StevO Posted August 6, 2013 Report Share Posted August 6, 2013 Why not get off the fence and tell us what you really think! Sibdane 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornish Steve Posted August 6, 2013 Report Share Posted August 6, 2013 So America, and Britain by extension, are despised around the world for being amongst the most powerful on the planet (and the most powerful in the USA's case) but not using that power in a positive manner. Here I blame the media and its obsession with the bad. Both the US and UK spend massive amounts on helping other nations, but it rarely gets recorded. Take George Bush, for example. He initiated and authorized a massive program to help AIDS victims across Africa. Even his harshest critics praised what he did, which was far more than anyone expected. Did it ever get reported? This is true of many thousands of programs around the world. Things are nowhere near as bad as they are made out. All countries have their good and bad, but I'm glad I'm from the UK and live in the US - both countries to be admired in many ways. Matt and Sibdane 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter H Posted August 7, 2013 Report Share Posted August 7, 2013 This has become a serious thread all of a sudden. It started as a joke if I remember right. I don't hate America or Americans, I have in-laws there. I do however like to take the piss out of America, as some like to take the piss out of Sweden. Sweden and America do have a strange history though. The US government were terrified of Sweden during the 50's and 60's because of its socialist nature. Sweden had the biggest socialist interests outside of the communist world. They were not communist but they had a massive government influence and safety net. (Healthcare, out of work insurance etc) And sitting right next to the Soviet. The thing is, things were really good in Sweden at the time. One of the wealthiest countries, best security, safetynet etc and the US government were scared that the US population would want the country to be more like Sweden. (a step towards communism in the eyes of the US government) Therefor they invented the myth that Sweden had the largest suicide rate in the world. A myth that still lives on today. Totally untrue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibdane Posted August 7, 2013 Report Share Posted August 7, 2013 (edited) Peter H, on 07 Aug 2013 - 01:57, said: This has become a serious thread all of a sudden. It started as a joke if I remember right. I don't hate America or Americans, I have in-laws there. I do however like to take the piss out of America, as some like to take the piss out of Sweden. Sweden and America do have a strange history though. The US government were terrified of Sweden during the 50's and 60's because of its socialist nature. Sweden had the biggest socialist interests outside of the communist world. They were not communist but they had a massive government influence and safety net. (Healthcare, out of work insurance etc) And sitting right next to the Soviet. The thing is, things were really good in Sweden at the time. One of the wealthiest countries, best security, safetynet etc and the US government were scared that the US population would want the country to be more like Sweden. (a step towards communism in the eyes of the US government) Therefor they invented the myth that Sweden had the largest suicide rate in the world. A myth that still lives on today. Totally untrue. In my opinion, I think those Americans are pretty alright. I will admit that we tend to be afraid of other societies that make improvements in healthcare, the economy, civil rights, technology -- anything really -- before we do, which is ironic when we're also considered the melting pot of cultures around the world. We feel it threatens our top-of-the-world status, because we feel like we're supposed to be innovators and the front-runners of any and everything. We're raised to think that America is the greatest country in the world, so you can see how some of us can be arrogant from time-to-time (and some are all the time). I think outsiders look at our politics and think that they reflect the everyday American, but most of us hate our politicians. It usually comes down to picking the lesser of evils, unfortunately. I think we are getting better at accepting other cultures though, and I use soccer in our country as an example of this: it used to be non-existent twenty years ago, but it's become the third largest sport in terms of attendance now. The upcoming Seattle-Portland game will have an attendance of over 68,000, and Seattle regularly averages over 40,000. I never thought I'd see the day. Edited August 7, 2013 by TonkaRoost Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeO Posted September 1, 2013 Report Share Posted September 1, 2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJoQOQHQ8oA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted September 1, 2013 Report Share Posted September 1, 2013 (edited) Holy crap edit: that surely cant be real? anyone speak Korean here that can verify? Edited September 1, 2013 by Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevO Posted September 1, 2013 Report Share Posted September 1, 2013 I can't tell if that's terrifying or hilarious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeO Posted September 1, 2013 Report Share Posted September 1, 2013 I can't tell if that's terrifying or hilarious. Second one....it's not real. http://www.youtube.com/show/northkoreacomedyshow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted September 1, 2013 Report Share Posted September 1, 2013 Second one....it's not real. http://www.youtube.com/show/northkoreacomedyshow thank God for that. would be terrifying if it was real Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevO Posted September 1, 2013 Report Share Posted September 1, 2013 I don't think it would be surprising if it was true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibdane Posted September 1, 2013 Report Share Posted September 1, 2013 I wouldn't be surprised. Check out North Korea's website. It's pretty funny, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter H Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 Blind people in Iowa have been given the right to carry a concealed weapon. It is now illegal to deny a blind person the right to arm themself. Michael Barber (himself blind) - To use a weapon, all you have to do is point, aim and shoot. I dont think you have to be able to see to do that. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130908/NEWS/309080061/?odyssey=nav%7Chead&nclick_check=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibdane Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 Blind people in Iowa have been given the right to carry a concealed weapon. It is now illegal to deny a blind person the right to arm themself. Michael Barber (himself blind) - To use a weapon, all you have to do is point, aim and shoot. I dont think you have to be able to see to do that. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130908/NEWS/309080061/?odyssey=nav%7Chead&nclick_check=1 Maybe so, but it is helpful. Note to self, don't rob a blind person in Iowa. I really don't understand our obsession with guns. Peter H 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romey 1878 Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 Blind people in Iowa have been given the right to carry a concealed weapon. It is now illegal to deny a blind person the right to arm themself. Michael Barber (himself blind) - To use a weapon, all you have to do is point, aim and shoot. I dont think you have to be able to see to do that. