ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
I like this depiction with Christ's intestines coming out of his body



Irony



Gee, and here I thought FREEDOM begins with "FREE"



But honestly, most of the bible ones are very lame! The gangsta shiz is much cooler


ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-26 13:28:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Poiteen @ Sep 26 2008, 12:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here's a random rant, but I HATE the way the commercials on TV are so much louder than the programming. It drives my nuts. I have to turn the TV up for the program I'm watching, and then the commercials come on and they Blast out of the TV, I have to dive for the remote and turn it down. I'm especially aware of it cos we live in an apartment building, and there's a baby in one of the nearby apartments. GRRRRRRRRRrrrrr


Nicky just mutes the commercials.

Krav Maga is a self defense technique developed by the Isreali military. It's based a bit more on street fighting but it incorporates a lot of martial arts moves from varying schools. I saw it on tv a while back and it just looked like it was interesting...I wouldn't mind learning how to kick some serious #######!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-26 13:20:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Anyone here ever taken a Krav Maga class?
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-26 12:37:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Sep 26 2008, 11:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I must say I am rather proud of it. I also like the "Bad Boy" blingee too laughing.gif Now to find some threads to post in...


Aly, I love how "My Lover" is pointing at the 'stasche. I'm assuming that means the 'stasche and only the 'stasche right?
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-26 11:33:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
I love it Aly. Your husband looks a bit like Val Kilmer there...well, Val as Doc Holliday in Tombstone.

I do the the ** HATAZ LMAO.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-26 11:20:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Sep 26 2008, 10:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Laura and ginger -- luv.gif and rofl.gif

BTW, ginger -- great news about Nicky with the AP and EAD. And, um, thanks (???) for the gallery pic -- have you seen the famous "Afterglow" shot against the radiator?

ETA: ginger, I've now done a better analysis of your shot. I am so loving the gangsta-disco-alkie theme, with Fritos in the foreground.


I was lucky the Fritos were already in the shot!

I really liked the gun...but I couldn't find a good way to put it in the show so it is randomly floating around the room.

I do think we need one of Aly...then we can have a gallery stickied to this page. oh-yeah
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-26 10:40:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Good news...the hubster got his advanced parole document yesterday in the mail. It appears the EAD was sent this week...though we got 2 emails (one on the 19th and another one yesterday) saying that the card production was in order. The best we can gather is that it was actually mailed out yesterday.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-26 08:43:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Btw...this pic was at my bachelorette party

Attached Files


Edited by ginger1981, 25 September 2008 - 09:49 PM.

ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-25 21:49:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Sep 25 2008, 07:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>


I about crapped myself laughing at the dog with the cigar in it's mouth!

This is my favorite gem of all time

This one takes the proverbial cake

Edited by ginger1981, 25 September 2008 - 09:19 PM.

ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-25 21:15:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Sep 25 2008, 03:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (NickyMcMillan @ Sep 25 2008, 02:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Sep 25 2008, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ahh the Vic - I saw many shows there, back in the day including Radiohead before they became a big deal. Do they still do the Brew and View there on Friday nights?


Cool! One of my older mates from back home saw them play at hmv in Newcastle in front of 20 people way back when.

My only claim is that I saw Coldplay support before Yellow was big. blush.gif And yes Chris Martin was still a whiney #### back then!!



The video of Yellow with him walking on the beach in an anorak is the most un-rock and roll thing in music history. True story - when I was in Beijing 5 years ago and it was a bit less fabulous than it was during the Olympics my friend and I sniffed out a bar where there was live music. Crowd was a mix of Chinese and westerners. This band comes on and do a few songs (I assume their own) in a krazee rawk stylee. Then the lead singer says (in English) this is a song we would like to do, I believe it is about Chinese people. And what does he sing? Coldplay's Yellow. Weirdest. thing. ever.

Although it warms my heart that Pink Frog and Hollywood Mirror are still there - I am truly saddened by the demise of Anne Sather for an American Apparel - say it isn't so!


No worries Ann Sather is still around! They just moved a few doors down into a larger space. They also opened up another one up on Addison & Broadway-ish...they have Disco Brunches there!

He dedicated "Yellow" to Chinese people? Whoa talk about an insulting thing to say!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-25 16:11:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Sep 25 2008, 02:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Why yes it was - I still have fond memories of the Greek omlette. Is that area near the Belmont El still a hodge-podge of Army surpluses and places to buy cheap-but-trendy clothes and shoes? Do they still have that shop that sells the gargoyles? Do the misunderstood teenagers still mill around the Dunkin' Donuts?

I haven't been there in a few years but I fear gentrification!


The giant Belmont Army/Navy Surplus is still there, but it has completely changed. They knocked down the old building when the Belmont red line stop expanded, so they build a new one down the street.



They still have some military surplus gear but they mostly specialize in retailing fashion...they seem to have a penchant for Paul Frank and Ben Sherman.

But there are still plenty cheap but trendy clothes stores that I shop at (Pink Frog, Nevermind, Fashion Tomato), as well as vintage stuff (Ragstock, Hollywood Mirror, Disgraceland), and the mizunderstood kids still hang out at Dunkin Donuts and shop at The Alley or some of the other head shops or what not.

