Category: World Culture

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People Talk About What the Crazy Year of 2020 Has Taught Them

What else could possibly happen in 2020?

Actually, I don’t even want to say that out loud because if we’ve learned one thing this year, it’s to expect the unexpected…and that’s a pretty scary thought, considering all the things we’ve gone through so far since January 1.

We’ve all learned a lot about ourselves this year, every single one of us.

What has this year taught you?

Here’s what people had to say on AskReddit.

1. Not so much.

“That I’m nowhere as much of a loner as I thought I was.

I may not be the most sociable person of the universe, but spending months holed up in my room with basically no IRL human contact got old fast.”

2. This is huge.

“Not to take travel for granted.

I am trying to learn French as something to keep distracted with, and to feel like I am doing something which will pay off when traveling in the future, but would give anything for a worry-free week abroad right now.

Getting very sick of the inside of my flat.”

3. All of it.

“That there are so many horrible people in the world, oblivious to everything around them and only concerned with themselves.

And also that there are so many kind and loving people in the world that are willing to help anyone.”

4. Hugs.

“Hug your spouse more.

Man on man woman on woman man on woman whatever hug those who are there for you. Wife’s an ER nurse I’m a firefighter working through covid non sense. The forced quarantine after contact with a positive pt has ripped us apart.

It’s hard to cope when your coping mechanism is behind glass out of reach. Hug your peeps.”

5. Keep your fingers crossed.

“That people will genuinely believe bad events will end just because the year is over.

Its overwhelming how many times I hear things like: “omg I cant wait for 2021, everything will be a fresh start” or “2020 can just leave”

Like, what do you really expect? All issues reset every January the 1st? Wtf.”

6. Keep your head up.

“That I can be a lot stronger and confident than I give myself credit for…

Gotta look for the positives, right?!”

7. Not prepared at all.

“That the United States is really REALLY not prepared for real sh*t to happen.

Most of the world is not.

We are held together by threads of a stretched out cloth ready to tear.”

8. Even worse now.

“The rich get richer while the poor get poorer.

It’s already bad enough under normal circumstances but in global crisis situations this applies even more.”

9. The process of weeding out.

“It showed me who my real friends are.

And some stuff about how stupid some people are, even if it is to protect the people who are at risk due to coronavirus.”

10. That is very true!

“People don’t know what Socialism really means.”

11. Hard knock life.

“That life is tragic, cruel, and absurd, to the point where it can completely break you.

But also that no matter how bad it all gets, there is genuine peace and comfort in real, platonic love and my friends are the light of my life. We have each other’s backs and we adore each other.

So in a way, despite having lost nearly everything, I am incredibly lucky. I’m never really alone.”

12. Sad.

“A common hardship won’t bring people together, like in Independence Day or Watchmen.

Rather, it’ll drive them to care only about their own interests.”

13. Big money.

“That big corporations that say they care about their customers don’t give a sh*t. All they care about is money.

When small businesses went bankrupt during the pandemic the big corporations amassed billions in wealth.”

14. Not much different.

“That my family would be fine on a confined spaceship traveling to Mars or somewhere else distant.

The lockdown has had little effect on us.”

15. Here’s the deal.

“Life is short.

There are too many things in this world that are out of your control that can punch you in the guts. So live your life, enjoy your family and friends, enjoy good food, focus on what’s important.

Save for the future but not at the expense of living a meaningful and rewarding life now. Money is a means to an end, not an end in itself.

Also, on the flip side from a cynical point of view, this past year has reaffirmed that the world is full of stupid people.

Opinions do not override scientific facts and the anti science agenda of those in power today takes advantage of the uneducated and those who give into fear mongering too easily.”

Now it’s your turn.

In the comments, tell us what this crazy year has taught YOU.

Please and thank you!

The post People Talk About What the Crazy Year of 2020 Has Taught Them appeared first on UberFacts.

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People Talk About What “Good Guys” From History Were Actually Bad

History is written by the winners.

And, depending on where you grew up, you learn from a young age who are the “good guys” in history and who are the “bad guys.”

But sometimes those stories and legends don’t really jive with reality.

Here’s what folks on AskReddit had to say about historical figures who are not nearly as squeaky-clean as their reputations would have you believe.

1. Wow.

“Alexander Graham Bell pushed for the eugenics of deaf and hard of hearing people and was a major obstacle to fund schools for the deaf, which thankfully did persist despite this guy.”

2. Mr. Ford.

“Henry Ford was so anti-Semitic that Hitler considered him a hero.”

3. Cromwell.

“There’s a statue of Oliver Cromwell in London.

Loads of movies about him and how he was a brave revolutionary.

Nah. He was an evil sociopath who committed genocide on Irish Catholics and turned the UK into a Puritan dictatorship.”

4. Haven’t heard this before.

“Bob Marley.

And there’s a very good story to back this up that also explains how he grew to be no.1 reggae singer of Jamaica.

He had a posse of friends that would intimidate radio networks of Jamaica into playing his music, as well as destroying the alpha discs of other newer artists (idk wtf they’re called but the copy the radio networks were given in order to play on the air.)

He might have been trying to promote feel-good music and peace and all that but he was a thug when it came to getting that music out.”

