really afford to begin with, but generally speaking, our soldiers deserve that peace of mind, imo. No vet should be homeless if he or she doesn’t want to be (some have told me they prefer to be unfettered by the paying of bills for an apartment and the necessities, or they truly have issues with being indoors, I’ve had these talks). We remember those who founded this country, and everyone who defended it, and everyone who still defends it. Many of us don’t take it for granted. We care what someone has done for And *FOR ALL VIETNAM 🇺🇸 VETS*, my sister-in-law says thank you. Her whole family says thank you. We all say thank you, my family. They are Vietnamese, and she said that if you hadn’t come rescued them during the Vietnam War, they’d be dead. They were airlifted out by US soldiers and sent to America, (she was a baby, many babies were also saved in that war), and they get angry when people speak against the US soldiers who were just there doing their job in horrible conditions, many drafted against their will. They were saved, and unlike some minorities who only whine that “people don’t like me” and think “whitey” holds them back, and somehow the system is stacked again them (couldn’t be less true, with quotas outweighing merit, and it couldn’t be their own attitude, behavior,, and excuses, could it?), my sister-in-law’s family see it the opposite, as having been given a new life, a saved life, and an opportunity. They felt no discrimination, they weren’t looking for it under every rock and stone, I guess. Every one of them has made something of themselves, they considered it the way to say thank you, the way to make the most of what you did for them. My sister-in-law went to Stanford and is a very successful radiologist, and my nephew I wouldn’t have without your service, so…thank you from all of us. He is an amazing kid, 15 in a couple of weeks, highly intelligent, jumps in to help, polite, well-mannered, head on straight as they say, not spoiled, appreciates what he has, what he’s been given, doesn’t want excess stuff, and is a great musician, also talented and is making the most of his life, but not being overly pressured, just kept on track. He’s a tall, very handsome (not biased, haha, but he really is), half German/Danish/Western Euro and half Vietnamese, and he’s definitely got the attention of the girls, too. They are a blessing to us, and we wouldn’t have them in our lives without you. She told me to tell Vietnam vets every chance I got, and I do. Many Vietnamese people are ALIVE and contributing to the world because of you, and you need to be reminded of that part of the war. Not everything that went wrong, but what went right.

[@Postinaway]

It was also a reaction to the poor treatment received by soldiers returning from Vietnam, along with the Reagan era and films like Top Gun.

[@JustM2024]

We love our troops & appreciate them. Nothing wrong with that. 🇺🇲🇺🇸🇺🇲

[@wll1130]

There is an obsession with the military and projecting military might in this country, at least at the top levels where they have the control. And we love and respect our soliders. Both can be true at the same time.

[@brandoncasper6510]

As a Disabled Marine veteran when I'm out to eat and see men and women in uniform I pay for their meals. And even though I'm a veteran I always thank them for their service. It's just we what do. Semper Fi and GODSPEED in your Journey.

[@cedcole702]

And even when we veterans meet a Vietnam Veteran, we say "Welcome Home".

[@devinkerley2431]

Thank you for your service, sir!

[@kidfrid5498]

Thank you for your service!! My husband is also Marine veteran -no longer active duty. Whenever he sees any service members he always thanks them for their service and will always wind up chatting with them for a bit. 😊

[@gilbertrael2953]

Me and my Family have Much Love and RESPECT For All veterans

[@EVillager]

I think we should especially keep in mind our Vietnam veterans because they had such a terrible homecoming.

[@tommik978]

As a bouncer in a dive bar in 2015, those big gaps under the door in the bathrooms are WAY easier to slide under in case of emergencies. It happens a lot.

[@janicewilson6146]

I believe anyone who chooses to fight for their country, deserves Respect. Not just known but Heard!

[@rondadelleva4805]

When my husband and I were younger our oldest son was extremely I’ll it took three major surgeries to save his life.Not long after his third surgery our youngest daughter was hit by a car .She was in a coma for a while then she needed major surgery to save her life.We suffered a lot because of all the bills.Then came someone anonymous and paid everything off.This was the most amazing gift anyone could have ever given us.

[@Kim-hu9br]

That’s another American thing. The anonymous giver. Random generosity. We are blessed, and we love to bless others as well.

[@McGotsTots]

Tips. Are a touchy subject 😂 I made pretty good tips in the casino business. I made weak tips in food, but the holiday season was always pretty nice.

[@Phantomyre]

The reason why the bathroom stall doors are high is for safety issues. People have fainted or injured themselves in the bathrooms and it allows people to access you in case of emergency if the door is locked.

[@kvkatz8302]

Removing your shoes in someone else's home in the US can sometimes be seen as too familiar or like making yourself at home when you haven't been invited to do so. I'm American and usually ask if the host wants me to take off my shoes if they don't ask, but I wouldn't just take off my shoes in someone else's house automatically unless it was a close friend or family member.

[@lesliehardeman6212]

I'm a flip flop girl ALL YEAR LONG.

[@Sputterbugz]

also bc if they say no then their house is probably dirty anyway and youd wanna wear shoes

[@miamazingness]

I just copy whatever the home owner does. They’ll usually tell you if they takes their shoes off in their house. I really don’t like walking on carpet wearing shoes, though. It feels so dirty.

[@johnl5316]

I usually ask my guests to remove all of their clothes before entering

[@camilleaylesworth3957]

Totally!! It’s uncomfortable to just pull your shoes off unless asked. If you are touring a home then yes.. shoes off.

[@user-ux2yp2lm5v]

Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in school was one of my favorite things in primary school

[@genarogers2309]

I hate seeing gone I'm convinced that removing the pledge from schools is large part of the reason young adults today do not respect the USA or their military

[@laurieyoung7591]

My children said the pledge every day k-12 and the Texas pledge and a moment of silence for prayer or whatever. My daughters both learned sign language as their 2nd language and preformed it every Friday night before the football games on the field. It’s a thing here

[@dianeschnur9594]

The word tips was originally an acronym which was meant To Insure Prompt Service. The better the service, the better the tip.

[@carlaemerson1195]

Dang Jiff peanut butter is a staple over here 😂❤❤

[@opippy]

SOOOOOO good! my favorite brand, smooth or chunky!

[@donaldcarey114]

The problem I have with Jiff is that is is made with unhealthy soybean (and other), oil, rather than peanut oil.

[@dorothymcguire737]

Skippy😋

[@hawk5183]

@@dorothymcguire737 That line from Mark Ronson's Uptown Funk (Bruno Mars performed it) "Smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy". Everybody in America understands that one.

[@dorothymcguire737]

@@hawk5183 🤣

[@stephencooper5040]

I think part of the reason America shows so much respect for the military is because we still remember, or know people who remember, how terrible everyone was to the returning veterans after Vietnam.

[@intheparlance]

Apocryphal, not substantiated.

[@sarasays...850]

@@intheparlanceIt’s a fact. Go read the History Channels article on this. And the plethora of other articles. Vietnam Vets were treated horribly. Your willful ignorance of this feeds into that continued mistreatment.