My favorite is a new store that opened up called Galactic Warrior or something like that...they retail Star Wars collector items!

Ann Sather vacated their old building and moved a few buildings down. The owner, Tom Tunney, is also the Alderman of the ward and the only openly gay Alderman in Chicago.

As for gentrification, American Apparel is moving into the old Ann Sather building. Right across the street from the 3 or so buildings to the east of Clarks have been knocked down and a condo/business building was built. The ground floor has a Potbelly's and a Jamba Juice. Most of the gentrification is in residential areas with all sorts of old buildings being knocked down for condos.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-25 15:45:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Sep 25 2008, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Sep 25 2008, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Robin - the show was at The Vic. I used to live down the street from there when I first moved to Chi-town...I think I remember you saying one time you lived on about Barry & Broadway?



Ahh the Vic - I saw many shows there, back in the day including Radiohead before they became a big deal. Do they still do the Brew and View there on Friday nights?

I was at Broadway and Oakdale - walking distance to the Vic and other fine establishments


I lived about School and Kenmore...not too far away.

Yeah they still do have the Brew and View! Its only $5 for a double feature, but of course booze is still pricey. Nicky and I saw Hot Fuzz there one of the first times he came to the US to see me.

Was Clarks around when you lived up here?
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-25 14:22:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Poiteen @ Sep 25 2008, 11:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (illumine @ Sep 24 2008, 01:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I slipped on an oil patch in the garage yesterday (at the gym) & fell hard on the side of my foot. I am limping & in a lot of pain.

ranting33va.gif


Hope you're feeling better today rose.gif

QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Sep 24 2008, 09:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Was this by Glendale Galleria by any chance?

OH I LOVE NORDSTROM RACK!!!!!!!!!! That is where I do most of my clothes shopping. I got a pair of Guess shoes for $39, a Michael Kors sweater for $60 and a pair of pants by Laundry for $80.


It's near the Glendale Galleria, but it's on Glendale avenue, so maybe 8 blocks away. Nordstrom Rack!! That was it. I actually only got work out shorts but there were some beautiful dresses and tops there.

QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Sep 25 2008, 06:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (NickyMcMillan @ Sep 25 2008, 07:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good morning UK. Myself & Ginger had a great time last night at a concert by the Canadian band Stars. Still on a high now from it. biggrin.gif


The opening band was Bell X1 who were fantastic as well. The only drawback was that drinks there were $6 for a 16 oz can of Miller. Ewwww!!!


I didn't know bellx1 were still going! I used to live with one of the bands sisters in Dublin. And I've still only ever heard about one of their songs.

QUOTE (Jeraly @ Sep 25 2008, 08:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Poiteen @ Sep 24 2008, 08:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i used to be told by my teachers (about studying) that you shouldn't wait to feel your way to an action, but act your way in to a feeling. Meaning if you generally want to do something, you shouldn't wait to feel like doing it, you should do it and then you will feel studious (or like excercising). I use that sometimes to tell myself to do stuff, other times I ignore myself, and sit on the couch eating ice cream. blush.gif

I went to Michaels, and it turned out to be in shopping heaven. In the same complex there was a Nordstrom outlet, a World market and a whole foods. And the Michaels itself was like nothing I've ever seen. It was unbelievable!!! I used to hate this craft show on TV when I was a kid called 'Make and Do' cos the presenter was always using fancy things that you couldn't get anywhere else but dublin. 'Get this in your local craft shop' she would say, hah, there was no local craft shop. If I had a Michaels then I could have put her craft supply store to shame star_smile.gif

Hmmm good advice - I just always seem to be waiting for the right moment. Like, we've been without an oven for so long that the pizza we took out of the freezer a week ago has been sitting in our fridge and now needs to be thrown. BUT they have pizzas on offer for $2.99 each in Stater Brothers so we can hardly pass that up blush.gif Then there is the box of white zin in the fridge that Jeremy surprised me with the other night - want that gone before starting a "new me" regime. I think I really need to talk to Jeremy about it as well as I am useless on my own - when I lost weight before it was something I did with mum so that was always really cool. And when I get a job it will be handy as I will have some kind of routine and will be able to pack a lunch and not be able to snack!!

Man I really miss uni - dunno where that came from but I just had a pang of longing for times sat in the cafe eating hot freshly prepared soup with my friends while it is crisp and cold outside after a "summer" off. cray5ol.gif I really need to go back to school when we can afford it...

I never heard of Michaels but just found out there is one on East Palm Canyon!!! Woohoo!! And they sell beads and things too so can use it for emergency jewellery supplies until I can afford to buy wholesale... once I find a decent wholesaler of course... As for clothes... well - we're all about Walmart right now when we can afford it laughing.gif Classy!! Either that or thrift stores anyway wink.gif But then I have never been a designer kinda person. Maybe if we had more money biggrin.gif

Oh! And World Market has a patio table that has 75% off!!! We popped down last night to see if they had one at our local store so we could avoid the $75 shipping surcharge but they didn't sad.gif So it looks like it is online for us after all - ah well - still works out at almost 50% off smile.gif


I always find it's better not to go on a 'whole new start' because if you go off track, you feel like the whole thing has failed, but really if you just start with a little change, and work up, it's easier to maintain. Also if you want motivation, I would start with excercise, there's nothing quite like doing a little excercise to blow away the cobwebs.