5. AA.

“Bill Wilson, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The guy did great things, and created a program of recovery that has saved millions of lives since it’s inception 85 years ago.

He was also an arrogant *sshole that cheated on his wife even in sobriety.”

6. Imagine that.

“In some aspects to the 60’s and 70’s when the Beatles were icons, (I’m talking about John Lennon) people who use his image and face for “peace” sometimes forget important details.

  • He abused women
  • He was a cheater
  • He abused his children (made one go completely deaf in one ear)
  • Total hypocrite on the “no possessions” when he lived one of the most lavish lifestyles of his time
  • Compulsive liar
  • Had a *exual appetite for his own mother
  • Almost killed a few people (look up Bob Wooler, he was almost punched to death by John. There were others but their stories have either been disputed or unclaimed.)

So whenever I see a bunch of people sing imagine I just shake my head in shame cause so many people don’t even know how bad he was but act like he was a saint.”

7. Not great.

“Sir John A MacDonald.

First prime minister of Canada.

Did a lot for the country in its infancy but treated indigenous people like garbage.”

8. A royal family.

“Joseph P. Kennedy, dad of John, Bobby, and Teddy, had one of his daughters lobotomized.

She was likely autistic but was considered an “embarrassment to the family”.”

9. Napoleon.

“Napoleon.

I’m French and I don’t get why people like him so freaking much here. He re established slavery and tried to conquer a huge part of Europe, leaving literal bloodbaths behind him.

Gosh, even the painting of his coronation reeks of narcissism, he’s putting the crown on his own head for f*ck sake.”

10. An American legend.

“Teddy Roosevelt.

Interesting quote of his, “I don’t go so far as to think that the only good Indians are the dead Indians, but I believe nine out of every 10 are””

11. The King.

“Elvis Presley.

He never wrote a song in his life, but his record label made any song writers hand over half of their writing fees, before Elvis would record their songs. He’s credited as a co-writer on the majority of his songs.

That’s why Dolly Parton refused to let him record I Will Always Love You.

She wouldn’t sign away any of the songwriting credit or future profits from her work. She’s a savvy business woman.”

12. Edison.

“Thomas Edison.

Biggest monopolist ever and took credit for other people’s work. He didn’t invent the lightbulb but bought the rights and advanced it. He monopolized the film-projector + most films at the time and it took a very long lawsuit to get that fixed.

He took many creations from his employees and put his name on it. This wasn’t illegal because of the contracts employees signed at the time but it’s not exactly a sign of good will.

I don’t hate the guy but his character is often completely exaggerated.”

13. A real showman.

“Not necessarily a “good guy”, but got lots of positive attention from the release of The Greatest Showman.

Apparently PT Barnum was a terrible person in real life.”

14. A great director, but…

“Hitchcock was SO f*cked up.

He was famous for pulling “pranks” like chaining a dude up over a long night and giving him a bottle of whiskey laced with serious laxatives, so he sh*t himself, painfully, in chains, for twelve hours or so.

He made the actress from Psycho, Janet Leigh, stand in the shower for almost a week; she only takes baths now. The degree to which he abused Tippi Hedrin during that scene from The Birds is… wow.

He literally threw birds at her for five days, eight hours a day, so that they were pissed off and actually attacked her, even after her doctor told him she couldn’t take any more. She still has scars. Not to mention the s*xual assaults and the threats to “ruin her career” if she didn’t comply.

He sent her daughter, Melanie Griffith, a really lifelike doll of her mother, dead in a coffin. She was eight.

Dude was f*cked. Behind the B*stards does a great couple episodes about him, those are just the ones I remember off the top of my head from 2+ hours of it.”

Okay, history buffs, now it’s your turn.

In the comments, tell us who you think is regarded as a “good guy” in history but was actually pretty terrible.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

The post People Talk About What “Good Guys” From History Were Actually Bad appeared first on UberFacts.

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Here’s What Other Countries Think About the American Accent

I can attest to the fact that many of us go wild for accents from other countries. We think they’re adorable, sexy, cute, or some combination of all three.

What, though, do other countries think of American accents? Do we have accents?

Keep reading to find out!

17. Round and squishy. Just like Americans!

I really enjoy American accent.

Hearing it all the time it’s “normal”, but every once in a while when I hear it in person it just sounds nice to me.

Like round and squishy.

I am from Croatia for those wondering. I love the fact how native speakers liked my description.

16. This is straight-up hilarious.

When I (‘Mercan) was hanging out in Blackpool England, a cabbie heard me talk and yelled “foook me, ya sound jus like Brat Pitt!!”

Until then, I figured my Midwestern accent sounded bland and ordinary.

15. I like this explanation.

The American accents are varied, from educated articulate person, to tin can chewing badger tripping on LSD.

14. That’s…sweet.

I traveled a bit in West Africa and most people thought my Ohio accent sounded really nasally.

I had a kid walk up to me and mock my accent by plugging her nose and speaking gibberish.

13. How dare you lump Boston and NY together?!

I’m British I like some of them but really dislike some others. The Hollywood accent I’m kind of used to as we get a lot of American TV shows and movies. I really love southern accents, I think they sound awesome.