[@rob5664]

The US is proud of our military is because we honor those who gave us are freedoms (those who fought the revolutionary war) and those who continue to serve to protect them

[@intheparlance]

@@sarasays...850 Oh, the HISTORY CHANNEL. Well, that proves it! /s

[@smpayne2]

During the Vietnam War, servicemen would be physically assaulted if they even walked through the airport in uniform. It was not safe to be a service member in their own country. It was absolutely shameful.

[@SaltyChef2]

When I worked as a waitress, I consistently earned between $200-350 per shift. And only cashed my pay checks about once a month. When the legislators started yammering on and organizing unions to bring in minimum wages for service workers, I was done. Granted I was a great waitress, but now 15 years on, the same workers make about $110 -125 per shift. When the government wants to help you, always question their motives.

[@olddirtybasterd-ex2vb]

It has nothing to do with that. It was because people had more excess money to spend "back then."

[@TotallyCluelessGamer]

I wasn't alive when he was in charge but The Reagan Quote "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are "I'm from the government and I'm here to help." seems like it applies in this scenario.

[@allisonsmith1047]

I think getting good tips depends on where you work and how hard you're willing to work. When I was a teenager, I was a waitress. One restaurant I worked at I had to work early shifts when hardly anyone showed up. I made barely any $. However, when I had shifts at night, I did much better. Another restaurant I worked at had a lot of older clients that tipped horribly, because they all had fixed incomes.

[@MoiraMcGill]

it's nice and all that you were lucky enough to make a living wage off of a basically only tipped wage but that's not the case for most people. Most people couldn't dream of making hundreds in tips reliably *every* shift unless they're a stripper. So, while the change may have made YOU earn less as a result, most were finally able to finally make a living wage as a result of the change. Not to mention it no longer relied on the customers, who are already paying extra just to eat out, to pay the wage of the establishment's employees. That's the responsibility of the person who hired the employees, not the customers who are then basically paying twice :v

[@tucsonbandit]

@@MoiraMcGill I made $125 in a 6 hour shift delivering Pizza 15 years ago and was paid $4 dollars an hour when I was out delivering. Waiters I knew made more than me. My niece is a waitress while in college right now and makes $30-50 an hour depending on what shift she works. Even a waitress at Denny's is better off making tips than whatever else you are suggesting. Quit trying to act like you are wanting to help anybody, you just are cheap and don't want to tip, at least be honest about your motive, because you would be cutting peoples wages by 30-75% depending on the job.

[@CoralAndGold]

I was a waitress in college. I made $3 an hour and minimum wage was $5.75. I live in the Midwest where the winters are horrible and snow covered, and in winter the restaurants are so slow, it was a struggle to pay bills.

[@crystalrose7921]

We have fewer gun deaths than the UK has in knife deaths. Everyone forgets that.

[@davide.s.3139]

The "work-a-holic" is expected. And taking vacation days or sick days is exponentially looked down on because most companies make it seem like you're putting them into a bind if you take off for a week or two.

[@elenamarie25]

My current bosses aren't like that tfg, they encourage us to take time off, but all previous bosses i've had have made it clear taking more than a day or two off at a time was a major inconvenience for them.

[@benniboop752]

Ditto, however I sense a tide & change. I don’t get bonuses etc. but I do have a rich VA package for loyalty over yrs, still many senior exec. just cash out & sort of expect the same , thats not settling well w/young generation & I love it!! Bc in long haul, nobody cares that I sacrificed my personal time or relationships, my time earned is “earned” & my program will survive & be there long after I’m gone e regardless, + I’m a healthier person by taking time vs. burnt & it encourages others to do the same.

[@susanpetropoulos1039]

Expecting workers to forgo days off and work excess hours effectively reduces their pay without having to acknowledge doing so. It also prevents workers from picking up a second income from another source by covertly pressuring them to work 60 or 70 hours a week. Only government jobs are 9-5.

[@bl8388]

Completely depends on where you work.

[@Kim-hu9br]

Yep. You pay a quart of blood before you go, (trying to get ahead of your work, so it’s less of an issue when you get back), and a gallon when you get back, (catching up, and work resentments from others), that’s the saying. No one does your work (some positions are such that no one CAN do your work, my skill set was unique to me alone, so it only piled up, imagine having to do even a day’s work extra while you’re doing your day’s work, let alone 1-2 weeks worth of work to catch up, while you’re already slammed with work, and you never take longer than that. In my situation and probably for many Americans, vacation days end up being a day here or there when the workload is the lowest it is ever to get). Soooo….ya, taking vacation is treated like you’re burdening others, because they have to do your job AND theirs, so they’re mad at you, or someone will be vying for your job, trying to make you look bad while you’re gone and that they can do it better, they may sabotage something and say you did it and they fixed it, all kinds of political office/business games go on when you take any vacation time. Even sick time has been frowned upon, like “suck it up and get in here, we need you”. And bosses can have bad attitudes about employees “leaving us in the lurch”, as you said. And it’s also because many businesses keep the very minimum amount of employees necessary to maximize their profits, so you not being there is a real strain on the machine. Others resent having to take up your slack. It’s really detrimental and bad business overall. Conversely, people also don’t want the boss to think they can go on without them. If they go on vacation and it DOESN’T cause any strain on the rhythm and function of the business, they may just decide they don’t need you at all. These are the fears of the average American worker.

[@elizabethking1055]

I think the higher drinking age has to do with the fact that Americans in general drive a lot more then people in other countries and in most states you can get a drivers license at 16. So raising the drinking age was a way of reducing the number of drunk driving accidents.

[@MrMojoRisin13]

I think it's because we Americans are hypocritical and like to take the moral high road, even when we know it's nonsensical to do so: It's absurd that a person can have a child before he or she can legally purchase a beer. It's the height of moral turpitude to tell a person that they're old enough to be in the military and die from a bullet or an explosion but that they're NOT old enough to buy a shot of Fireball. And it's irrelevant whether or not such proscriptive laws actually lower death rates or the instances of alcoholism; it's more important to pose as a morally superior citizen, judge, or politician.

[@solvend]

And it hadn't worked. As they said in the video😊

[@nunyalastname-ej8vl]

New drivers are New drivers. New drivers mess up more regardless of age.

[@Ira88881]

Did you pay attention to the video? Or know the history about any of this? The lowering of the drinking age was initiated by MADD…Mothers Against Drunk Driving…who lost children related to drunk driving. Their political influence reached the Federal level, whereas states which didn’t raise the legal drinking age to 21 wouldn’t receive funds from the Federal government. Every state complied.

[@MrMojoRisin13]

@@Ira88881 Exactly. "Political influence reached the Federal level." That was in the 80s and the proscription has proven unsuccessful, but we won't lower the age back to 18--precisely for the reasons I mentioned.

[@user-fr1xh6yi2e]

Note about solo cups: the grooves on the sides are designed to measure out different types of alcohol accurately. The bottom groove is for shots, for example.

[@SarinaSazi]

We not only make small talk and smile, if your in smaller towns you smile and wave to passing cars

[@adibemaxwell6111]

Small talk is definitely an American thing. I have personally stricken up conversations with complete strangers about unimportant things like the weather, how the day is going for them, and even just complaining about work. And the complete stranger will reciprocate and these conversations can go on for 10 to 15 minutes before one of us decides it's time to drop the conversation and bid them a good day.