You should go and see Michaels, maybe it's just my country self, but I've never seen anything like it. You should only go if you are prepared to spend some money cos I'm telling you, it's got EVERYTHING yes.gif


I agree...doing too much at once can be overwhelming. I basically started getting healthy by making myself drink all 8 glasses or whatever is required of water a day. After I had that routine down I tried to get more fruits/veg into my diet, and once I was successful (or somewhat successful) I started exercising.

And swimming is a great workout...and even better if you enjoy it! Basically all I can do in the water is keep myself from dying.


QUOTE (*julez* @ Sep 25 2008, 08:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just saw this now as I jetted out of here last night to go to my son's open house at school. What a snoozer. Went to one Monday night for my other 2 who go to the elementary school. I seriously don't see the point of these events. It is hilarious to me, though, how some parents are so over-involved and ask millions of questions while the rest of us are held prisoner in the classroom, waiting for them to stop. Email folks. Use it!




As for my childhood behavior, I was very precoscious. In second grade (age 7/8 or so) we had to write a paper...I guess about our parents...that was going to be displayed for the school open house. My mom used to have a large mole on the side of her nose so I composed a paper about my mom's mole. My mom came and was reading the display in the hallway...and she turned bright red! She didn't bother hanging around...she grabbed me and my dad and hightailed it out of there!

Robin - the show was at The Vic. I used to live down the street from there when I first moved to Chi-town...I think I remember you saying one time you lived on about Barry & Broadway?

Edited by ginger1981, 25 September 2008 - 02:01 PM.

ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-25 14:00:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (NickyMcMillan @ Sep 25 2008, 07:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good morning UK. Myself & Ginger had a great time last night at a concert by the Canadian band Stars. Still on a high now from it. biggrin.gif


The opening band was Bell X1 who were fantastic as well. The only drawback was that drinks there were $6 for a 16 oz can of Miller. Ewwww!!!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-25 08:13:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Poiteen @ Sep 24 2008, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Sep 24 2008, 01:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
laughing.gif You guys put me all to shame - I am still trying to convince myself to eat better, drink less, exercise more... you get the idea... I am waiting to wake up one day and suddenly become motivated and it hasn't happened yet. It happened a few years ago and I lost a couple of stone but now... mnleh - I just can't be bothered and it is terrible!!


i used to be told by my teachers (about studying) that you shouldn't wait to feel your way to an action, but act your way in to a feeling. Meaning if you generally want to do something, you shouldn't wait to feel like doing it, you should do it and then you will feel studious (or like excercising). I use that sometimes to tell myself to do stuff, other times I ignore myself, and sit on the couch eating ice cream. blush.gif

I went to Michaels, and it turned out to be in shopping heaven. In the same complex there was a Nordstrom outlet, a World market and a whole foods. And the Michaels itself was like nothing I've ever seen. It was unbelievable!!! I used to hate this craft show on TV when I was a kid called 'Make and Do' cos the presenter was always using fancy things that you couldn't get anywhere else but dublin. 'Get this in your local craft shop' she would say, hah, there was no local craft shop. If I had a Michaels then I could have put her craft supply store to shame star_smile.gif


Was this by Glendale Galleria by any chance?

OH I LOVE NORDSTROM RACK!!!!!!!!!! That is where I do most of my clothes shopping. I got a pair of Guess shoes for $39, a Michael Kors sweater for $60 and a pair of pants by Laundry for $80.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-24 23:18:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (illumine @ Sep 24 2008, 03:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I slipped on an oil patch in the garage yesterday (at the gym) & fell hard on the side of my foot. I am limping & in a lot of pain.

ranting33va.gif


Oooo...do I hear LAWSUIT???
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-24 16:13:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Sep 24 2008, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm still sore from the 7 mile run I did the other day - I'm blaming you, Ginger, for inspiring me to do a distance run after your half marathon!


Cool! Hey, if you ever want to do a race together or something let me know!

Maybe we can start a VJ running team?
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-24 15:42:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Yay Pointy.

Does anyone here watch The Biggest Loser? Honestly I haven't but I just got the workout video of one of their personal trainers Jill Michaels. I'm still sore from doing it last Friday.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-24 14:55:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
The whole anti-Catholic thing...I would expect to come across that in a place like (London)Derry. Methinks that even you referring to it as Londonderry means that you were hanging out with protestants who have a strong unionist view. (as a side note...Catholics refer to the city only as "Derry"...the London part was added when British rule took over). Also I've notices this to an extent in Glasgow. But in general, I haven't really came across anti Catholic sentiment. Many Brits have some Irish in their background these days, so I think the days of anti-Catholic sentiment outside of NI or Glasgow has waned.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-28 10:23:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
QUOTE (Alex & Rachel @ Aug 28 2008, 09:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I can certainly see some of the points you are saying, alienlovechild.

Personally I love red brick terraced houses. smile.gif I have lived in several. I far prefer them to living in an apartment block, which is the only other option for a densely-populated area.

Damian P didn't admit the food was bad, just that the US serves certain dishes, i.e. steak, better. I've had good and bad food both in the UK, US and many other countries.