The ones I really don’t like are New York and Boston accents. They sound overly aggressive and very jarring.

12. Can’t hide it.

It sounds natural to me since Scotland has american tv shows along with the rest of the uk.

If I ever hear an american accent in real life though it sticks out like a sore thumb

11. This is kind of adorable.

All British kids have an American accent for playing at star wars or war.

It really is part of all our childhoods

10. It’s that simple.

An American Accent is like a wild animal: if you see it in an exhibit, you feel safe, but if you encounter it in the wild, you feel very uncomfortable

9. I mean…

I’m salvadorian but speak in an american accent.

But I gotta say, before i spoke english, I thought an american accent was just adding the words “o my gosh” to everything you say.

8. That’s us alright.

It’s not even the accent. Just the sheer loudness. I’M AMERICAN AND IM HEEERE!!!!

7. Those were some bold strangers.

Traveling outside the US and even out of the South, I have gotten compliments on my accent. My brother has gotten weird looks and even insults. We grew up together, but with different friends and interests, so we have different Southern accents.

Some people on a train in Europe had a discussion about our accents because they were surprised we were from the same family. They said they liked mine because it was a softer accent and better articulated, whereas my brother’s accent was what they called “country”.

6. Love it or hate it.

I usually associate the American accent with Hollywood and celebrities.

It sounds normal when I hear it in films but when I hear it in real life it’s kinda odd.

I also really like the southern accent.

5. That’s a great description.

My in-laws were both born and raised in North Carolina.

Highly educated.

Both speak like they have a mouthful of marbles.

4. That’s kind of nice, right?

England here. As others have said, we’re kind of normalised to it thanks to TV, movies, etc. But it always sounds a little strange in real life. Now and then you hear an American in England and (not to be rude) they almost always seem to be the loudest voice in the room. Not like they’re shouting or being obnoxious or anything, their voices just seem louder. One time I was sitting in a hotel lobby in Wales and this American guy walked in. The sheer bass of his voice was astounding.

Honestly though (and this is a bit off-topic), more shocking than the accent is just the manner of speech and general behaviour. I never get this impression from the way people talk online, but it seems like in North America (I’ve been to Florida and to Canada) people are always super nice to each other, especially to bus drivers, cashiers, etc. They always have such complete and wholesome goodbyes. “Thank you very much! You have a great day, God bless”, etc. By comparison it feels like we over here are all just depressed and want minimal human contact. “thx”

3. Short answer? No.

Yes, I have an Israeli co-worker who can’t understand why people ask, “How are you?” as they walk away.

“Don’t they want to know?”

It’s a fair question.

2. Same, honestly.

Central Europe.

I mostly learned English from American TV Shows, so generic american accent sounds good to me, sometimes more pleasing and can understand more then UK (Londonish) accent.

I don’t find southern accent very pleasing and also the “valley los angeles” accent is horrible to me.

1. Now I want to look up videos.

I absolutely adore the New York accent. Specifically the Jewish subtype. I find it interesting how Jewish people are able to preserve their mannerisms no matter the environment.

For example, the Odessa accent is to Russian (Odessa is a port city in the south of Ukraine, great percentage of population is/ was jewish) what the NY Jewish accent is to English.

I have to say, this is pretty much what I expected.

If you’re not American, now’s your chance to tell us what you think!

The post Here’s What Other Countries Think About the American Accent appeared first on UberFacts.

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This is Why We Bob for Apples on Halloween

If you think that tying children’s hands behind their backs and shoving their faces into cold water in an attempt to latch on to a probably mealy piece of fruit is sort of a strange tradition, well…you’re not wrong.

You’re also not alone, as this Halloween party game has pretty much moved aside to make room for costumes, trick-or-treating, candy, and other spooky-type traditions as opposed to borderline-torturing party guests.

Image Credit: iStock

Where did it come from to begin with, and why? Well, buckle up, and get ready – because it’s a little bit romantic.

Historically, apples have long (like since the beginning of Biblical time) been associated with fertility – they’re actually known aphrodisiacs. Joan Morgan, a British apple expert and fruit historian (that’s a thing, I guess), told Salt that “apples, apple peels, and even pips have long been used to peer into the romantic future.”

The idea came across to America when Europeans carried apple seeds on the boats to bring along good fortune.

Image Credit: Pexels

The idea of bobbing for apples is also a very old tradition, one that started as a sort of courting ritual for young lovers. In one version, if the young lady bit into the apple that held the name of her special someone on the first try, it was like fate giving them the go-ahead.

If it took her two tries, they probably weren’t destined for forever, and three? Pack it in, bucko.

Other games included the first person to bite into an apple being the next to marry, and girls placing the apples they bit under their pillows in exchange for seeing her true love in a dream.

As far as apples and Halloween, the two have also long gone hand-in-hand. Another apple/Halloween game is called Snap Apple, and to play, an apple is pierced with a stick on one side and a candle on the other. The apple moves and spins around the room as people try to take bites out of it, which honestly, sounds hard and also sort of dangerous?

Image Credit: iStock

The game is so well-known and popular in places like England and Ireland that October 31 – smack in the middle of harvest season – is known as “Snap-Apple Night.”