[@Sunny-jz3dy]

I'm the same way! Lol.

[@dalehood1846]

Talking to someone, complete stranger or not is always a good thing. It keeps us connected. Hopefully, it will catch on more. We should never be so wrapped up in our lives that we exclude others. Great point.

[@mayflower5359]

I talk to everyone. Why not?

[@lesliehardeman6212]

yep, especially in grocery stores. if I know where something is, I'll go get it or tell you where it is and have a whole conversation with you in the meantime...

[@99999myk]

I lived in NYC and San Francisco and we ALWAYS start small talk, even on the subway.

[@Mike28625]

The funny thing about tipping in the US, is that we're all aware that the unpaid server is alone with our food. They count on us to tip them and we appreciate them not doing anything disgusting. It's a mutual understanding.

[@walternelson2687]

Yeah and they don't share a fucking ***dime*** with the Kitchen crew. Tell them to ask their bosses for a real wage.

[@sbev2577]

​@@walternelson2687kitchen crew gets paid way more hourly.

[@walternelson2687]

@@sbev2577 As a former Dish Dentist myself: no they do not. Servers get paid more. You might have a point about Line Cooks though.

[@user-zb6rh6kw5m]

​@walternelson2687 idk what a dish dentist is but if that's your way of saying you do dishes you are at the bottom of the high rise portapoty.... lower then low at that position.

[@sbev2577]

@@walternelson2687 yeah... dishwasher isn't kitchen staff they are in their own Lil area of hell.

[@josiebehnke2389]

Military family here and it's not an obsession, it's knowing those soldiers chose to serve and protect

[@colinedmunds2238]

The red solo cups have measuremwnts built in. Theres different ridges for different volumes of liquid. The first ridge (close to the bottom) is roughly 1oz, the size of a shot glass for hard liquor. Second ridge is around 5 oz for a glass of wine. The final ridge is arouns 12 oz for a can of beer

[@rebekahcessna9450]

I have traveled all over the world, every continent except Antarctica and I have never had anyone ask me if I’m from United States or USA. I’ve always been asked if I was from America or if I was American. Friends I’ve been with from Canada, Peru, Brazil or Mexico say they are Canadian, Pruvian, Brazilian or Mexican. None identified themselves as Americans. Furthermore, what should we call ourselves? United Statesians?

[@user-cw5cz5vr5i]

United Statesians...has a ring to it! 😉

[@paulasimanovich711]

That's a truly an excellent statement. 👏

[@Ranger1PresentsVirtualRealms]

Only those taught to be dismissive of their own country (USA) tend to be confused by calling ourselves American... and they assume it must be confusing to folks from other countries as well. It's not, but that's what fits their "unique" world view... or more accurately the tiny bubble they choose to live in.

[@sammshall-dl6gp]

I too have traveled this planet. They always ask if I'm Canadian 1st, as Canadians get offended if you call them Americans and Americans aren't offended being called Canadian. For the last 40 years ,however I've been Australian. Thank goodness

[@shawnkelly695]

Im from canada. I say american too. Canadian, american, mexican.

[@garybradford8332]

Friendly Yank? Guilty. A year ago my wife and I visited the UK. We took the LNER train first class from London to Edinburgh and then back a week later. We found ourselves facing other people over a table so of course we struck up conversations, it's a 5 hour trip after all. The first couple was reserved, likely in their late 70s, and dressed somewhat formal. It took a bit to get them to loosen up but, by the end, they were very friendly. The trip back was with two men, strangers to each other, one in his 30s and the other perhaps 50. They hit it off with us (in our 60s) to the point one became a FaceBook friend and the younger one seemed hell bent to get me drunk. "Can I buy you another?". Great fun and we were all a bit sad that the 5 hours went by so fast. Great trip.

[@eddihaskell]

I once took a train from Waterloo to Richmond UK where I lived (I'm American) and there was a very posh couple sitting opposite me -- very drunk. It was late on a Friday night. The lady, in her 40's I would guess, opened her handbag and puked in it -- closed it and pretended nothing had happened. I was shocked- people don't do this in the USA. LOL!

[@karlbmiles]

I lived in Richmond too. When I arrived in London everybody told me that's where I should find a place. I liked telling people that's where I lived because it has such good reputation, deservedly so. @@eddihaskell

[@TheCasey5401]

When I met my wife in 2001, she was making $2.30 an hour as a server in a restaurant. As a cook, I was making $7.25 an hour. Ridiculous. The Pledge of Allegiance is still recited daily (at least here in Northeast Ohio), and as a veteran who spent time fighting in a war overseas, I definitely appreciate the fact that our country acknowledges the military as much as we do. The U.S. is far from perfect, but I love it here...

[@anthropophagoscorpus3135]

I've worked one restaurant job. Pay was like $2.13 an hour because we "got tips". What they didn't tell us, is that because of the way the restaurant worked, most people didn't tip and if did get a tip, you were expected to share it with every employee in the restaurant. You would order your food before you sat down and get your own drinks, chips and dip. All we did was bring the food to your table. I worked two weeks, 40+ hours and my pay was about $230 with the few tips I got included. That barely covered my gas to get to the damn job. I quit immediately after seeing my check.

[@jennifers9389]

The small talk thing freaks people out, but in most cases, the Americans are genuinely interested in you and happy to chat with you. We aren't trying to be your best friend, just a nice person. I know it seems odd when that's not the norm, but there is some suspicion from certain cultures that comes with this friendliness, and I just want to dispel that idea. ❤

[@ChristianATemple]

if I'm asking questions it's because I'm genuinely interested or generally friendly

[@ChazWalkerWonders]

Honestly, it's just how Americans network. We like to solve problems, and we're always looking for problems to solve. It isn't nosey; it's just because we're spoiled and have no real problems to solve anymore.

[@mrwoody1413]

@@ChristianATempleexactly.. I’m not gonna ask you something if I don’t care.. that’s ridiculous

[@jillthornton5512]

I went inside a restaurant to pick up a food order at the bar yesterday and had a 10 minute conversation with a random guy sitting there about TN baseball. 😊

[@meztlistormheart2636]

This is massively more difficult as someone with adhd and autism who travels internationally. I'm too outgoing from the one condition and not always able to quickly grasp social cues from the other. I end up apologising, a lot, which can sometimes appear disingenuous.

[@sunfl0w3r_dr4g0nss]

My daughter's school does the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, and a moment of silence. I always look at the Pledge as more of an appreciation and showing gratitude for those that died for our freedom.

[@dodgerblue1992]

California does not do this anymore. Its heartbreaking. As with everything, education, appreciation, and respect start at home 🇺🇸

[@vvoes909vv]

In America, every one looks different and sounds different. So saying the pledge of allegiance reminds us all that we are Americans and on the same team.

[@grabble7605]

@@dodgerblue1992 'California does not indoctrinate children with a daily cult recitation anymore. It's heartbreaking.' Is it though? Hitler did that shit. Nation as cult is a cornerstone of fascism as devised by Mussolini.