I must admit that I agree with everyone else in that I've never encountered anyone here using the N-word, and as a whole I do not come across many racist people. I'm not denying they exist, I just think you had a particularly bad experience there.

Also - you did indeed miss the beautiful parts of the UK! tongue.gif That's an interesting selection of cities - I think out of them all, I'd only recommend London to a tourist.

QUOTE (SMB x2 @ Aug 28 2008, 03:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There's a thoroughly disheartening and completely unnecessary dissection of the US and UK going on here. Both have their pros and cons in equal measure, and while it's interesting to discover the differences, I'm not sure I'd go about attacking or defending them so vehemently as demonstrated.

If ever there was a case of "your mileage will vary", this is it.


Stu

yes.gif


Inverness is beautiful...it is truly god's country up there.

As for bags getting stolen, it just is a matter of where you are at. I accidently left a bag at the bus station in Inverness when my husband and I went out on a day trip to Dornie (near the Isle of Skye). It had everything in it...my passport, credit cards, phone, camera. It was a profoundly frightening feeling, which I can relate to.

I filed a police report (which I was treated with respect and I too was given some sort of pamphlet), and changed our plans to go to Edinburgh to the US consulate there to see what could be done about my belongings.

We were literally about to board the bus to Edinburgh when Nicky got a call on his phone...apparently someone had found my bag and turned it into the bus company. One of the employees went through my latest calls on my phone and called Nicky in hopes of getting a hold of me.

So basically, there are decent, honest people that live in the country. I tried to offer some kind of reward in the form of lunch or drinks but she wouldn't take them. I guess because of my experience I have a very biased view of highlanders as very upstanding people...everyone from the hostel to the bus company to the local police was helpful and treated me with the upmost respect despite stupidly leaving my bag behind.

Anyways, I'm really sorry it sounds like you had a profoundly bad experience alienlovechild. Had my experience with losing my bag been the other way I too might have had a negative point of view. But also 1999 is nearly 10 years ago now...maybe give the UK another try. And do go to Northumbria...you can't throw a stone and not hit a castle up there!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-28 10:16:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
QUOTE (Poiteen @ Aug 26 2008, 01:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Setting the travel issue aside for the mo...

Coming from a country that has much more recently aquired it's nationhood, you would think that we would be much more in to flag waving, but I don't know when I last saw a flag waving on something that wasn't connected with the government or maybe a hotel, where they have flags of several countries flying. I don't know of any houses that fly the flag except for on St. Paddy's day. The flag is related to our nationhood, and doesn't seep in to everything from car dealerships to the side of the road. I find the level that the stars and stripes is used here to be very intimidating and off putting. I really don't know why it's the preferred decoration for everything. Especially since that is technically frowned upon.


It's interesting to note that I've seen far more Irish flags waving about in the US than I ever have in Ireland.

However, when it comes time for elections I cannot believe how every square inch of Dublin is covered in political ads for so and so of so and so party for some random government position.

Another thing that comes to mind for me is the murals in Belfast...even the more "benign" ones I still find completely intimidating. There is real historical context for the uneasiness of course, but even random posters for the "Gerry Adams Breakfast" still comes across to me as being subtlely sinister.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-26 14:21:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
QUOTE (Krikit @ Aug 26 2008, 12:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I imagine the lack of vacation days and sick leave/maternity/paternity here in the US also has an impact on travel. People are probably using them up to take care of personal tasks and so don't have the available time that people in other countries do.



QUOTE (rkl57 @ Aug 26 2008, 12:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have 2 weeks vacation in the US - in the UK I had almost 6 weeks. Where I currently live, any visit to anywhere outside of North or Central America is 11+ hours (taking up 2 days of the 14 I get annually just to get there). Makes a big difference on deciding where to go on vacation.


Yeah that compounds the issue too. At least in my company you get 3 sick days to start out with...I know some of the people here with kids basically use up all their sick time and vacation time on their kids various illnesses or school activities etc.

I'd love to travel to places other than Ireland/UK (the only other countries I've traveled to is Canada and France) but basically all my vacation time is used either going to see Nicky's family or going back to Nebraska to see my family. I'm going to try to save a few days in the next few years too as we are talking about going to South Africa in 2010 or 2011.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-26 12:49:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
QUOTE (Krikit @ Aug 26 2008, 12:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gemmie @ Aug 26 2008, 11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Damian, it's not that there's something wrong with being proud of your nationality. I just find it way over the top... I consider NINE flags outside a simple gas station to be unnecessary if nothing else, like a constant reminder that "America is the BEST"... there is a difference between being proud of where you come from and being blindly patriotic, especially seeing the statistic that under 40% of Americans have passports. I know that not all Americans are that way, it's just the perception that people often get when they visit there; that patriotism is running wild, and the reason my fiancee and I find ourselves debating about it is because he doesn't even see it.

Where I live there is a GIANT flagpole with flag at the entrance to the subdivision, then an American flag on Every. Single. Lightpost. And if that's not enough, they're also on their houses. Yeah. OTT.


QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Aug 26 2008, 12:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Let's understand something about the passport issue. America is a HUGE country....Europe can easily fit inside the continuous 48 states. The UK is a relatively small nation close to a conglomerate of small nations, and it is easy and inexpensive for you to hop on a Ryan Air flight and go to France, Italy etc and experience a different culture. It's not so easy...and very expensive to do so here.