Many of our Halloween traditions come from Celtic lore and history – pagan and otherwise –  so it’s no surprise that in America, our All Hallow’s Eve had historically included some kind of interaction with apples.

Now, though, you know why!

And I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’m ever going to look at apples quite the same, now that I know romance is involved.

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Check Out the Smallest Ocean in the World. It’s Also the Most Shallow.

Hi there!

There are times when you need to know something for reasons, and sometimes the knowing is enough – but also, being able to kick your friends and family’s butts at Trivial Pursuit has never felt bad, has it?

If the question on the table is “what’s the world’s smallest ocean,” and you find yourself hesitating, don’t worry.

We’ve got your back.

Image Credit: iStock

Oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface, and geographers take this space and divide into smaller regions of ocean – the smallest of which is the Arctic Ocean.

Small is, of course, relative – it still covers around 5.4 million square miles (around 150% larger than North America).

Image Credit: iStock

It’s located at the polar region of the Northern Hemisphere and is almost completely surrounded by Europe, Asia, and North America.

For most of the year it is covered in ice, though as you may have heard, rising temperatures are melting it at alarming rates.

Image Credit: iStock

The Arctic ocean is 10x smaller than the Pacific Ocean, and it’s also the shallowest of the world’s oceans, with an average depth of around .65 miles (1.04 kilometers, 3407 feet).

For comparison, the average depth of the world’s oceans as a whole is 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers, 12,100 feet), and the deepest ranges of the Pacific measure around 6.85 miles (11 kilometers, 36,200 feet) deep.

Image Credit: iStock

The gaps in size and depth have led some scientists to suggest reclassifying it as a sea, or simply including it as part of the Atlantic Ocean, but for now, it remains the Arctic Ocean.

It’s the sort of thing scientists love arguing over, as is evidenced by the continued debate in including the so-called Southern Ocean (or Antarctic Ocean) as the world’s fifth ocean.

Image Credit: iStock

Not all members of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) have officially accepted the parameters of that “new” ocean, but listen…it’s all one ocean.

*hums We are the World*

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Mattel Is Offering a Day of the Dead Barbie Doll

In case you don’t have a child in your life that requires regular gifts and offerings, let me assure you that Barbie dolls are still very much a thing. Mattel has responded to some concerns about their dolls, like giving Barbie different professions and creating Barbies with different skin tones, and even coming out with Barbie dolls that aren’t unrealistically thin.

Now, they’re crossing cultural boundaries and releasing a “Day of the Dead” Barbie that celebrates Halloween according to the Latin tradition of the holiday.

The Barbie – Día de Muertos – is beautifully designed by Javier Meabe, who originally crafted her in 2019 as a special edition.

She was so well-received that Mattel is planning on making her an annual release, and Meabe issued a press release to talk about how she’ll be the same – and different.

“Adding new textures, fabrics, flowers, and a new dress silhouette were ways to introduce the new elements to the second doll while still keeping the traditional elements that are important to the Día de Muertos celebration. Traditions like marigolds, skeleton details, and Calaveras makeup were elements that I knew we had to keep but introduce in a new way.”

Romper reported that the new doll wears a pale pink lace hook skirt that’s underlaid with a colorful floral pattern (and some skulls), while the original version wore a black, trumpet dress adorned with butterflies and flowers.

The special edition version wore her hair in two long braids, black with blue highlights, while the 2020 version will have a braided updo set with matching flowers.

Both wear the skull-like makeup that is traditional on the day.

Día de Muertos is said to be the say when the dead return to their families to enjoy food, music, and memories. It begins at midnight on Halloween, with children arriving first and adults 24 hours later.

If you’re looking to incorporate the tradition – or continue to celebrate it – in your home, you can preorder the 2020 doll for $75.

I think both of these dolls are just beautiful, and would have a hard time letting a child play with them, to be honest!

Also, not to sound old, but man, Barbie dolls are certainly pricier than they used to be!

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Why Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Iconic Collars Were So Special

You may have thought that Justice Ginsburg was just a stylish lady, and enjoyed standing out from her mostly-male coworkers on the bench with her bright white, decorative collars.

Or maybe you assumed she had her reasons, figured they had nothing to do with vanity, but have never remembered to sit and Google the meaning behind them when you got home.

Now that she’s passed, let’s spend a little time just ruminating on her unique brilliance though, shall we?

In her early days, Ginsburg wore traditional lace jabots, but as her career progressed, so did her choices in neckwear. Town and Country magazine says RBG “jazzed up her black robes with some truly dazzling neckwear” for years, and it may not just have been about fashion – it was likely more of a political statement, from time to time.

Harper’s Bazaar reported that Ginsburg “has worn the same sparkling Banana Republic bib necklace as a sartorial way to express her disapproval” since 2012. If you watch closely, you can see her pull it out whenever she disagreed with a Supreme Court decision – perhaps most famously, she wore it the day after Donald Trump was elected as President.

She once told Katie Couric that it “looked fitting for dissents.”

In 2019, Banana Republic reissued the original collar and donated half of the proceeds to the ACLU Women’s Rights Project in honor of Ginsburg’s life work.

