Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Feb 10th 2005, 11:36 pm
#301
Gurning up a storm!
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Just moved back to NH from UK after the wife and I tried living in UK
Posts: 80
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Originally Posted by ghallett
Some things I was quite prepared for.....crap TV showing commercials in between the opening credits and the programme actually starting, :
UK TV is full of shallow soaps, or other programs that appeal to the lowest common denominator, and treat the viewer like a ****ing four year old!
admittedly the US has 1000 channels of this - but there are a few that are levelled at a rational adult audience (and I dont mean the porn!)
Only about once a month does anything decent actually appear!
Ralph
Feb 11th 2005, 12:02 am
#302
Gurning up a storm!
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Just moved back to NH from UK after the wife and I tried living in UK
Posts: 80
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Originally Posted by Englishmum
Well....I've had a devil of a time just trying to find some stockings and suspenders (or whatever they're called over here...I think suspenders are what we would call braces for holding up trousers?).
(
(
Feb 11th 2005, 12:27 pm
#303
my arm aches
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: the warm waters of Florida
Posts: 2,289
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Women wearing real fur coats. 
Especially here in Florida, the old "ladies who lunch" love to dress up and wear their fur coats when it's cold here. 
Especially here in Florida, the old "ladies who lunch" love to dress up and wear their fur coats when it's cold here.
Feb 11th 2005, 1:58 pm
#304
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,172
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Originally Posted by ladyofthelake
Women wearing real fur coats...
but vintage stuff is better.
Feb 11th 2005, 3:09 pm
#305
Powder Maggot
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Nuevo Mexico
Posts: 4,452
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Originally Posted by ladyofthelake
Women wearing real fur coats. Especially here in Florida, the old "ladies who lunch" love to dress up and wear their fur coats when it's cold here.
Especially here in Florida, the old "ladies who lunch" love to dress up and wear their fur coats when it's cold here.
Feb 11th 2005, 3:39 pm
#306
Not living a 9 to 5 life
Joined: Jun 2002
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 11,061
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Originally Posted by ladyofthelake
Women wearing real fur coats. Especially here in Florida, the old "ladies who lunch" love to dress up and wear their fur coats when it's cold here.
Especially here in Florida, the old "ladies who lunch" love to dress up and wear their fur coats when it's cold here. NC Penguin
Feb 11th 2005, 5:00 pm
#307
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 41
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
I thought of some more:
Grown women shopping at the grocery store dressed in their pyjamas and furry slippers.....at all times of the day.
Having to provide snacks for the entire class on a regular basis (for goodness sakes, they are 9 years old now - they should be able to last until lunchtime!)
Having to fork out $$$ for all the stuff needed for my child's dreaded 'Science Fair' display.
Having to fight back the urge to hit someone every time they ask me "So when are you going to become a citizen?" or, "Are you an American citizen?"
When telling an American what part of England I was born in (Northamptonshire), and then having them correcting me on my pronunciation of it..."Oh, you mean North Hampton Shyre"
The discovery - in one of my nursing textbooks, in the 'cultural awareness' section - that EVERY culture was succeeded by the word 'Amercian', i.e. "Chinese Americans", "Mexican Americans", "Arab Americans", "European Americans".....
Plugs that fall out of the wall sockets if someone even breathes on them.
The complete lack of ecological awareness and the view that everything has to be disposable to be 'safe & hygenic' ....i.e. In both my child's schools, all the plates & cups are plastic disposable, all the cutlery is plastic and pre-packaged with a single napkin in more plastic wrapping. If a child needs just a spoon, or another napkin (or, perish the thought spills something and needs a few napkins) they have to open an entire packet (or several entire packets) of cutlery, then throw everything away at the end of the meal. For my children's two schools, that totals around 1,500 plastic plates, cups, knives, forks, spoons (adds up to 7,500 plastic items) being thrown away every single school day..... :scared:
Paint.
Grown women shopping at the grocery store dressed in their pyjamas and furry slippers.....at all times of the day.
Having to provide snacks for the entire class on a regular basis (for goodness sakes, they are 9 years old now - they should be able to last until lunchtime!)
Having to fork out $$$ for all the stuff needed for my child's dreaded 'Science Fair' display.
Having to fight back the urge to hit someone every time they ask me "So when are you going to become a citizen?" or, "Are you an American citizen?"
When telling an American what part of England I was born in (Northamptonshire), and then having them correcting me on my pronunciation of it..."Oh, you mean North Hampton Shyre"
The discovery - in one of my nursing textbooks, in the 'cultural awareness' section - that EVERY culture was succeeded by the word 'Amercian', i.e. "Chinese Americans", "Mexican Americans", "Arab Americans", "European Americans".....
Plugs that fall out of the wall sockets if someone even breathes on them.