While I don't know anything about the passport stats, I do know that the above argument doesn't really fly with me. Canada is much larger than the US, and the Canadians are much more well-travelled than their US neighbours. But I do get your point. I think part of the equation is that multi-culturalism is promoted in Canada, so its citizens love to travel and experience that. Here, not so much. I find the Americans don't really have that desire.... even out of their own State, much less out of the country. It just doesn't seem to appeal to them.


I really honestly believe that most Americans have the desire to travel...most just have given up on the dream. My mom is a perfect example of this. Her biggest dream is to go to Paris and see the Eiffle Tower. My dad promised her for their 20th anniversary they would take a European tour...but they ended up going to Florida. For someone like my mom, international travel is seen as very daunting...I think it is scary to her to go to a place where she isn't familiar with how certain things work. Also, it's a trip in and of itself to get to a large international airport. You could make the same argument for Canada, but according to 2001 Canadian Population Density Map most of the population lives fairly close to cities like Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver - I would be curious to see how often someone from Whitehorse, Yukon or a fishing village in Newfoundland gets out to travel. Aside from airports in New York, Chicago, LA, Las Vegas and perhaps Miami/Seattle there really aren't a whole lot of other airports with international flights with the exception of Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. According to the 2000 US Population Density Map the population of the US is a bit more spread out than Canada's. Therefore, there are a lot of Joe Blow's in the South/Midwest/West where just getting to this big cities is difficult enough.

Basically, the perceived lack of disinterest...in my opinion is due to people just not thinking traveling to a far away place is within their realm of possibility. Canadians perhaps don't have that same trepidition for whatever reason.

That's just my theory... good.gif
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-26 12:24:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
QUOTE (Damian P @ Aug 26 2008, 07:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gemmie @ Aug 26 2008, 06:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Me and my fiancee have had this discussion many many times.

I go through periods of complaining about the US and it's shortcomings and periods of excitement about the good points of the country. Whenever I'm in the mood for the former, it usually starts a little arguement as he defends it. He claims he's not patriotic though and that fuels the fire because that's the number one gripe. tongue.gif


What's wrong with being patriotic, exactly?

QUOTE (Gemmie @ Aug 26 2008, 06:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I complain about how much of an outsider *I* personally feel just going down the street when there are a million American flags waving in yards, outside stores, on bumper stickers... you'd never see that in the UK.


No you wouldn't - that's the problem!!!!!!

QUOTE (Gemmie @ Aug 26 2008, 06:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hell, Boston ALONE has a sense of patriotism about it, and I lose count of the number of Red Sox shirts I see, even when outside of the city.


And this is a problem why, exactly? A city where 99% of the inhabitants root for the hometown team - how fabulously refreshing!! All plastic Man Utd "fans", take note!

QUOTE (Gemmie @ Aug 26 2008, 06:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
He argues that when it comes to football games, they don't start international brawls over simply being American, like the British do.


True, but then again our football is far more tribal. And I wouldn't have it any other way, tbf.



To be honest I've never really understood why Brits don't feel more pride in being...well a Brit! There are probably a lot more cultural subtleties at work here than I can understand, and I do understand why some people aren't happy with the whole colonial history thing. But jeez, look at what the British have accomplished! A small island nation that has relatively few resources found a way to become a world power! Some of the greatest literature in history has come from your nation...who has anything comparable to Shakespeare, for example? How about the Battle of Britain...one small nation making a stand against Nazi tyrrany?

No doubt the history of every nation has a darkside, but that doesn't mean you should be ashamed of who your people are...and especially your accomplishments.

On a side note...nothing wrong with being passionate about a sports team! But I don't see large scale destruction and rioting after games between, say the Huskers and the Sooners like there is with the Celtic and Rangers (for example).


QUOTE (Gemmie @ Aug 26 2008, 10:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Damian, it's not that there's something wrong with being proud of your nationality. I just find it way over the top... I consider NINE flags outside a simple gas station to be unnecessary if nothing else, like a constant reminder that "America is the BEST"... there is a difference between being proud of where you come from and being blindly patriotic, especially seeing the statistic that under 40% of Americans have passports. I know that not all Americans are that way, it's just the perception that people often get when they visit there; that patriotism is running wild, and the reason my fiancee and I find ourselves debating about it is because he doesn't even see it.


Let's understand something about the passport issue. America is a HUGE country....Europe can easily fit inside the continuous 48 states. The UK is a relatively small nation close to a conglomerate of small nations, and it is easy and inexpensive for you to hop on a Ryan Air flight and go to France, Italy etc and experience a different culture. It's not so easy...and very expensive to do so here. People like my parents grew up in a generation where it was expected once you get out of school you get married, get a job, buy a house and have kids. Lots of people seem to have it in their heads that all Americans are wealthy and have liquid cash to spend...which is absolutely not true. Most people have just enough to pay their bills, so travelling around Europe is just out of the question unless they are well off. Note that when Americans do travel international the most common destinations are Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean islands...places that are relatively near, and until the past year or so did not require Americans to have passports to travel to.