“The Notorious Necklace is a re-issue of Banana Republic’s original design from 2012,” said Banana Republic in an email. “As a brand co-founded by a woman, empowerment has always been a part of our DNA and it was a great opportunity to benefit the advancement of women’s right as a continuation of our brand commitment to champion equality.”

Ginsburg also had other “dissent collars” in her collection, though, as well as a “majority opinion collar” – a shiny yellow and rose floral design – a replica of Placido Domingo’s black and white “Stiffelio” collar, and a lacy white piece purchased in Cape Town, South Africa.

In her first official portrait with Justice Brett Kavanaugh, RBG wore a Stella & Dot necklace that Town and Country called “a cross between a feathered wing and spiky armor,” which seemed to state her disapproval of the new justice’s confirmation.

When she first joined the court, Ginsburg told The Washington Post that “the standard robe is made for a man because it has a place for the shirt to show, and the tie. So Sandra Day O’Connor and I thought it would be appropriate if we included as part of our robe something typical of a woman. So, I have many, many collars.”

Image Credit: Steve Petteway

Collars that clearly meant something to RBG, but also, could mean something to anyone else looking up to her for advice, guidance, or hope in the direction of the court in the future.

If I know one thing for sure, Ruth Bader Ginsburg memory – and her choice in dissenting fashion – will continue to bless this nation for a long time.

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Postal Workers Discuss the Craziness That Is Their Jobs Right Now

The United States Postal Service would be a very interesting and a very hectic place to work right now.

The USPS has been under scrutiny this year by certain politicians and things are only going to get more insane as we near the election in November.

Whatever side of the fence you’re on, you have to admit that folks who work at the USPS right now are under the gun and the environment on the job must be pretty intense.

Here’s what folks on AskReddit had to say about what’s going on there.

1. Overwhelmed.

“My mom runs a small office, and I came to visit her and my dad after work last week. I found her crying in their kitchen just slouched into my dad’s arms.

She was sobbing about how she couldn’t keep this up. The mail slowing down at the main hubs just builds up and when it eventually gets to her, she’s dealing with 3 times as much as mail and packages than her busiest time, Christmas (~600 packages when I spoke to her last), and now has to deal with irate customers demanding to know where their stuff is. All by herself.

She’s got bruises up and down her arms from hustling to get the mail processed and out. Add to that the stress of worrying every day if she’s she’s going to lose her job and her benefits.”

2. Slammed.

“I supervise a large station in a major city where the Postmaster runs over 20 post offices.

Last summer this office was a ghost town at 1700, even on Mondays. Tonight my last carrier came in at 1845. Saturday one year ago, parcel volume was a little under 3900. Tonight it was 8751.

Our base hours are 412.53, today we earned 435.36 but probably hit 455. DOIS is only allowing 60 seconds per parcel, but since all these apartment offices are closed due to C19, everything gets run to the door.

Complaints and inquiries are insane, too – mail delays and packages dropped at doors means a lot of angry customers.

All in all, right now I wish I’d stayed a mail handler. Stations are madhouses. But the carriers are toughing it out, generally keep it on an even keel, and everyone has each other’s backs for the most part.

This station has kept its reputation as a big family, so it hasn’t become ugly. Just difficult.”

3. Saving space?

“I am a USPS carrier.

The latest thing that affects us personally is they are reducing our cases (these are tall shelves that have every address on our route in order for the mail that we need to manually sort) from 2 cases to one to “save space”.

The best way that I can explain this is: you have a normal 2 drawer file cabinet, not jam packed full but each drawer is 1/2 to 3/4 full.

Now combine both drawers into 1. I will remind you that you need to fill it up every morning in order, sometimes stuffing things in to fit, then remove it in order to do the rest of your job.

The best part is the second case was also acting like a barrier from covid-19 from coworkers. Now they are going to remove it and replace it with plexiglass.”

4. Frustrated.

“They’ve removed 5 of our letter sorting machines (4 DBCS, 1 DIOSS) as well as a flat sorter (AFSM) and I think an FSS machine but that is not a part of the building I am routinely in.

Before, we would stay at work until all of our mail was finished, if it was 8 hours or 10 or 12, didn’t matter, the mail has to go out. Now, we are being forced to leave behind mail if we can’t finish in time, even if it is first class mail (something that would get us written up easily before).

The mail we push back is ran first the next day, so luckily only a day delay, but still unacceptable IMO. We are taking election mail incredibly seriously though, and any mail marked as political or election related is processed ASAP.

I am extremely serious about protecting the integrity of the mail. It is disappointing and frustrating that our new postmaster general is not.”

5. Broken down.

“I don’t think people realize how old and decrepit most of the delivery vehicles are.

A typical LLV probably has 300-400k miles and any scratches are literally painted with white house paint. Customers love to ask “Does that thing have air conditioning?” and when you tell them that you don’t even have air bags much less AC, they’re actually shocked. But damn are they perfect for the job.

We had a truck’s horn break, so when you turned the wheel it would honk. We could hear the guy driving it coming down the hill to the office… and then he arrived at the traffic circle… omg we were SOBBING with laughter.

But then it took over a month to get fixed properly and there were exposed wires on the wheel which you touched together to use the horn, like you were hot wiring the damn thing.”

