Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
Jan 26th 2011 | 2:05 am
#271
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
From: Cambridge, UK
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
You could try be a little more understanding and calm down a wee bit. Some aren't in the US by choice...they are trapped. Some find themselves having to choose between their marriage/children or the UK. Many of our members have fallen in love with an American or have moved because of their spouse's job and cannot just upsticks and return. Some are really struggling financially to keep their heads above water.
I recommend you read some of the heartbreaking posts in the MBTTUK forum. People who have been so unhappy in their adopted country that they have returned to the UK leaving their spouses and sometimes their children/grandchildren behind.
We moved here because of my husband's job. We had a good life in the UK and we moved to a good life in the US...but that didn't prevent homesickness. The only thing that kept me here was by husband's attitude...he said I only had to say the word and we would be on the next flight back to the UK. Knowing that I had that option gave me something to cling onto...many do not have that option. We have homes in the UK/US/Canada...I am lucky I can come and go as I please...many cannot.
What is the saying..."walk a mile in a man's shoes before you judge them".
Edit: Please remember that there are hundreds of thousands of Brits who move to other countries and love their new life. Most of them are out enjoying themselves and are not posting on internet forums. Most of our membership are people who don't fit into that category. We come on here so we can have a good moan and share a laugh with fellow Brits...we have long before you joined and will continue to do so long after you have left.
I recommend you read some of the heartbreaking posts in the MBTTUK forum. People who have been so unhappy in their adopted country that they have returned to the UK leaving their spouses and sometimes their children/grandchildren behind.
We moved here because of my husband's job. We had a good life in the UK and we moved to a good life in the US...but that didn't prevent homesickness. The only thing that kept me here was by husband's attitude...he said I only had to say the word and we would be on the next flight back to the UK. Knowing that I had that option gave me something to cling onto...many do not have that option. We have homes in the UK/US/Canada...I am lucky I can come and go as I please...many cannot.
What is the saying..."walk a mile in a man's shoes before you judge them".
Edit: Please remember that there are hundreds of thousands of Brits who move to other countries and love their new life. Most of them are out enjoying themselves and are not posting on internet forums. Most of our membership are people who don't fit into that category. We come on here so we can have a good moan and share a laugh with fellow Brits...we have long before you joined and will continue to do so long after you have left.
Jan 26th 2011 | 2:08 am
#272
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 34
From: DFW
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
There are 11 States I have not been to; predominantly up in NE, Idaho and WY.
The most poverty stricken of all that I've seen is MS, I was stunned. I stayed in Greenville, MS and traveled the levee roads down to Vicksburg. Met folk who observe MLK Day and those who call that day, Robert E. Lee's Birthday. But as touched on previously, it's a Southern (Confederate) State... so no surprise!
The poverty in places here far exceeds that in the UK and I would include Hawai'i in that too... for those of you that have been to Moloka'i, you'll understand what I mean! Hence many native Hawai'ians want back under the Union Flag (UK).
The most poverty stricken of all that I've seen is MS, I was stunned. I stayed in Greenville, MS and traveled the levee roads down to Vicksburg. Met folk who observe MLK Day and those who call that day, Robert E. Lee's Birthday. But as touched on previously, it's a Southern (Confederate) State... so no surprise!
The poverty in places here far exceeds that in the UK and I would include Hawai'i in that too... for those of you that have been to Moloka'i, you'll understand what I mean! Hence many native Hawai'ians want back under the Union Flag (UK).
Jan 26th 2011 | 3:06 am
#273
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,264
From: Vermont
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
What? - Even this
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/...a653c996_o.jpg
Most redneck place I've seen so far was in Vermont of all places - I think it was called Searsburg. It was all the more surprising as it comes at you out of the blue after a couple of pristine villages then all of a sudden it's like you have been transplanted to the Ozarks.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/...a653c996_o.jpg
Most redneck place I've seen so far was in Vermont of all places - I think it was called Searsburg. It was all the more surprising as it comes at you out of the blue after a couple of pristine villages then all of a sudden it's like you have been transplanted to the Ozarks.
Jan 26th 2011 | 3:31 am
#274
Banned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11,351
From: In my little world ....
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
I'm of the opinion that there's nothing wrong with guns. I just think that with ownership comes great responsibility and I don't see why people kick up a fuss about need some stricter controls in small arms ownership.
What is wrong with getting a medical note to say you are of sound mind, not suffering depression and getting a criminal background check to own a weapon? Sure it'll take more than a few days and be a inconvenience, but isn't that a small price?
It's not like buying a coffee machine, yet the whole gun debate seems to equate it to the same significance.