On another note...most people here, unless growing up in some seriously backwoods places, have had some sort of contact with different cultural traditions. Where I grew up in Nebraska, I lived in a town settled by Czechs...many of the storefronts were written in both Czech and English. Not far away was a community settled by Germans, Swedes, Danes, Irish...just about every European immigrant group was represented. In larger cities this happens on a larger scale.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is don't take the lack of passports/foreign travel as some sort of sign that Americans are closed minded and do not wish to interact with the outside world. I cannot tell you how many of my friends and family are envious of the fact that I have been able to travel outside the country...something that for various reasons they have been unable to fulfill.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-26 11:06:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Aug 25 2008, 02:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The dentist bills is what you get for having English teeth devil.gif


Hahaha...i'm the USC and I'm the one with the mega dentist bill! My dentist said the reason why I had so many was due to the sealents my parents had applied to my teeth when I was younger. She said that she's been seeing this more and more with people in my age group...who would have been one of the first generations of sealent reciepients. Apparently what happens is as you get older, the sealent wears down and cracks. Bacteria and crud gets into the crack and under the sealant and no amount of brushing is going to be able to get it out. When I was in she basically removed what was left of the sealent and filled in the cavities...if I continue to be diligent I hopefully shouldn't have too many problems in the future.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-25 14:24:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
QUOTE (saywhat @ Aug 25 2008, 01:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The original poster returns....

The American posters who cannot stand any opinion which includes any criticism of their country, should know that I, and many other Brits who are here in the U.S. are here through our own free will and therefore on balance, we want to be here, rather than the U.K. for now - so it must be 'better' in some way for want of another word.

I think Brits are only too aware of the downside to British society, but because we haven't been brainwashed in classrooms where we stand in front of the flag with gold braid and an eagle on the top, and put our hands on our hearts and chant some conformist script every morning, we are able to take criticism, and many like to explore the opinions of outsiders and are not automatically defensive.


I don't think that saying the pledge is completely a bad thing. I think it has pros and cons...it can build pride and solidarity with people no matter where you are from in the US, but for some others they take their love of country quite literally - as in the US can do nothing wrong.

I think the real problem is that kids are not taught critical thinking skills at a young enough age. It's one thing to memorize a few lines, but it is another to examine it and come to a conclusion of what US citizenship really means. At least where I went to school we didn't do this until our senior year. But a lot of kids are either not encouraged to give it any thought or they are heavily influenced to think of the US as some sort of land blessed by god that makes it superior to other countries in the world (ie Danesh D'Souza types).


QUOTE (saywhat @ Aug 25 2008, 01:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So on the whole it's ok and I am doing fine except when it comes to dentists bills - I blew my 2k limit in a month !

Forget god and society and vulgarity and guns and history - what about my dentists bills !


Ughfff...I don't even want to think about dentist bills. I'm still paying off my bill from the last time I went....6 cavities!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-25 14:08:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
QUOTE (Robyn-n-Kris @ Aug 5 2008, 01:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Aug 5 2008, 12:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sherri and Matt @ Aug 2 2008, 07:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think your post is very insightful saywhat.

It does sound like most of your experiences are from more rural areas. The only way to find diversity and culture is in big cities here, rural areas are very much as you describe. I live in a very rural area too and it can be stifling. I try to expose my kids to different types of people and ideas as much as I can, but it is hard to do when your kids go to schools where there are only white people from this town.


Rural areas are more alike than not no matter where you go. Aside from a few cultural preferences the rural Scottish Borders are no different from the rural area I grew up...farmers hanging out at bars, everyone knows everyone else's business, the love of all things fried or from a potato. Maybe the only difference was the huge grain elevators that dot the small towns of the plains didn't up in the Northeast, but otherwise I found Crete NE to be remarkably similar to Berwick upon Tweed UK.

QUOTE (weedebz @ Aug 3 2008, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks Saywhat. I loved reading your post. I'm from Scotland, now living in Grand Island, NE. All I keep getting is..."please say something in your accent" it was funny at first, now I'm starting to feel like an exhibit at a freak show.

I totally understand the history aspect. There is sthur museum here which the town is very proud of and it is nice and pretty, we got married in the church there. The thing that gets me is that everyone goes on about how old it is. I'm used to going to see ancient Scottish castles, viking sites, bronze age round house sites and the like.


Just whatever you do...do not go to Carhenge. It will make you weep for all that is good and natural in the world. But do visit Harold Warp's Pioneer Village...it is the biggest collection of random ####### you will ever come across.

But hey, the Stuhr has the house Henry Fonda was born. My parents took my dear grandmother on a special trip there just to see that wee house!

QUOTE (Robyn-n-Kris @ Aug 4 2008, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I will admit that here what we consider 'old' is still very new in relation to overseas. Its a topic Kris and I go over often. Still, its part of history regardless of how long ago something was created or built.


It depends on how you define our history. Are you defining it only in Eurocentric terms? If so yes we have a relatively young country. But the Natives have been here for many thousand years...we may not have as many great structures (though some like the cliff dwellings in Colorado, adobes in Taos and the mounds along the Mississippi come to mind) as Europe, but we definitly have some amazing history that is worth looking into.