6. Madness.

“We currently have over 11 beamers (big metal cages full of packages) full of first class packages including medicine and anything people have tried to send expecting 2 day shipping.

Overtime isn’t approved and we’re getting more and more backed up with first class and priority mail packages.

It’s getting worse every day.

No one is wearing masks to deliver or in the office, we’ve have 3 cases of covid, no sanitization, and people have been asked to work while they wait on their covid tests even if they have symptoms.

A few people are out for fear of covid and using their vacation or sick leave so no one else can get a day off, and we’re calling in workers from other offices to assist, putting their offices into a frenzy making them short handed.

No one is happy. Everyone is complaining, tempers are rising, some are threatening to walk out and quit, but they show up the next day anyway bc its the best paying job with no college degree in this area.

The management sucks, the supervisors are awful. They’re complaining about all of the carriers because we’re falling behind even though package volume has gone up 80% for our office since Covid hit hard in March.

Customers are complaining about us “being late” even though our daily cut off time is 7 pm, but if we’re not at their house at the time they normally expect during non pandemic and new PMG times, we’re “late” to them.

I’m expecting no Christmas tips this year, that’s for sure.”

7. Tense.

“I’m a carrier in a suburb of a large city, and honestly there’s tension.

Our sorting machines at the distribution plant were hauled off recently and quietly, a lot of the older carriers are jumping ship and retiring as quickly as they can, our trucks just aren’t getting maintained anymore, and half the damn town is so convinced that COVID is some kind of conspiracy that nobody will respect social distancing or wear a damn mask.

I’ve been at this for five years. I was lucky enough to land my own route two years ago when some carrier associates wait ten. I have benefits, I have retirement savings building up, I ACTUALLY GET VACATION DAYS.

And now some f*cker decided he wants to cheat to win again, and I’m going to lose my entire career. Every single case of carpal tunnel, every blister on my feet, every fourteen hour long day during the Christmas season, all the mountains of paperwork I did because I wanted to make my route more efficient for the benefit of my customers, and it all means nothing.”

8. Rumors.

“In the district that I work in, they’re removing one of our machines that sorts the letter mail. The PMG has also divided the Postal Service into 3 separate units, Delivery and retail, sorting units, and An analytical branch to help with logistics to make the service more profitable.

Overtime is being cut and parcels are just being delayed. New “temporary” surveys added by the PMG to track the mail volumes. And there are rumors floating around talking about every Area is going to be dismissed.”

9. A veteran.

“20 year carrier here.

They (upper management) are delaying mail like crazy in an effort curb overtime. Local management is as p*ssed as we are, and now overtime is insane.

We always complain about how incompetent management is, but the one main thing that has never changed until now is ‘Everything goes every day’

It’s obvious to us on the inside that this is a deliberate attack on the post office for personal/political gain.”

10. Delays.

“My office is probably among the better run in my area and it’s not all bad.

But the new delaying mail directives and so on has affected all crafts or positions. Let’s start with clerks: trucks have been late frequently say 4 to 5 times a week. Our clerks are in at 3 am for the first truck at 4. sometimes it doesn’t come until the second truck scheduled time (7)and it spills over their sorting when the counter is open at 8.

Basically we the carriers get sent with what we have and get alert when things are ready. Some days I’ve delivered all my packages before I got mail and vice versa. Then go out with what came. Since the directive? We have super light days followed by heavy days where start time moves from 8am to 7 am.

So no OT is BS when we have mostly rural carriers who are paid based on the evaluated route time and usually aren’t paid ot with the package influx. It’s something in their contracts that they have to do XYZ to get to pay outside of Christmas.

City carriers, which we only have a few, are expected to help out rural routes because we are paid hourly. Though it doesn’t always work the way they want because the days we only deliver minimum mail and packages are always followed by days delivering in the dark. Additionally my office is mostly part time employees so we don’t get set days off.

Though my office does try to give us each one day off. Regulars aren’t saved from this either the few we have are working their days off too. Even amazon Sundays. Before covid amazon Sundays we were always done by 3 pm if not before and no regs.

Now? We’re always out until at least 6 pm. Everyone is tired and no one really wants the imbalanced days.”

11. No more OT.

“My stepdad is a USPS employee and they’re cutting everyones overtime despite the fact that mail is just piling up.”

12. About Dad.

“My dad is a carrier and works at an office that has gone through dozens of equally incompetent postmasters over the years.

Recently his coworker whom he shares a desk with tested positive for COVID and they didn’t even notify my dad or the other employees and didn’t bother to sanitize the room.

My dad only found out because he’s friends with the guy.”

13. From the source.

“My office is fairly small and well run, so we are lucky. However, we have several employees (clerks and carriers) who are out with COVID. No one is allowed to do overtime anymore. I am sure you can see the problem with this.

One solution would be to hire more staff, but there are rules about how many employees of each type and subtype is allowed in each office. After a certain amount of hours lost, the office is allowed to hire temporary employees for a limited time. This is after the damage has been done, and employees are already stressed.

Then, a temp employee come in, and has to learn the rules, systems, routes, etc., depending on their position. It takes a month or two for a temp employee to become reasonably competent, and then their contract is up soon after.