It is all very amusing...people here would hate the government stance in Austria if they think people are so over baring on this issue, over there, if you fail your driving test 3 times, you've got to take a medical to prove you are of sound mind because they can't believe anyone could possibly not have issues or be stupid to fail that often. I've seen the theory book, it's 3 inches thick
What is wrong with getting a medical note to say you are of sound mind, not suffering depression and getting a criminal background check to own a weapon? Sure it'll take more than a few days and be a inconvenience, but isn't that a small price?
It's not like buying a coffee machine, yet the whole gun debate seems to equate it to the same significance.
It is all very amusing...people here would hate the government stance in Austria if they think people are so over baring on this issue, over there, if you fail your driving test 3 times, you've got to take a medical to prove you are of sound mind because they can't believe anyone could possibly not have issues or be stupid to fail that often. I've seen the theory book, it's 3 inches thick
Jan 26th 2011 | 3:34 am
#275
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 61,698
From: Victoria, BC Canada
Jan 26th 2011 | 4:15 am
#276
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 92,276
From: MA, USA
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
What? - Even this
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/...a653c996_o.jpg
Most redneck place I've seen so far was in Vermont of all places - I think it was called Searsburg. It was all the more surprising as it comes at you out of the blue after a couple of pristine villages then all of a sudden it's like you have been transplanted to the Ozarks.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/...a653c996_o.jpg
Most redneck place I've seen so far was in Vermont of all places - I think it was called Searsburg. It was all the more surprising as it comes at you out of the blue after a couple of pristine villages then all of a sudden it's like you have been transplanted to the Ozarks.
Jan 26th 2011 | 8:55 am
#277
L2, GC, Surrey, OH, TX!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6,365
From: Surrey to Dallas (via Ohio)!
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
Originally Posted by airways
I also don't appreciate having segments of my posts highlighted and taken out of context to make a point or an argument. When I write something I expect the whole post to be taking in context.
Jan 26th 2011 | 10:39 am
#278
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 38,864
From: Kentucky
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
Jan 26th 2011 | 10:45 am
#279
Shocked of Redmond
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,462
From: Redmond, WA
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
You really better hope you never end up in court and have any statements you make brought under cross-examination or you are going to be SO disappointed.
Jan 26th 2011 | 12:58 pm
#280
The Kwisatz Haderach
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 8,080
From: North Wales
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
Wow. If someone from rural Louisiana says that your neighbourhood is the most redneck place he has ever been - it must be pretty darn redneck. Can't be worse than Arkansas though (if this thread is anything to go by). Check out the weird Confederate shrine in the photo at the bottom of the page.
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=179479
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=179479
Jan 27th 2011 | 7:32 pm
#281
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 954
From: Mendocino, California
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
Well I have read the entire thread , so I feel I can add my two penneth worth.
I moved to the US in 1983 , I was 21 at the time, the first 7 or 8 years were difficult, I wasn't so much homesick as culture sick. I was living in the San Francisco Bay Area at the time which many people consider paradise, I personally thought it was shite.
I was all set to go back to the UK. Although there was nothing really waiting for me in there except my mums couch.
I never had a much money, no degree, just a love of art and a strong back. I decided to move further north to a really beautiful part of the states, I figured if I was going to be broke I may as well live somewhere I liked.
It took a while to settle in but eventually my neighbours became my family and frankly even though I miss the UK dearly I feel I would also miss my adopted home just as much.
Like Sultan I am never really satisfied ,so I have to be careful not to blame all my ills on external sources, I whinge and moan regardless of where I am
Over the years I worked hard and set up a photography business which is finally giving me a decent living and I get to go back to the UK fairly frequently, in fact I am over there right now. Ideally I would like to live half the time in both countries although I am not sure how feasible that is.
Life is meant to be lived, not worrying about what may happen in the future whether it be healthcare or guns, ( don't own one by the way ).
I could have taken a depressing job and got great health coverage, but then again I would have needed it as my situation would have made me sick anyway.
We are all dealt our cards , how we play them is up to us, some are fortunate some are not, there are no guarantees and life goes up and down, sometimes you need to get sad just to realize when you are happy.
I wish you ALL, all the best, you made a tough decision crossing the pond and you should be proud that you got off your ass and did something interesting at least.
Anyway I'm off for a full English breakfast down the cafe.
Oh one quick tip, stop watching the F*****g news, it's just one disaster after another that most of us have no control over.
Anyway take care !
Mick
I moved to the US in 1983 , I was 21 at the time, the first 7 or 8 years were difficult, I wasn't so much homesick as culture sick. I was living in the San Francisco Bay Area at the time which many people consider paradise, I personally thought it was shite.
I was all set to go back to the UK. Although there was nothing really waiting for me in there except my mums couch.
I never had a much money, no degree, just a love of art and a strong back. I decided to move further north to a really beautiful part of the states, I figured if I was going to be broke I may as well live somewhere I liked.