Ginger.. I'm more or less referring to age and what had been pointed out by the original poster as something here being say 100 years old compared to overseas. I'm from the US... born here and lived here all my life. The country as it stands is still young.. meaning as it pertains to those of us whose ancestors came over here. As a country itself it is still old and the natural places such as you find in Colorado etc are older. I was only meaning to say that History means something different to everyone and is all a matter of perception.

Hope that clarifies it a bit.


Actually I should have been more clear...I wasn't lecturing you and I apologize if it came out that way blush.gif I have had this convo with Brits and I like to point out that our history is just as old...it is only that our recorded history started more recently.

But yes you are right the perceptions are different. Of course to Europeans they are coming from the Eurocentric point of view. Even many Americans are that way.

I was a history major...historic perceptions have always been a fascination of mine. It is really amazing how history can be manipulated. One of my favorite quotes was by Churchill, who said "History will be kind to me since I will be the one who wrote it." (that quote is likely not verbatim but that is the jist of the comment)
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-05 14:00:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
QUOTE (Sherri and Matt @ Aug 2 2008, 07:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think your post is very insightful saywhat.

It does sound like most of your experiences are from more rural areas. The only way to find diversity and culture is in big cities here, rural areas are very much as you describe. I live in a very rural area too and it can be stifling. I try to expose my kids to different types of people and ideas as much as I can, but it is hard to do when your kids go to schools where there are only white people from this town.


Rural areas are more alike than not no matter where you go. Aside from a few cultural preferences the rural Scottish Borders are no different from the rural area I grew up...farmers hanging out at bars, everyone knows everyone else's business, the love of all things fried or from a potato. Maybe the only difference was the huge grain elevators that dot the small towns of the plains didn't up in the Northeast, but otherwise I found Crete NE to be remarkably similar to Berwick upon Tweed UK.

QUOTE (weedebz @ Aug 3 2008, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks Saywhat. I loved reading your post. I'm from Scotland, now living in Grand Island, NE. All I keep getting is..."please say something in your accent" it was funny at first, now I'm starting to feel like an exhibit at a freak show.

I totally understand the history aspect. There is sthur museum here which the town is very proud of and it is nice and pretty, we got married in the church there. The thing that gets me is that everyone goes on about how old it is. I'm used to going to see ancient Scottish castles, viking sites, bronze age round house sites and the like.


Just whatever you do...do not go to Carhenge. It will make you weep for all that is good and natural in the world. But do visit Harold Warp's Pioneer Village...it is the biggest collection of random ####### you will ever come across.

But hey, the Stuhr has the house Henry Fonda was born. My parents took my dear grandmother on a special trip there just to see that wee house!

QUOTE (Robyn-n-Kris @ Aug 4 2008, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I will admit that here what we consider 'old' is still very new in relation to overseas. Its a topic Kris and I go over often. Still, its part of history regardless of how long ago something was created or built.


It depends on how you define our history. Are you defining it only in Eurocentric terms? If so yes we have a relatively young country. But the Natives have been here for many thousand years...we may not have as many great structures (though some like the cliff dwellings in Colorado, adobes in Taos and the mounds along the Mississippi come to mind) as Europe, but we definitly have some amazing history that is worth looking into.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-05 12:58:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
I guess like you said you have to make your nitch. I lived in Nebraska until I was 24, and I had developed a circle of friends who were free thinking and relatively liberal. Again, in Nebraska you don't have to be too far to the left to be labeled a socialist (though anyone who labeled you that generally had no idea as to what the principles of socialism really are).

Yes, stereotypes can be true to an extent, but you can't apply that to every person you've met. I have had it assumed that I enjoy rodeos, country music and that I'm a republican...which is quite far from the truth (I've never been to a rodeo, only country music I like is Johnny Cash and I'm liberal). Some people will surprise you...but I find them to be the most interesting people.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-29 09:21:00
United KingdomLetter of Intent at the interview stage- London Embassy
QUOTE (thebigyard @ Sep 11 2008, 03:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks Nicky! do u think they might accept a scanned copy of the ltter of intent? as its a bit late to receive it before monday


I asked the IO this, when he told me I would need my letter notarized (you don't need to have it notarized if your interview is within the four months set on your NOA2, which I believe is what the others are referring to). He told me my fiancee would need to send me the original. But you could give it a go? You wont have anything to lose. Worst thing that can happen is your visa will be delayed til you send in the original.

Good luck!

Edited by ginger1981, 11 September 2008 - 07:59 AM.

ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-11 07:58:00
United Kingdombacon n egg buttie
QUOTE (NickyMcMillan @ Sep 11 2008, 12:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Sep 11 2008, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good bacon is hard to come by!

Aly, is there anyplace in LA you could order from...I would think there is a British/Irish food store there that could ship to you cheaper than $23.


Hey that stuff we got the other day, the so called scottish bacon is gooood! Its almost like the proper UK rashers. Its certainly got more bacon, than any of the US brands we have bought. Not bad for $2 bacon!!! biggrin.gif

Went well with sausage, eggs, Heinz beans & toast. Was only missing the black & white pudding.


Really? And here I was thinking it was a dodgy brand as it was at least $1.50 less than the next cheapest brand.

The neon orange/yellow tartan pattern on the packaging needs to go though. It burns my retinas looking at it.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-11 15:37:00
United Kingdombacon n egg buttie
Good bacon is hard to come by!