I have friends that work in a much larger major hub post office near us, and they are still somehow being forced to work 60+ hours each week. I know of two new PSEs (basically parcel sorting monkeys) that have quit within two weeks of hiring at that big post office because they were not prepared for the crazy hours and the stress of working 1am to 1:30 pm.

It’s bananas.

We get communications from the new Postmaster General fairly regularly. The last one touted our increase in start times for carriers and a decrease in return trips. Sounds good, right?

No, this means carriers are being pushed out the door before they are ready, and that they are not being allowed to come back to pick up another load because of the new overtime rules for most offices. And that’s why your parcel is late.

I love my job (for real, it’s a great job), but DeJoy is making this difficult for all of us.

Who knows, maybe his changes will end up streamlining our business? I’m skeptical, at best.

I hope you all know that most USPS employees want you to get your mail on time, and we are still trying to help you get your stuff on time whenever possible and save you money when we can.”

How about you?

What do you think about this whole post office fiasco that is going on right now?

Talk to us in the comments and share your thoughts with us. Thanks!

The post Postal Workers Discuss the Craziness That Is Their Jobs Right Now appeared first on UberFacts.

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Issues From Third World Countries That People From First World Countries Can’t Comprehend

A lot of times, we get so caught up in our own lives, we can lose sight of the bigger picture. If you’ve only ever lived or spent time in a first world country, you might not understand just how different life can be in a third world country.

AskReddit users offered their real life experiences living in or spending significant time in third world countries.

1. I never thought I’d take a crosswalk for granted:

“I was in Egypt while it was under Mubarak, and I remember trying to contend with traffic in Cairo.

I had to ask the police officer who was standing there if the drivers obey the lights or the road markings.

He told me that those were there to make the roads look nice!”

– IVTD4KDS

2. I’ve gotta remember this one: 

“I walk with my cellphone hidden in my pants because it’s extremely common for you to get robbed.

I’ve been through a violent robbery while dinning, and very few people I know haven’t been through similar experiences, multiple times even.”

– alulugrace

3. And this:

“I learned this trick from a friend: a gang member tried to rob him, he told him to give him his cell phone, so he took out his fake cell phone and threw it as far as he could.

The gang member went after the cell phone and my friend used that moment to run. The gang member realized what was happening, but it was too late.

My friend managed to get to a store with security guards where they helped him and called the police.”

– EpicAlmond

4. Start clipping those coupons:

“Argentinian here.

You just go to the store expecting everything to be 5-10% more than the last time you went.”

– Alzusand

5. This is actually pretty similar to how Midwesterners give directions:

“I’m American but have worked in 70+ countries over the last 12 years. So let’s discuss Nicaragua….

There are no addresses. None.

Trying to get to your hotel? You’ll get a description of the general location using the rising or setting sun, lake shores and other prominent land marks which may or may not exist! Then the distance from that landmark in a unit of measurement that hasn’t been used for centuries. (The vara…which is about 2.5 feet).

It’s truly amazing that anyone gets anywhere in Nicaragua.”

– TinKicker

6. This sounds pretty scary…

“Having a sh*t ton of deterrence mechanisms around your house.

Burglar bars on all the windows, trellis doors on your front door and then probably one in the bedroom hallway.

Keeping your door locked. If you don’t have a fence you’re just asking people to break in and murder you.

South Africa.”

– liam_eras

7. I’m starting to feel the same way:

“I’m Canadian, and I’ve visited my South African in-laws twice now.

One of the biggest culture shocks for me was having to be locked up so tight.

Being able to safely be in an unfenced backyard or take a walk by myself at nearly any time of day is a luxury I no longer take for granted.”

– JByrde76

8. So much for man’s best friend:

“Stray dogs, which some of them are hostile, are everywhere.

It is not possible to roam in the streets around sunrise when they walk in groups or during night, without risking yourself being attacked by dogs.

I moved to Europe now but I am still unreasonably nervous around leashed dogs that people are walking.”

– hardware26

9. The next time you get annoyed while waiting in line to place your order, remember this:

“Having to stand for hours in bread lines, then for hours at the petrol lines, then for hours at the cooking gas lines, then coming back home to find that they shut off the electricity because there’s too much load.”

– DRIZZYLMG

10. Accessibility to medical care is never something to be taken for granted:

“Here in Peru (specially if you are not from the capital) to get a medical appointment you need to wait 3 months. (For surgeries or actual medical treatments it can take over a year.)

So many people I knew got random appointments just in case something happens.

You’d better suffer the hemorrhage that day or you have to pray for the eucalyptus tea to actually work.”

– lStormVR

11. And I thought the broken washing machines in my apartment building were annoying…

“One aspect of living in a first world country is that it’s normal for things to work. In third world countries, it’s the opposite.

Technology, roads, institutions…there is a tacit assumption that none of these things work the way they’re supposed to, and that’s just the way it is.

When you live in the third world, your roads are full of potholes, your lights go out every week (if not every day), everything is on the fritz and politicians are incredibly corrupt (and yes, I know that there’s corruption in Europe and the US as well, but it’s not like our corruption).