[@annehaight9963]

Honestly, the Pledge is a super weird and authoritarian thing that we should get rid of. I grew up saying it every day in class. It starts so young that you learn the words without even understanding what they mean. It's a gibberish poem that you learn to recite without any conviction or actual oath.

[@ultra2443]

@@annehaight9963it’s like the Pledge that the military makes. To be loyal to the constitution not the leader. But I guess that would still make you mad just like “the right to arms” meaning the right to weapons.

[@MzJugni]

Sales taxes not only vary from state to state in the US (and there are actually a couple of states that do not charge them), but they even vary from county to county. I just moved from a state (Oregon) that does not charge a sales tax to a state that does (Georgia). So, it has taken me a bit to get used to having to pay it now. But what is even more weird for me is that depending on what I buy, the sales tax may be different. For example, if I buy something consumable (basically, something I will immediately take home with me or consume at the time of purchase), I will pay the sales tax for that county. However, if I purchase something that will be delivered to my home, I will pay the sales tax for the county of my residence. Since some counties charge a higher sales tax than the county I live in, it makes me second guess my purchases. In the short term, it may not seem like much, but the difference can add up over time.

[@jenniferbriggs3796]

I love the song about red solo cups😂😂😂

[@Daddy_Potaytoe]

I will say as an American. The 4 day work week is awesome. My factory went from 4 days to five. The production difference was noticeable. Three eight hour shifts cause more issues. We went back to a three day work week with 4 hours free if you show up on time and our production doubled. My shift works four days straight for the overtime and still get 3 days off. It’s so nice.

[@kated4359]

We don’t “glorify” the military, we’re just beyond grateful and have no problem letting our active duty and veterans know it❣️

[@Kim-hu9br]

Amen! We have a deep respect for those who fight for us. (That includes good cops and highway patrol, especially those who correct their own on the job, regardless of what the media spins, most people appreciate anyone who guards them). You protect the country we love, we OWE you our deepest respect. We. Owe. You. And it enrages most Americans to see the government abuse or cheat a soldier after coming home. No soldier should have to worry about his…(or her, read both sexes as I write, and I could go on about how women are a distraction to straight men, and homosexuals would be distracted and that’s why practicality says that it’s best for only straight men, or at least only men, I had a homosexual marine neighbor whom I adored and miss terribly, he moved back home to take care of his mom out of state, but I do see the issue that FOCUS is key in the military, and distractions are to be minimized when they can’t be eliminated entirely) to be in the military, men agree it diverts their attention, pregnancy rates are ridiculously high in the military, and so forth), …his family back home, either, that they’ll lose their home or go hungry, if he was providing before he was called up (otherwise I could see this get abused if someone already had a big family and didn’t work, and joined just to be able to buy a house they couldn’t really afford to begin with, but generally speaking, our soldiers deserve that peace of mind, imo. No vet should be homeless if he or she doesn’t want to be (some have told me they prefer to be unfettered by the paying of bills for an apartment and the necessities, or they truly have issues with being indoors, I’ve had these talks). I would love to see our tax dollars go to building some really nice, quality condos or otherwise living zones for what would be homeless vets. There could be camaraderie, mutual support…and I do see that sometimes, not always, but sometimes there are substance abuse issues that could be addressed within some of those spaces, designated for those purposes as opposed to other spaces that aren’t addressing that (VA hospitals aren’t nurturing zones, I don’t think, but I don’t know. I’m thinking of civilian spaces for vets, not governmental spaces for them. Let them leave their tours of duty behind as much as possible and We remember those who founded this country, and everyone who defended it, and everyone who still defends it. Many of us don’t take it for granted. We care what someone has done for us. And *FOR ALL VIETNAM 🇺🇸 VETS*, my sister-in-law says thank you. Her whole family says thank you. We all say thank you, my family. They are Vietnamese, and she said that if you hadn’t come rescued them during the Vietnam War, they’d be dead. They were airlifted out by US soldiers and sent to America, (she was a baby, many babies were also saved in that war), and they get angry when people speak against the US soldiers who were just there doing their job in horrible conditions, many drafted against their will. They were saved, and unlike some minorities who only whine that “people don’t like me” and think “whitey” holds them back, and somehow the system is stacked again them (couldn’t be less true, with quotas outweighing merit, and it couldn’t be their own attitude, behavior,, and excuses, could it?), my sister-in-law’s family see it the opposite, as having been given a new life, a saved life, and an opportunity. They felt no discrimination, they weren’t looking for it under every rock and stone, I guess. Every one of them has made something of themselves, they considered it the way to say thank you, the way to make the most of what you did for them. My sister-in-law went to Stanford and is a very successful radiologist, and my nephew I wouldn’t have without your service, so…thank you from all of us. He is an amazing kid, 15 in a couple of weeks, highly intelligent, jumps in to help, polite, well-mannered, head on straight as they say, not spoiled, appreciates what he has, what he’s been given, doesn’t want excess stuff, and is a great musician, also talented and is making the most of his life, but not being overly pressured, just kept on track. He’s a tall, very handsome (not biased, haha, but he really is), half German/Danish/Western Euro and half Vietnamese, and he’s definitely got the attention of the girls, too. They are a blessing to us, and we wouldn’t have them in our lives without you. She told me to tell Vietnam vets every chance I got, and I do. Many Vietnamese people are ALIVE and contributing to the world because of you, and you need to be reminded of THAT part of the war. Not of everything that went wrong, but of what went right. The world focused on who died. They ignored who was saved. We could say the same for Israel right now. They’ve been as surgical as they can, for a country that is defending itself from a genocidal attack (no; it is NOT the other way anrouns, of course it’s been twisted the opposite way. It’s what the media DOES.). And only idiots think they’re a new nation from ‘48. They’re over 3,500 years old. Jesus was an Israeli, fps! In Jerusalem! Gaza belongs to the Jews, it’s in the land records since the days of Joshua, (“from the river to the sea” actually belongs to the nation of Israel, and they have the very *detailed of every landmark* in ancient records, yes, with multiple ancient copies, it was so well known that it is theirs, to prove it, but they dont enforce it, but they could), they should not have voluntarily left, (the people didn’t, the government decided it was worth a try…it was not), thinking the Arabs would finally be happy. They gave them farms, very successful businesses, and dragged Jews out of their homes, and made them even take their dead. That’s how racist the remaining people are. All they did was burn down everything that the UTJews left behind just out of spite, and have blown $44 trillion in aid and had nothing to show for it. They intentionally brought in Hamas, whose sworn and openly stated objective is to kill all Jews. Come ON, people, Palestine isn’t even a nation, it’s a racial slur against Jews made up by the Romans 2,000 years ago, to strip them of their identity. They renamed Israel to Palestine, because it sounded like Philistine, their ancient, warring enemy. Seems the “free Palestine” brigade isn’t very well informed. No one is making them stay there, except the people THEY brought in. It’s just that no one will allow them to come, because of their track record of violence. Egypt is also Muslim, right there in their border, but won’t have them. No Muslim country will take their own, no one else is that stupid either, or maybe some have taken them. It’s like some minorities. Blame everyone else when it’s your crappy attitude that is holding you back. Face it. They hate Israel, because it’s the only democratic country in the Middle East. What idiot would go against that? It’s the only one where women have equal rights, and are free to come and go as they please, and are judges and have positions of authority. Of COURSE all their oppressive neighbors hate them. They want to abolish anyone who follows the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob, and then all who don’t follow any god but theirs, and they aren’t shy about saying so, so if people think they’ll stop at Israel, they’d be wrong. They want the whole world, and have said so repeatedly. One inch at a time. They’ve refused lucrative deals for decades, because 99.9% is not enough for them. They do NOT want peace. They want Jews dead. The land is just an excuse.