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130908/NEWS/309080061/?odyssey=nav%7Chead&nclick_check=1 Would it not be helpful to be able to see who you're aiming at?! GoodisonRoad, Sibdane and Peter H 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter H Posted September 9, 2013 Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 (edited) Would it not be helpful to be able to see who you're aiming at?! I would have thought so but apparently not. Edited September 9, 2013 by Peter H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louis Posted September 10, 2013 Report Share Posted September 10, 2013 I really don't understand our obsession with guns. Without them your film industry would suffer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaron Posted September 10, 2013 Report Share Posted September 10, 2013 I haven't read the tread, only the title. I work with Americans every day and some are just that stupid I'm surprised that they last in life. I had one woman phone on the phone who was trying to measure her foot on a computer screen instead of just printing off a footwear guide which it clearly states in the instructions. Now not all Americans are stupid, but the ones that are is the reason I don't like (the stupid) Americans. I've also found New Yorkers to be some of the most ill mannered, rude people I've ever spoke to as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibdane Posted September 10, 2013 Report Share Posted September 10, 2013 Without them your film industry would suffer. You mean most of the world's film industry would suffer without American action movies? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornish Steve Posted September 11, 2013 Report Share Posted September 11, 2013 Today is 9/11 and I started the day by driving through Manhattan and admiring the new Liberty tower built on the rubble of the twin towers. It's symbolic of the nation. It may have its problems, but it has a resilience that means it will always bounce back. On the actual 9/11, I ws flying from Zurich to New Delhi. It took two weeks to get home, although most of that time was spent with family in Cornwall. At one point, while driving down the M5, classic fm played Barber's Adagio for Strings to remember the 9/11 victims. I had to pull over. It was one of the very few times in life that I could do nothing but cry. Hafnia and Sibdane 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hafnia Posted September 11, 2013 Report Share Posted September 11, 2013 Today is 9/11 and I started the day by driving through Manhattan and admiring the new Liberty tower built on the rubble of the twin towers. It's symbolic of the nation. It may have its problems, but it has a resilience that means it will always bounce back. On the actual 9/11, I ws flying from Zurich to New Delhi. It took two weeks to get home, although most of that time was spent with family in Cornwall. At one point, while driving down the M5, classic fm played Barber's Adagio for Strings to remember the 9/11 victims. I had to pull over. It was one of the very few times in life that I could do nothing but cry. That day was so surreal and changed the way many will see life forever. I was on holiday with my mate in Rhodes and seen a load of people gathering around the TV from where I was in the pool, I got out, watched and thought I was dreaming. That night you walked around the bars and people were watching the re-runs on the news sat in silence, just so numbing. RIP to those who lost their lives and thoughts to all those affected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibdane Posted September 11, 2013 Report Share Posted September 11, 2013 I was sitting in eighth grade science when the principal spoke over the intercom and told all teachers to turn on "Channel One" news. At about that time, we watched the second plane hit the other tower. It was a very surreal moment. I first assumed it was an accident when we heard of the first plane, and then when the second hit, we all knew there was something more to it. Even though I was young, it had quite an impact on me, but I still didn't realize the magnitude of what had just happened. It was the first time I really started paying attention to the news. I still get an eerie feeling when I think back on it. Thoughts and prayers to all those affected on this day 12 years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romey 1878 Posted September 11, 2013 Report Share Posted September 11, 2013 (edited) I was in my history lesson at high school when I found out. Our teacher told us. Then when I got home my mum had the news on and I must've sat there watching until about half 6 mostly in silence. The footage was like something out of a movie. Thoughts go out to all the families today. Edited September 11, 2013 by Romey 1878 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted September 11, 2013 Report Share Posted September 11, 2013 I remember being at the bus stop and overhearing someone. My initial reaction was to laugh, not because I thought it was funny, but because firstly thought someone had watched a film and thought it was real. I had no idea how to react when they said it had happened for real. It wasn't until we went shopping and saw all the TVs in Tescos showing it and it hit me. Couldn't comprehend it and was transfixed. Still struggle to understand it to be honest. Thoughts are with all those affected.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter H Posted September 11, 2013 Report Share Posted September 11, 2013 I was at work, remember seing something on a news site and then logged onto CNN. Watched it as it happened. People at work gathered behind me to watch. Tried to comute home afters but got stuck at a cafe at the trainstation with the constant news repeats. As Hafnia described it, I was just so numb. Could not quite comprehend what had happened. Even though I saw it time and time again. Again RIP and my thoughts to all affected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted September 11, 2013 Report Share Posted September 11, 2013 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24053015 Im sure it was only with good intentions, but seriously?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevO Posted September 11, 2013 Report Share Posted September 11, 2013 I remember it too clearly, I'm still drawn to the documentaries now. I didn't think it had affected me too much for years, but when I heard Obama say they got Bin Laden I felt relieved and had tears on my face. (Also if anyone watches the newsroom, the episode when they got Bin Laden is one of the best 60 mins of tv you could ever watch, I cried at the end of that too). I've always had strong connections with the states as I have lots of family there and I've been lucky enough to see a lot of the place, and a lot of the good things, and there are many many good things. I'm not in America yet (will be in 18 days) but today I'll stand with them in memory of a tragedy which change the whole world, not just the states. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalziel Kane Posted September 11, 2013 Report Share Posted September 11, 2013 It's a bit belated unfortunately, but RIP once again to all those that lost their lives on that heinous attack on our country 12 years ago now. Terrorism will not win, if we all stand together. StevO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcopaulo Posted September 11, 2013 Report Share Posted September 11, 2013 didn't know til i got in from school..my mate rang me and said have you seen it..couldn't believe it..like most i was stunned to silence... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 http://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/a-lot-of-people-are-very-upset-that-an-indian-american-woman Ignoring the fact that I detest and loathe the idea of pageants, this is unbelievable... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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