– machu_pikacchu

12. At least the bananas are amazing?

“I don’t live there anymore, but I used to live in Guatemala. Here’s a list of some of the differences I remember:

You could pay people to watch your car if you parked it on the street to keep it from being broken into.

The bananas were amazing there though! The open-air market was one of the best things about living there. Bananas in the US where I moved back to taste like wax in comparison. :/”

– AvengerofSquids

I don’t know about you, but I feel pretty privileged to live where I live right now. Listening to the stories of what others are experiencing is a great way to gain perspective. Suddenly that 10-minute wait in line at the drive-through doesn’t seem too bad.

Do you live in a third world country? What issues do you deal with that people in first world countries can’t comprehend?

Let us know in the comments!

The post Issues From Third World Countries That People From First World Countries Can’t Comprehend appeared first on UberFacts.

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American Destinations That Make You Feel Like You’re in Europe

The pandemic is still in full swing in the United States. As a result, many countries, including those that are part of the European Union, have imposed travel bans or restrictions against US citizens.

Thankfully, if you’re dead-set on taking that vacation this year, there are at least 10 U.S destinations that will make you feel as if you’ve journeyed across the pond, without ever leaving American soil. And each of these U.S cities is rich with the history and culture of the settlers who founded them.

Let’s take a look!

1. Leavenworth, Washington

Image Credit: iStock

It’s no accident that Leavenworth, WA looks so charming and inviting.

In the 1960s, after thirty years of economic struggle, town leaders agreed to adopt a Bavarian theme and give the city a makeover in order to attract tourists.

They instituted a series of festivals, including the Autumn Leaf Festival, Maifest, and Christmas Lighting Festival.

Be sure to visit the Bavarian village for bratwurst & sauerkraut and enjoy a daily morning alp horn saerenade.

2. Frankenmuth, Michigan

Image Credit: iStock

Michigan’s “little Bavaria” is known for it’s world-famous chicken dinners but it’s that German pride that really makes Frankenmuth special.

Enjoy German-inspired architecture, craft-beer and wine, and don’t forget to visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, open 361 days a year.

3. Helen, Georgia

Image Credit: iStock

Here you’ll find a touch of Bavaria tucked in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This charming little alpine village makes the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway.

Tour local vineyards, enjoy scenic water falls and hiking trails, or even scout out the perfect location for your upcoming nuptials.

4. St. Augustine, Florida

Image Credit: iStock

As the oldest city in the nation, St. Augustine has much to offer.

Gaze upon stately castles, enjoy historic reenactments, and even take a ghost tour.

Originally a busy port town for merchants, it’s also a great place for those who enjoy shopping or romantic water-side dinners.

5. Santa Barbara, California

Image Credit: iStock

With its stunning natural landscape and classic Spanish heritage, The American Riviera is hard to beat.

Its distinct architectural style comes from the early Spanish settlers who built Old Mission Santa Barbara, now the County Courthouse.

Soak in the sun and the culture with a walk down Santa Barbara’s Museum Mile or take yourself on the Red Tile Walking Tour.

6. Holland, Michigan

Image Credit: iStock

This quaint but colorful city is picture-perfect for a relaxing vacation.

Tour Windmill Island Gardens or make your way downtown for authentic Dutch architecture and cuisine.

Be sure to visit in the spring, during the Tulip Time Festival for the true Dutch experience, as millions of tulips burst into bloom.

7. Solvang, California

Image Credit: iStock

Visiting Solvang is like stepping into a storybook.

Enjoy this “little slice of Denmark” by strolling through the village, Danish pastry in hand.

Or maybe hop a ride on a historic, wooden, horse-drawn streetcar!

Be sure to take your picture with Danish icons, including the Little Mermaid Fountain, five windmills, the giant red clog Round Tower.

8. Calistoga, California

Image Credit: iStock

You’ll find this European-influenced city Nestled in California’s Napa Valley.

Home to wineries, geysers, and plenty of natural beauty, Calistoga is the perfect spot for endless outdoor adventures.

Take it all in during your hot-air balloon tour.

9. Vail, Colorado

Image Credit: iStock

Modeled after the ski districts of European Switzerland, Vail is the perfect spot for the adventurous vacationer.

Take advantage of the country’s largest free transportation system and visit the cobble-stoned, Bavarian-inspired village of Lionshead.

In the summer, come prepared to hike, bike, and enjoy the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens; be sure to bring your snowboard or skis if you’re visiting in the winter.

10. New Orleans, Louisiana

Image Credit: iStock

A pillar of community and resilience, this French-influenced city is a must-see.

While Mardi Gras always draws a crowd, there are so many other reasons to visit this city, including its whimsical architecture.

Enjoy mouthwatering beignets and Creole cuisine as you take in the romantic and jazzy vibe of French Quarter.

Now you know! You can enjoy the experience of visiting Europe, without the overseas flight. Visit each city’s websites to learn about the safety measures in place keeping both locals and tourists healthy and happy.

Even if you don’t feel safe traveling right now, it doesn’t mean you can’t start planning for the future.

I don’t know about you, but Santa Barbara is calling my name. Which city would you like to visit first? Let us know in the comments!

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