[@JustM2024]

Exactly

[@opippy]

....... nah. it's glorifying. the 'appreciation" stands akin to worship or zealotry. and it stems nationally from the propaganda around WW1 & WW2. i think it just became the custom since then. i get it, but even as an American, i've never done it.

[@Andrewy27]

​@@opippyit would be different if the military expected respect from its citizens. But it's not that way at all. People genuinely appreciate the service to the country because they know if shit hits the fan, those folks will be the ones going into the fight on their behalf. That doesn't mean that those people blindly believe that the government is good. In fact, Americans are quick to use their voice and speak up when they believe something wrong is happening within the government, compared to an ultra-nationalist mindset being that the government can do no wrong. Also, Americans don't combine the idea of "country" and "government." "The Country" to U.S. Citizens are the people that make up the nation. "The Government" is the system in which our country legally operates within. They're not the same, but many people do associate 1 to 1 their country and their government. Many US Citizens think of the flag representing the Country, not the government, and that it is honorable to serve that flag - being that it represents the people it flies over. Are there Nationalists? Yes. But those folks make up a very small minority of people. We are constantly changing our government to make a better system and I just don't think you'd find that in a truly ultra-nationalist country.

[@britnymichelle4245]

@@opippyyou’re my hero for leaving this comment 3 weeks ago 😊 agreed!

[@DavidGill-us1sl]

They did lower the drinking age to 18 for a while. Our road speed's are pretty high over here and the traffic fatalities claimed pretty high in the younger drivers. So it was switched back to 21.

[@meztlistormheart2636]

Yeah we have 80mph interstates in Idaho. Every so often we have to clean up after some drunk teens. We started taking the markers down, or we'd probably be littered with them.. and not just the teenagers

[@itsme-oldwelin]

I love that as I’ve grown up in America I tend to estimate for sales tax when I see prices for products

[@Catie11]

Yes, my husband was a server for over 20 years. He made $2.13 an hour. He never received a check. We lived off tips. When he started we were so poor. He ended his career making over 6 figures. He not only made great tips but friends, rich friends, that invited him to play golf in some really great places.

[@QWERTY-ov9tm]

That's incredible. So happy for you both. 😊

[@brucem6442]

Where did the 2.13hr go? Taxes?

[@Catie11]

@@brucem6442 I always wondered that. He would get a pay stub but the amount always was $0.

[@backroadsofeasternwashington]

And in Washington State servers make $15 per hour and expect 25% tips. Places are different; your husband had a crappy job.

[@_dbangari_]

@@backroadsofeasternwashingtoncost of living is probably also a lot higher in Washington

[@user-io1ij6pb6k]

I grew up in a family where all the males in my family have served in the military and when you see active soldiers or older veterans, it is common that we thank them for their service in the military

[@Kim-hu9br]

Yes, and even in non-military families, we appreciate those who protect us.

[@gregpearce609]

Something that always seems to be overlooked about the US military, it is comprised of 100% volunteers both active duty and reserves.

[@garycamara9955]

Yeah now! But not when we had the draft.

[@gregpearce609]

@@garycamara9955 that hasn't happened since the seventies in the Vietnam war. There is nobody either active or reserve in today's u.s. military that we're drafted.

[@garycamara9955]

@@gregpearce609 well duh!

[@philipem1000]

Yeah I carried a draft card for years before I could vote or drink. Signed up to avoid the draft. Turned 21 well into my military career (To be fair the Air Force gave me a life long education that served me well.)

[@mimo4000]

A lot of people seem to have missed last week's headline saying the White House is discussing reinstating the draft. After the disaster in Afghanistan, and the new far left social engineering in the military, they're running low on volunteers. Since they're going to have to replace Ukrainian troops soon, and may also get a little something-something going in Taiwan, they think it would be prudent.

[@innocentbystander3002]

Medical expenses as the cause of bankruptcy is misleading in the US. For example, if a person files for bankruptcy and they list $5000 in debts, if even $1 of that is a medical expense, it is considered a “medical” bankruptcy.

[@lislmadeleine8463]

The video about tips said it outright: It allowed them to get away with not paying a wage. This continues in the form of low wages, so yes, wait staff rely on tips. However, it has become expected and way too many wait staff are surprised when the tip isn’t great even though their service was terrible. Even worse, not a few delivery drivers demand tips ahead of time (there is option to tip in cash) and if they don’t get it will mess with the food. It’s probably not super duper common, but still a lot of drivers who will say if they don’t see a tip ahead of time, they’ll do something to your food.

[@robinsmith2815]

Red Solo Cups have lines as they are measurements. Bottom is one ounce, next line is 8 oz. and the top line is 12 oz.

[@blazera7328]

Solo said this was coincidental and not part of the intentional design. I don't think so.

[@traciemcdaniel3660]

They are so you don't have to wash dishes

[@annetteb.9031]

I didn’t know you could tell measurements with those cups.

[@Sublime_1]

In the country most people wave at everyone. I was walking with my grandfather once and a little old woman asked us if we were thirsty or hungry. Said she didn't have anything ready but could whip something up really quick. The country here, depending where exactly, is truly amazing.

[@andrewklingaman8137]

Yeah, around here if we make eye contact we at least nod.

[@andrewklingaman8137]

You are truly blessed. If you ever make it to Tuscaloosa Alabama let me know. I'll leave a light on for you.

[@Sublime_1]

@@andrewklingaman8137 right, it would feel rude not to at least nod.

[@Sublime_1]

@@andrewklingaman8137 I hope I do make it back through Alabama one day. Beautiful place. I've not spent any amount of time there, but have traveled through a few times

[@bettierusso5410]

I would bet $$$ the little old lady was in the South? Just sounds like something we would (and have) said before. It is just normal for us.

[@AudraRhea]

So im a restaurant manager and we pay servers $2.83 an hour... and most the servers make at least 800 to 1000 a week unless they suck at their job

[@darryldykes7269]

I prefer sales included in purchase price so much easier to budget shopping. I remember in 1967 at 5 y/o my older brother told me,we got $1 a week allowance, if the price is more than 95 cents you need to have more than $1 to buy it (5% Kentucky sale tax). Taught me about saving money to buy larger purchases.