The complete lack of ecological awareness and the view that everything has to be disposable to be 'safe & hygenic' ....i.e. In both my child's schools, all the plates & cups are plastic disposable, all the cutlery is plastic and pre-packaged with a single napkin in more plastic wrapping. If a child needs just a spoon, or another napkin (or, perish the thought spills something and needs a few napkins) they have to open an entire packet (or several entire packets) of cutlery, then throw everything away at the end of the meal. For my children's two schools, that totals around 1,500 plastic plates, cups, knives, forks, spoons (adds up to 7,500 plastic items) being thrown away every single school day..... :scared:
Paint.
Feb 11th 2005, 5:06 pm
#308
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Originally Posted by Paint
When telling an American what part of England I was born in (Northamptonshire), and then having them correcting me on my pronunciation of it..."Oh, you mean North Hampton Shyre"
Feb 11th 2005, 5:07 pm
#309
Senor Member ( no typo)
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: Nerja Espana/Elgin USA
Posts: 229
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Originally Posted by Paint
I thought of some more:
Grown women shopping at the grocery store dressed in their pyjamas and furry slippers.....at all times of the day.
Having to provide snacks for the entire class on a regular basis (for goodness sakes, they are 9 years old now - they should be able to last until lunchtime!)
Having to fork out $$$ for all the stuff needed for my child's dreaded 'Science Fair' display.
Having to fight back the urge to hit someone every time they ask me "So when are you going to become a citizen?" or, "Are you an American citizen?"
When telling an American what part of England I was born in (Northamptonshire), and then having them correcting me on my pronunciation of it..."Oh, you mean North Hampton Shyre"
The discovery - in one of my nursing textbooks, in the 'cultural awareness' section - that EVERY culture was succeeded by the word 'Amercian', i.e. "Chinese Americans", "Mexican Americans", "Arab Americans", "European Americans".....
Plugs that fall out of the wall sockets if someone even breathes on them.
The complete lack of ecological awareness and the view that everything has to be disposable to be 'safe & hygenic' ....i.e. In both my child's schools, all the plates & cups are plastic disposable, all the cutlery is plastic and pre-packaged with a single napkin in more plastic wrapping. If a child needs just a spoon, or another napkin (or, perish the thought spills something and needs a few napkins) they have to open an entire packet (or several entire packets) of cutlery, then throw everything away at the end of the meal. For my children's two schools, that totals around 1,500 plastic plates, cups, knives, forks, spoons (adds up to 7,500 plastic items) being thrown away every single school day..... :scared:
Paint.
Grown women shopping at the grocery store dressed in their pyjamas and furry slippers.....at all times of the day.
Having to provide snacks for the entire class on a regular basis (for goodness sakes, they are 9 years old now - they should be able to last until lunchtime!)
Having to fork out $$$ for all the stuff needed for my child's dreaded 'Science Fair' display.
Having to fight back the urge to hit someone every time they ask me "So when are you going to become a citizen?" or, "Are you an American citizen?"
When telling an American what part of England I was born in (Northamptonshire), and then having them correcting me on my pronunciation of it..."Oh, you mean North Hampton Shyre"
The discovery - in one of my nursing textbooks, in the 'cultural awareness' section - that EVERY culture was succeeded by the word 'Amercian', i.e. "Chinese Americans", "Mexican Americans", "Arab Americans", "European Americans".....
Plugs that fall out of the wall sockets if someone even breathes on them.
The complete lack of ecological awareness and the view that everything has to be disposable to be 'safe & hygenic' ....i.e. In both my child's schools, all the plates & cups are plastic disposable, all the cutlery is plastic and pre-packaged with a single napkin in more plastic wrapping. If a child needs just a spoon, or another napkin (or, perish the thought spills something and needs a few napkins) they have to open an entire packet (or several entire packets) of cutlery, then throw everything away at the end of the meal. For my children's two schools, that totals around 1,500 plastic plates, cups, knives, forks, spoons (adds up to 7,500 plastic items) being thrown away every single school day..... :scared:
Paint.
Being asked "Why are you riding your motorcycle ...don't you know it's cold ?"
Being told " Britain is a wonderful place to live, I wish I lived there " there is an answer to that one somewhere !!!!
Being asked if I know the Queen or did I know Diana ?
The list is endless......
Feb 11th 2005, 5:09 pm
#310
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Originally Posted by Paint
The complete lack of ecological awareness and the view that everything has to be disposable to be 'safe & hygenic' ....i.e. In both my child's schools, all the plates & cups are plastic disposable, all the cutlery is plastic and pre-packaged with a single napkin in more plastic wrapping. If a child needs just a spoon, or another napkin (or, perish the thought spills something and needs a few napkins) they have to open an entire packet (or several entire packets) of cutlery, then throw everything away at the end of the meal. For my children's two schools, that totals around 1,500 plastic plates, cups, knives, forks, spoons (adds up to 7,500 plastic items) being thrown away every single school day..... :scared:
Paint.
Paint.
Feb 11th 2005, 5:15 pm
#311
Powder Maggot
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Nuevo Mexico
Posts: 4,452
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Originally Posted by fatbrit
There are 2 places in England: London and near London. I believe your previous abode qualifies for the latter. Use this simplified geography system and then they don't foam at the mouth.