Aly, is there anyplace in LA you could order from...I would think there is a British/Irish food store there that could ship to you cheaper than $23.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-11 12:31:00
United KingdomU.S. Politics
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Sep 13 2008, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Sep 13 2008, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Have you ever seen Good Night, and Good Luck?



I sure have - loved it. Mad Men is very stylized like that movie. Also, lots of smoking!

I'd read Edward R. Murrows biography and seen a documentary before on the McCartney hearings and his show See It Now. Journalists of his kind are missed even more than the two-martini lunch.


With Tim Russert gone there aren't a lot of "real journalists" left. Most now are purely entertainers pretending to be journalists. Nancy Grace...god I hate that b*tch.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-13 13:14:00
United KingdomU.S. Politics
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Sep 13 2008, 12:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Sep 13 2008, 12:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've never seen Mad Men, but I want to. However I hate starting a show when it is already into a season or two. Sometimes I wish I we could go back to the era of "two martini" lunches.



You and me both. I would not like to turn back the clock on women's position in the workforce though. My stepmother worked in advertising on Madison Ave as a secretary in the early 60s and says the portrayal of sexism is pretty spot-on.

I love Mad Men - one of my favorite shows. You can't start it in season 2 - too much going on to catch up on. I recommend renting out season 1 first!


I agree, I wouldn't want the sexism. I just want the Martini's wink.gif

I'll have to see if I can buy them on iTunes...I'm stuck inside all day with the monsoon we're getting up here.

Have you ever seen Good Night, and Good Luck?
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-13 13:02:00
United KingdomU.S. Politics
I've never seen Mad Men, but I want to. However I hate starting a show when it is already into a season or two. Sometimes I wish I we could go back to the era of "two martini" lunches.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-13 12:43:00
United KingdomU.S. Politics
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Sep 13 2008, 11:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Sep 13 2008, 07:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (lancer1655 @ Sep 12 2008, 06:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
50 years from now we will probably wake up to mandatory sterilization vaccinations at the age of 12. We'll have to get a permit from the government to become temporarily fertile after they have approved us for parenthood.

Long live INGSOC!!!!! Oh I mean the US of A!

....now where is my victory gin I seem to have misplaced it.........


I know quite a few people where I sometimes do wish this was a law. You have to have a permit for pets but some idiot can pop out 5 kids. Doesn't seem quite right.

Without noticing? I thought that was only if you were British... Or does it count for the whole of Western Society? I forgot... laughing.gif


It seems to be! You do hear about the people who don't "know" they are preggers until they go into labor.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-13 12:18:00
United KingdomU.S. Politics
QUOTE (lancer1655 @ Sep 12 2008, 06:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
50 years from now we will probably wake up to mandatory sterilization vaccinations at the age of 12. We'll have to get a permit from the government to become temporarily fertile after they have approved us for parenthood.

Long live INGSOC!!!!! Oh I mean the US of A!

....now where is my victory gin I seem to have misplaced it.........


I know quite a few people where I sometimes do wish this was a law. You have to have a permit for pets but some idiot can pop out 5 kids. Doesn't seem quite right.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-13 09:19:00
United KingdomU.S. Politics
I'm just sick of this election. It's not a secret I'm an Obama supporter, but the volley between both sides is just...disenheartening. I think the media has been doing a horrible job. I could care less about lapel pins or whether someone went to 4 different colleges or what not. I just want an answer to the economy, or a real plan about the war in Iraq or health care. I'm sure that info could be out there, but I want to hear it from the candidates themselves.

*sigh*
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-11 12:20:00
United KingdomPataks sauces
QUOTE (ktun @ Mar 10 2006, 07:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I got a Pataks Korma from World Market here and it was pretty good, not as good as in Britain, but like you I've been dying for some Indian food for the past 6 months. We did try an 'Indian' restaurant around here and it was truely awful, absolutely terrible, they have no idea what Indian food should taste like and didnt even know what a Nann bread was!!!

During the 3 months we spent in England last summer, I got my Hubby hooked on Indian and now he cant wait to go back just to have some.


I don't know if you check VJ that much anymore, but if Omaha the place to go is the Jaipur. It is owned by the same guy who owns The Oven in Lincoln...and considered one of the best Indian restaurants in the US. I've had curry many times in the UK and The Oven is by far the best Indian food I've ever had.

So far in Chicago I've had ####### luck finding Indian as good...I was spoiled.


QUOTE (robinklake @ Mar 10 2006, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think they showed it in America at some point (not while I was living here) but not sure - probably check UKNova.

I also liked when sketch where the mother's were bragging about their sons, including ####### size, in an effort to outdo each other, or when they try and join the "exclusive" tennis club or "Punjabi Girl" sung to Barbie Girl...that was a funny show


My favorite is the "Six Million Rupee Man." LOL...the exchange rate was not in his favor!

We just tried Patak's last week and we really enjoyed it. It was imported from the UK...I highly doubt the ingredients were changes for the US market, but I am thinking since it likely sits longer on the shelves here than in the UK that the time changes the flavor (sort of like Guinness doesn't travel well)?
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-13 13:13:00
United KingdomJust Saying Hi
Have fun, and eat lots of cake!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-18 13:19:00