It took a while to settle in but eventually my neighbours became my family and frankly even though I miss the UK dearly I feel I would also miss my adopted home just as much.
Like Sultan I am never really satisfied ,so I have to be careful not to blame all my ills on external sources, I whinge and moan regardless of where I am
Over the years I worked hard and set up a photography business which is finally giving me a decent living and I get to go back to the UK fairly frequently, in fact I am over there right now. Ideally I would like to live half the time in both countries although I am not sure how feasible that is.
Life is meant to be lived, not worrying about what may happen in the future whether it be healthcare or guns, ( don't own one by the way ).
I could have taken a depressing job and got great health coverage, but then again I would have needed it as my situation would have made me sick anyway.
We are all dealt our cards , how we play them is up to us, some are fortunate some are not, there are no guarantees and life goes up and down, sometimes you need to get sad just to realize when you are happy.
I wish you ALL, all the best, you made a tough decision crossing the pond and you should be proud that you got off your ass and did something interesting at least.
Anyway I'm off for a full English breakfast down the cafe.
Oh one quick tip, stop watching the F*****g news, it's just one disaster after another that most of us have no control over.
Anyway take care !
Mick
Jan 27th 2011 | 8:46 pm
#282
Banned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,157
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
If your middleclass America is great but unfornuatly unlike Britain or Australia where I'm from America is not a legitimate first world country. There are loads of poverty which are compareable to many third world countries. It's through this where the danger can occur. This can be avoided though.
Jan 28th 2011 | 1:32 am
#283
I have a comma problem
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 49,598
From: Fox Lake, IL (from Carrickfergus NI)
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
It's amazing how people can take a chain of natural disasters that have been happening for billions of years that suddenly get more publicity than before and it's now the end of the world!
I imagine the Romans must have thought that 2,000 years ago when Vesuvius went pop, but I believe Italy is still here. We've been beating the living shit out of each other ever since we learned to walk on two legs and we keep coming back for more.
Switch off the TV and go have a wank or something equally productive and we'll all still be here tomorrow.
Sorry - went off on one there. The end times brigade are pissing me off lately
(Handing the thread back now
)
Jan 28th 2011 | 1:35 am
#284
.
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 8,933
From: Where bad things rarely happen in movies
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
Coastieexat - good post but....
YOU BU99ER!!!
Give my right arm for a full english in the greasy spoon by the DLR bridge in Limehouse right now. Oh, hold on - I can't - I gave that for a box of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes earlier in the week. Damn, gonna have to be one of the legs or I wont be able to lift me fork!
YOU BU99ER!!!
Give my right arm for a full english in the greasy spoon by the DLR bridge in Limehouse right now. Oh, hold on - I can't - I gave that for a box of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes earlier in the week. Damn, gonna have to be one of the legs or I wont be able to lift me fork!
Jan 28th 2011 | 6:12 am
#285
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 12,090
From: Yam Yam land
Re: Is this really, that terrible compared to UK?
That I think sadly is the crux of it. This forum is unfortunately more of a private club than anything. If you dare to have an opinion or do not appear to be sympathetic to members of the clique then you are 'welcomed' to move on.
To many of the responses on here are tainted by the personal circumstances of some of the posters. A real shame as there is so much potential to share.
Put it like this. I don't care if people have guns or not, I don't care if they are bored or lonely or can't afford health care and I don't care to be bullied into agreeing with them. I reserve the right to bash the British and the UK unreservedly. I am British and thats my right. I have no intention of bashing the rules, laws or customs of another nation as that is not my right. That does not make me ant social, anti american, anti british or anti anything for that matter. I am entitled to have my own opinions. I have not tried to change anyones view to match my own, I have merely used the right to free speech to express my opinion.
Sorry if I am not some soppy kiss ass but that's life. If I wanted to walk in someone else's shoes and understand how tough life is for them I would become a counsellor.
I also don't appreciate having segments of my posts highlighted and taken out of context to make a point or an argument. When I write something I expect the whole post to be taking in context.
To many of the responses on here are tainted by the personal circumstances of some of the posters. A real shame as there is so much potential to share.
Put it like this. I don't care if people have guns or not, I don't care if they are bored or lonely or can't afford health care and I don't care to be bullied into agreeing with them. I reserve the right to bash the British and the UK unreservedly. I am British and thats my right. I have no intention of bashing the rules, laws or customs of another nation as that is not my right. That does not make me ant social, anti american, anti british or anti anything for that matter. I am entitled to have my own opinions. I have not tried to change anyones view to match my own, I have merely used the right to free speech to express my opinion.
Sorry if I am not some soppy kiss ass but that's life. If I wanted to walk in someone else's shoes and understand how tough life is for them I would become a counsellor.
I also don't appreciate having segments of my posts highlighted and taken out of context to make a point or an argument. When I write something I expect the whole post to be taking in context.