[@greedsmack]

When I was a bartender, my wage was $5/hr and I was making about $300-$450 per 5 hour shift in tips. I would NEVER have swapped my tips for a "sustainable wage" because I would definitely have made less money. In my opinion, it made me work harder, care more, and feel more fulfilled at the end of a shift than when I used to work for a set rate per hour.

[@jaebee9308]

Amen.

[@yankeedude252]

I have a friend who was a waiter for years, he'd say the same thing. He made good money off of tips and only left that position to take a salaried manager position. He would've never been able to afford the huge pay cut that a higher minimum wage would cause.

[@ilovela0068]

My mom was a waitress for years. And she said people today don’t understand why there was tipping. She made more than some of her friends who had office jobs. She said tips were your pay. So you did a great job for the tips.Now (we are in California) they have a guaranteed pay and still expect tips regardless of service. And 15-30 %. Even in fast food. And here min wage for food service is 20 an hr. And supervisors up can’t get the tips.

[@GothoTiha]

On the other hand, you would happily take your expected tips from someone who only earns minimum wage that is out to treat themselves probably once in a blue moon.

[@dianeschnur9594]

@@GothoTiha If they choose to tip, why not?

[@GravityAB]

The Pledge of Allegiance is still taught to this day. My kids are not even in kindergarten and they know the Pledge of Allegiance (learned from public school in pre-K). I'm in a deep blue state too. You go to a baseball game, hockey, football... Doesn't matter if college or pro--you'll always hear "please place your hand over your heart", people take off their caps, face towards the nearest American flag, and begin reciting in unison. It's treated as an extremely serious and quiet tradition.

[@LolWhoCares3]

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands one nation undergod ,indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[@panzerswineflu]

I've never known the pledge to be anywhere outside the start of the school day. The national anthem though yes.

[@adventuresinlaurenland]

I have never seen the pledge recited at a sporting event...ever, and I have lived in many different states 😂 They do the national anthem, but never the pledge. And a lot of schools are stopping the pledge.

[@panzerswineflu]

@@adventuresinlaurenland yeah I'm wondering where they are if that's actually a thing or they don't know the difference which... Good to hear they're stopping the pledge. It means nothing when the kids don't even understand the words.

[@GravityAB]

@@adventuresinlaurenland that's fine. My experience is purely anecdotal. Its true that I hear the anthem at events more than I hear the pledge.

[@juliemartin5131]

The space at the bottom of the door is the size it is for emergency access. If someone has a medical issue (passes out) with the door locked the paramedics can still get to the person by pulling them out or crawling under and unlocking the door

[@countcoupblessings979]

The pledge of elegance - All regular schools & some civic or social groups recite the pledge at the beginning. Even many homeschooling families do this as well.

[@reneemcgowan5684]

We military families truly appreciate the support. I have a son who is an active Marine at the present time.

[@deniesejernstrom5350]

As a Veteran, I know the real soldiers are military families. Bless you all.

[@jaelynn7575]

Off killing I expect. Won't ever be the same again.

[@DJ-iu5bb]

@@jaelynn7575 we cant judge them my cousin over there was fighting Taliban I mean what you gonna do ?

[@victoriamcnerlin2072]

I was explaining when we see or hear someone is in military we say ty for your service even to the parents of military because it's the ultimate sacrifice. So ty for his service Mame ❤

[@victoriamcnerlin2072]

​@@deniesejernstrom5350ty for your service

[@three2267]

People were very chatty in Italy, but (being from Texas), I was surprised in other parts of Europe, that you couldn't just strike up a convo with strangers. But as soon as I opened my mouth, people recognized the accent and were more interested in taking. ❤ PS the prescription drug ads are insane here in the U.S. It drives us crazy too! Especially when those ad dollars sponsor our news channels.

[@ARescueToaster]

I love the prescription commercials always have "Side effects include --- (10-20 seconds of sped-up reading, and one of them always being death)"

[@charliejackson6192]

@@ARescueToaster yeah the commercial of walking through a field of flowers saying you won’t have allergies anymore but casually and quietly saying your throat can close up and cause asphyxiation is really paradoxical.

[@ARescueToaster]

@@charliejackson6192 Are you bothered by sneezes? Try new Sneeze-Be-Gone to stifle those pesky sneezes! Side effects include (but are not limited to): Crippling addiction. Being host to the Sun God Lothar. Instant death. Small pox. Autoimmune disorders. It may reduce your chances to fight infections. Spontaneous combustion. Super mega herpes. You may start turning into a human/fly hybrid. Call your doctor if you start suffering any of these immediately (but you can't sue us because we received special government permission for a small fortune! Wait, why are we writing thi---).

[@EVillager]

Being a New Yorker, I was surprised how a checkout person in Houston started small talk based on my purchases. Not a biggie, just different.

[@three2267]

@@ARescueToaster Don't forget the suicidal tendencies. 😬😬😬

[@SoniaRodriguez-rz9ky]

A basic ambulance may cost $450 (that's actually cheap). An ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) can charge way more. My daughter at 6 wks old went into respiratory arrest at the pediatrician's office the ER is 0.2 miles away. The ambulance bill was $18,000. The helicopter ride to a Children's Hospital was $35,000. That was 12 yrs ago. I cant imagine how much it would cost today.

[@carolinezook]

Most healthy British people will rave about the healthcare system and that is justified. I just read a BBC article about how only around 64% of cancer patients get care within 62 days of cancer being suspected. According to the numbers in the article I read, 100,000 waited for treatment for cancer. If you are one of the 100,000, it may not look so good. We recently saw a video on this channel about an American in the British healthcare system and he was very happy in the end that it didn’t cost him anything. I was more fixated on 1) they said he had appendicitis, sent him home with antibiotics, and told him to call back if the pain got a lot worse (huh?) and 2) it turned out that he was misdiagnosed.

[@Bob-en9sw]

We aren’t cavalier with our guns, like Danny D is. I have several guns for self-defense, and I carry sometimes. But you would never know it and God willing I will never ever have to use the gun. But it’s comforting to know I can protect my family.

[@randlebrowne2048]

Most Hollywood actors are anti-gun and act irresponsibly with them to "prove" their point.

[@VaraLaFey]

Hollywood is evil for their completely and consistently dishonest portrayal of civilian gun owners. How often do they make a movie or tv episode featuring a realistic civilian gun owner? Ever? Statistically I must be missing a few, but the last ones I can think of are the Tremors sequels. In Hollywood, only government agents can be good guys with guns. Hollywood is literally evil.

[@kated4359]

So well said!🇺🇸

[@RandiBeeman]

To be clear: Danny DeVito was playing a character. He doesn't actually act like a fool with guns.

[@ds4101]

I worked as a waitress. My hourly wage was $2.65. Currently, the hourly wage for servers is $3.84 in Michigan. So, if you work 8 hours, you make $30.72. It is expected that customers tip but you can definitely have a bad day and not make much.