Feb 11th 2005, 5:16 pm
#312
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 41
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Originally Posted by expat01
Being told " you can't have an american driving license if you're not a citizen"
Being asked "Why are you riding your motorcycle ...don't you know it's cold ?"
Being told " Britain is a wonderful place to live, I wish I lived there " there is an answer to that one somewhere !!!!
Being asked if I know the Queen or did I know Diana ?
The list is endless......
Being asked "Why are you riding your motorcycle ...don't you know it's cold ?"
Being told " Britain is a wonderful place to live, I wish I lived there " there is an answer to that one somewhere !!!!
Being asked if I know the Queen or did I know Diana ?
The list is endless......
I thought of another one, the inevitable question "So how do you like living in America?" for me (who came here because hubby wanted to and have tried so hard to settle, but is still extremely homesick after 5 years) I almost want to reply "Do you want the honest version or the polite lie?"
Paint.
Feb 11th 2005, 5:21 pm
#313
Who?
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Stepford
Posts: 3,098
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Originally Posted by Paint
I thought of some more:
Grown women shopping at the grocery store dressed in their pyjamas and furry slippers.....at all times of the day.
Having to provide snacks for the entire class on a regular basis (for goodness sakes, they are 9 years old now - they should be able to last until lunchtime!)
Having to fork out $$$ for all the stuff needed for my child's dreaded 'Science Fair' display.
Having to fight back the urge to hit someone every time they ask me "So when are you going to become a citizen?" or, "Are you an American citizen?"
When telling an American what part of England I was born in (Northamptonshire), and then having them correcting me on my pronunciation of it..."Oh, you mean North Hampton Shyre"
The discovery - in one of my nursing textbooks, in the 'cultural awareness' section - that EVERY culture was succeeded by the word 'Amercian', i.e. "Chinese Americans", "Mexican Americans", "Arab Americans", "European Americans".....
Plugs that fall out of the wall sockets if someone even breathes on them.
The complete lack of ecological awareness and the view that everything has to be disposable to be 'safe & hygenic' ....i.e. In both my child's schools, all the plates & cups are plastic disposable, all the cutlery is plastic and pre-packaged with a single napkin in more plastic wrapping. If a child needs just a spoon, or another napkin (or, perish the thought spills something and needs a few napkins) they have to open an entire packet (or several entire packets) of cutlery, then throw everything away at the end of the meal. For my children's two schools, that totals around 1,500 plastic plates, cups, knives, forks, spoons (adds up to 7,500 plastic items) being thrown away every single school day..... :scared:
Paint.
Grown women shopping at the grocery store dressed in their pyjamas and furry slippers.....at all times of the day.
Having to provide snacks for the entire class on a regular basis (for goodness sakes, they are 9 years old now - they should be able to last until lunchtime!)
Having to fork out $$$ for all the stuff needed for my child's dreaded 'Science Fair' display.
Having to fight back the urge to hit someone every time they ask me "So when are you going to become a citizen?" or, "Are you an American citizen?"
When telling an American what part of England I was born in (Northamptonshire), and then having them correcting me on my pronunciation of it..."Oh, you mean North Hampton Shyre"
The discovery - in one of my nursing textbooks, in the 'cultural awareness' section - that EVERY culture was succeeded by the word 'Amercian', i.e. "Chinese Americans", "Mexican Americans", "Arab Americans", "European Americans".....
Plugs that fall out of the wall sockets if someone even breathes on them.
The complete lack of ecological awareness and the view that everything has to be disposable to be 'safe & hygenic' ....i.e. In both my child's schools, all the plates & cups are plastic disposable, all the cutlery is plastic and pre-packaged with a single napkin in more plastic wrapping. If a child needs just a spoon, or another napkin (or, perish the thought spills something and needs a few napkins) they have to open an entire packet (or several entire packets) of cutlery, then throw everything away at the end of the meal. For my children's two schools, that totals around 1,500 plastic plates, cups, knives, forks, spoons (adds up to 7,500 plastic items) being thrown away every single school day..... :scared:
Paint.
You mean I can still do it when I come to the USA
Feb 11th 2005, 5:22 pm
#314
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,172
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Originally Posted by Paint
Having to provide snacks for the entire class on a regular basis (for goodness sakes, they are 9 years old now - they should be able to last until lunchtime!)
Plugs that fall out of the wall sockets if someone even breathes on them.
Plugs that fall out of the wall sockets if someone even breathes on them.
and yeah, the plugs, kack ain't they...
Feb 11th 2005, 5:25 pm
#315
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: Pet Peeves peculiar to living in the USofA
Originally Posted by AdobePinon
No, there are four places in England: London, near London, Liverpool, and Scotland.
I stand corrected.
The OP should still give her previous location as Near London though, unless she wishes to deceive. In that case, tell 'em that she's the deposed Princess of Liebfraumilch and they'll easily lap that up just as well.