[@Sebuin]

I think the big argument is based on where you work as well. Like most Denny's and places like that now pay a regular hourly from what I understand, because they know if they don't with the kind of no tip traffic you get there they'd never keep anyone. But at other restaurants it can vary so much like some off the beat suburban Applebees, the waitress is going to get killed unless there is some kind of big local functions like games or something. They might want that minimum higher wage. On the other hand if you have a waiter at a high end restaurant, even middle high end especially if it's a pub or something where they'd be drinking and you pull down 2k a week or more you don't want that deterrent to tipping. And both are usually keeping some under the table on filing taxes and so that's gone. The Applebee's doesnt necessarily either because you know a lot of folks are going to think, meh they get paid hourly just like I do. I haven't a clue what the best answer is it's so complicated. Do you think it should be a straight minimum? Just curious, I delivered pizza and we got hourly, gas and tips so I don't tip according to my pizza order I make it fair though, I don't stiff. I was never a waiter though, but I tip percentage at a restaurant usuallly 20% base and up or below that based on service.

[@teresabillings8378]

I've always thought this sucked, making you depend on diners' generosity. And the real jerks appear to be those that can most afford it. I am poor but I tip at least 20% when I go out. I've seen some receipts where a smart-ass writes a message to get a "real" job.

[@OrondeBranch]

Some places are starting to pay their workers more AND let them collect tips. There’s a couple bars in Detroit I go to and the staff makes $12/hr plus tips.

[@danieldunn6284]

The nice thing about getting tips is no taxes. Many servers only declare tips on electronic transactions

[@danieldunn6284]

Dates The military uses day month year😊

[@snflwry]

In 2003 I was a cocktail waitress and made $2.13 per hour plus tips, both of which were subject to all applicable taxes. Some people won't tip no matter what happens, which sucks when I waited on them for multiple hours and then got nothing. The craziest part is that, over 20 years later, it hasn't changed at all. 😢

[@alib7775]

I work a 4 day week. Live in Wyoming. We call it 4-10s. 4 days 10hr shifts

[@eparrish2908]

On the tipping, we helped a friend who was a master chef for 2 years as he got his restaurant going in the US. He had dealt with no tipping in Europe and had a miserable time getting staff to drop attitudes and work. He said he loved tipping culture because they had to make the customers happy to get a good tip. Any time servers tried to enact pooled tips, he fired the instigator because it stole from the excellent servers and rewarded the lazy. As his restaurant grew, he started getting better servers wanting to work there and customers asking for their favorites when they came in. Eventually he had real pros who were masters at customer service, service talent, and making his place feel quality with their own professionalism. The top 3rd of the servers were clearing over $200,000USD a year each in tips alone at the end of the 2nd year. The bottom level servers were still clearing over $50,000. There was no way he could give them a regular income at that level if tipping was stopped.

[@norwegianblue2017]

American servers that are working in any half-way decent restaurant are definitely making more than their counterparts in Europe. Don't feel bad for American waiters, they are doing fine. At least their income rises directly with inflation.

[@JohnJBrowne11209]

My girlfriend and I had a favorite waiter at a restaurant we went to regularly. George was a consummate professional. We always tipped him 25%

[@mommacrow3170]

Having been a server for most of my working career,I have to admit I made really good money but not on the level of this person's people. I love being a waitress and am really good at it. Oh and yes sometimes we do have bad days but the good days make up for it.

[@lindastaines8288]

And this was all coming from the customers rather than the employer, also in UK we like service to be unobtrusive so the less we see of servers the better and don’t like to be rushed out, dining out is an occasion to us not a 1hr function

[@nofosho3567]

These lists always leave off the fact that the lines indents on red solo cups indicate amounts. Top line for a pint of beer, highest bottom line for 12oz of wine, next to lowest is 2oz and bottom is 1oz (a single shot). It’s red so you know it’s alcohol, although that’s largely lost it’s function.

[@creesenebeker5686]

The Solo company says that there is no truth to that. It's a myth. People in America believe myths and legends, often without even trying to verify the elements that are easily tested. Try this one out... measure the liquid required to fill to each line.

[@mikeyoung490]

I know the guy that came up with the red dye color and ran the color line he ended up owning the company Toby Keith had to pay him a million dollars for the song red solo cup dude is an asshole

[@davidjftooley]

​@creesenebeker5686 More specifically they say its not meant for alcohol (legal reasons I am sure), not that the measurements are a myth. Also, the 1st line is close to 1 oz, a shot is typically 1.5 oz, and the second line is darn close to 5oz which is a typical serving of wine (not 12 oz). The 3rd is around 12 oz, which I use for soda and top with ice. And the top is a pint. The SOLO company specifically says that its just a coincidence, which is fine, I would do the same to avoid litigation, which is not a myth in this sue happy America.

[@jessicabreitbarth2925]

Solo cups- manufactured for years in Urbana, Illinois, home of the University of Illinois. In the 1980’s are motto was work hard play hard. We were top 10 in almost every discipline and the #1 party school (Hugh Hefner had a bit of an Illini bias).

[@FozzyBBear]

Tipped workers are the highest paid unskilled labor in the US. There is not one tipped worker that would trade their (largely untaxed) tips for a $25 minimum hourly wage.

[@CaptainJacksIsland]

Solo cups are used at parties, but they aren't FOR parties. They're the same as paper plates and plastic utensils: they're used by people that don't have enough dishes for all their guests, or for people who don't want to clean dishes (ie, they throw them away).

[@lindastaines8288]

We try to avoid disposable plastics now so unpopular in uk

[@karenblevins1562]

We use them mostly for childrens parties and camping. Since we don't care if they get broken 😂

[@anitapotts9630]

Wasteful, same with the plates.

[@Bradleehage]

That’s wrong solo cups are for parties there for beer and whiskey and pop/soda there’s a big difference between solo cups and paper cups paper cups are used for everything solo cups are used for drinking at a party. 🎉

[@danterage9637]

@@Bradleehage Exactly, the lines inside a solo cup are used to measure out the "1 drink" of alcohol of your choice

[@Elizabethartz0087]

I hate our stalls! I asked a construction manager once about them and he said it's for safety reasons. In an emergency you need to get out of the stall quickly. If the door won't open going under could save your life. We have more natural disasters in America so if the building is damaged you might not be able to open the door. Especially where I live in South Dakota, we have a lot of tornadoes.

[@Ss-dz6cm]

As a mom of little kids, I appreciate the gap because more than once one of them has not been able to get the lock undone and someone has had to crawl under. Usually, I insist on just holding the door and not letting them lock it when they are very young, but those little humans start getting an independent streak.

[@Elizabethartz0087]

@@Ss-dz6cm fare point. It is a necessary structure. I just don't like being exposed. Lol.

[@Ss-dz6cm]

@Elizabethartz0087 me either! If I can hold it, i will. In Italy, 18 yrs ago we were traveling, and could find NO public restrooms. After multiple stops at petrol stations, we were directed to a place where you could pay to use the bathroom. It was my 75 yr old grandmother in desperate need. Imagine our shock when we found a room with a kind of hole in the ground you squat over. Her legs could not hold her. Even with my pitiful help, we both got wee'd on. I am now grateful we have them. Covid reminded me again. But I could really go for more privacy, less cracks. And a backup key for wayward kids.

[@andycristiana1043]

In high school or malls, the fun thing was locking them. The gap is helpful for so many reasons

[@jabrilanderson8365]

An electrical technician in America, we wear shoe coverings when entering clients homes. Standard practice for all trades. Unless homeowners say it’s fine without them

[@lweismann]

Solo cups also have measurements lines in the design for beer, wine and shots.

[@gailadams9294]

I had a neighbor from Ireland that was a doctor. His brother in Ireland had a heart problem. He said that in the US, he would have surgery within two weeks. In the UK it took a year. Luckily he was still around.

[@davidhuster2700]

My cousins buddy also has an anecdotal story about how his taxes being raised 1 percent to save 800 dollars a year on health care is awful. P.s.read books

[@arianarickenbacker8493]

That's interesting, it takes a lot longer here for many procedures. At my hospital, we're booked out at least six months which has been the case at every hospital I've worked in on the West Coast. Maybe if you're going to a fancy surgery center you can get it sooner? I've worked in California and Washington.

[@jillthornton5512]

@@arianarickenbacker8493that’s how it is here now too, but only post Covid. Prior to 2020, I don’t remember myself or anyone I know having to wait more than a month for typical surgeries. But heart?? That was pretty fast.

[@meztlistormheart2636]

It took 2 years to even se a cardiologist in the USA because they misdiagnosed my heart attack and stroke as a seizure and insisted nothing was wrong with me...

[@escher9622]

I have a friend in New Zealand and she sent me a package. On the address, she wrote "America". I got a giggle out of it, but it proves that other countries do it too.

[@obscuredgurl]

As far as tipping, some diners and restaurants STILL expect you to split your tips with other servers or assigned bussing-personnel.. Restaurants only paid $2/hr when I was a kid as appose to $10/hr for sales or maintenance jobs .......plus FREE REFILLS are not absolutely everywhere anymore (like buffets; salad bars; "family"restaurants) so always ask first 😉

[@ladyfarrier5949]

American prospective here.... 1) I mostly use US 2) Never had a baby shower or baby reveal 3) I hate big bathroom stall gaps... has always bugged me. 4) I haven't gotten a prescription in many years. I generally go to regular stores for food.. or farmers market 5) i used to say they should be able to do vote, drink, smoke and serve in the military at 18. But with all the indoctrinated agenda being taught in schools and not being taught critical thinking or to think for yourself..... I'm thinking more like 25 would be better in today's world. 6) Free refills is always appreciated. 7) Tips.. To insure prompt service. I only tip if deserved. And only if it's a sit down at a table meal. 8) Military.... it's gratitude for all current and previous that have served our even laid down their lives over the many generations, so that we may be free and enjoy our freedoms. Gratitude!!! 9) Red plastic cups... I've only bought them a few times... for camping or gatherings like a picnic. 10) I ask about the shoes before entering. Some say yes, some no. 11) Peanut butter...i can take it or leave it. BLT or some meat is better. 12) Yes I'm a workaholic! In the oilfield, I'd typically work 15-18hrs a day for up to 3 weeks straight. 80-100hr wk was common. 13) Strong extrovert. Wave when passing another vehicle, nods, minor chatting even in lines in the grocery store... common place and normal 14) Yep, i love my 2 amendment right! 15) sales tax isn't as bad in the US as it is in Norway... whose sales tax is 25% 16) The pledge. Used to say it every day at school, growing up. 17) The ads and all their side effects, "including death"... is scary! 18) it's normal for us to use day, month, year. We grow up knowing it that way in school. 19) Costs have gotten dramatically worse since Obama started obama- care.... so it made this much worse than what it was before. And many can't afford insurance now either, that used to have insurance. 20) measurements.... it's always baffled me why we're different from the rest of the world. Same with Fahrenheit to celcius, driving on the passenger side over our drivers side....

[@CivilizedWarrior]

I think the reason we still use imperial here, is simply that it seems to piss the rest of the world off sooo much lol. We do have kind of a weird mix of the two in many industries though. I used to be an auto mechanic, and I can’t tell you how many older cars and trucks I’ve worked on that had both metric bolts on the engines and standard bolts on the body and chassis. Probably because the body/chassis were made in USA, while most of the engines were made in Europe, Mexico, or Canada in the ‘80s-‘90s. Nowadays most cars are all metric though, even the ones built in the states. So it’s slowly becoming more common here. But as a woodworker, I don’t think we’ll ever fully switch over. There’s something awfully simple and beautiful about going into a hardware store or lumber supplier and asking for a 2x4 rather than a 38x90mm lol.

[@IamCoalfoot]

One of the leading reasons is because a ship sank. No joke. A ship was carrying a bunch of standardized measure units from Europe to the US, which Congress was going to use to ratify the change to Metric for weight and length. It sank, never arrived, and the matter got kicked down the road... and technically the US is still kicking it down that road. That said, Metric is used 'officially', just not commonly.

[@garycamara9955]

I don't use the metric system on my cars. But then my last car that was metric was years ago. I only do hot rods now, pre 48 cars..

[@emeryhiss5675]

Also, there are a lot of companies that punish workers for taking time off for any reason. I was fired from my job for having a serious illness, and I had documentation of my medical treatments and hospital stays. They made it impossible to fill out the paperwork rejecting the doctor notes, saying the paperwork was filed out wrong over and over, but never saying what was wrong, and claiming not to receive emails sent by both me and my doctors. Young women are less likely to be hired because companies don't want to provide maternal leave, and paternal leave is practically unheard of.

[@tricky2055]

There are federal (and sometimes state) laws prohibiting that kind of discrimination. The FMLA also prohibits interference with exercising rights to unpaid medical leave (assuming you worked there over a year and meet the other requirements to be covered by the FMLA). Should talk to EEOC or employment lawyer.

[@chromaticcactus]

If you worked for that job longer than a year, they absolutely broke the law. Depending on how long ago this was, there's probably not much you can do, but it's probably worth at least resorting them to the EEOC. Guarantee you aren't their only victim, and they're doing it because they can

[@bcase5328]

@@chromaticcactus Just because it is illegal, doesn't mean it doesn't often happen. The burden of proof is on the employee. If you complain and you are fired or quit, the fact that you said anything can haunt you in future job interviews, (if you can get to an interview).

[@chromaticcactus]

@bcase5328 Believe me, I know. I got fired once for poor attendance, but the problem started with them denying my FMLA. I chose not to do anything, but looking back I wish I'd at least reported them. Not saying it would've done any good in my case or this one. Just might've helped me sleep a little better knowing I did something, y'know?

[@Ontheroxxwithsalt]

I work in local government for the county and we have both maternal and paternal leave.

[@mamajfortaytu187]

😁😁😁😁 My husband is from Croydon. We live in Texas. When we visit England, people tend to tolerate my frendliness because they like my accent. They get me to order drinks at the pub because I ask things like, "Y'all got any Buuuud?" (I over do my southern drawl) The guy usually says something like, "If you tell me how it's made, I will make it for you."

[@lynn6799]

They're everywhere because stores rarely carry any other cups. Red solo cups aren't a favorite nearly as much as a lack of options We buy gas by the gallon as opposed to buying by the litre. You literally pay epically more to buy by the litre.