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General Category => Grab Bag => Topic started by: catchingup on May 03, 2011, 12:58:37 PM

Title: Perceptions!
Post by: catchingup on May 03, 2011, 12:58:37 PM
My son who is South African but lives in London has just come back from a trip to America.
He was in New York,Orlando--Disneyland and Miami.
He loved it and looks forward to going back
Both my sons had the same experiance when visiting America.
When Americans hear they are South African they expect them to be black."Africa!! but you are white" Sometimes people think we have monkeys,lions and elephants on our doorstep.Not so.
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: AnonymousDIL on May 03, 2011, 01:01:44 PM
Sometimes as an American I think "Why would anyone want to come here, we are boring?" lol I'm glad he enjoyed his trip.

You don't have monkey's lions or elephants on your doorstep? *shaking head* My whole outlook on life has just changed.....

You have to admit though, it'd be really cool if you did!
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: catchingup on May 03, 2011, 01:09:14 PM

Are Americans backward?? All they have to do is google South Africa and find out what our country looks like especially where I come from "Cape Town"
As much as the world thinks that black and white are in conflict here we actually live very peacably together and understand each other very well.We work together,laugh together and play together.
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: AnonymousDIL on May 03, 2011, 01:19:21 PM
Sounds like a very nice place to live. I could do without the racial bigotry and violence we have here. 
:-\

But I do secretly want a pet monkey lol
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: pam1 on May 03, 2011, 01:20:24 PM
I think most Americans know that, not sure why everyone would say they didn't.  It does sound like he went to a lot of tourist destinations though.
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: AnonymousDIL on May 03, 2011, 01:23:36 PM
When I went to Disney, I had a Japanese gentleman ask me "Which one is the penny?" So he could make one of the pressed pennies. It was really cool to interact with someone from a different culture. I can't speak for all Americans, but this one definitely "assumes" a LOT lol
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: Rose799 on May 03, 2011, 01:27:55 PM
If they're not at the doorstep, just where do you keep them?   ;D
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: AnonymousDIL on May 03, 2011, 01:29:38 PM
Let's not ignore the "Elephant in the Room"! LOL Sorry, couldn't help myself.

What did he enjoy the most about his visit here?
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: lancaster lady on May 03, 2011, 01:35:03 PM
Remember the elephant jokes anybody ?? such as ..how do you know if an elephant has been in your fridge ? By the footprints
in the butter !!  NO??  lol
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: Rose799 on May 03, 2011, 01:37:47 PM
ha ha, I bet Catching knows knows good ones...
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: catchingup on May 03, 2011, 01:44:45 PM
Quote from: AnonymousDIL on May 03, 2011, 01:29:38 PM
Let's not ignore the "Elephant in the Room"! LOL Sorry, couldn't help myself.

What did he enjoy the most about his visit here?
It was the people he enjoyed the most.
Apparently they set  up their camera's and said they were doing a survey and asked the Americans questions about themselves.
He says"They are full of fun,eccentric,crazy and wonderful and he will be back. ;D
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: Rose799 on May 03, 2011, 01:51:37 PM
Quote from: catchingup on May 03, 2011, 01:44:45 PM
It was the people he enjoyed the most.
Apparently they set  up their camera's and said they were doing a survey and asked the Americans questions about themselves.
He says"They are full of fun,eccentric,crazy and wonderful and he will be back. ;D

"Only in America"  :)   
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: luise.volta on May 03, 2011, 01:54:14 PM
  ???Well, there's dumb and then there's dumber!  ???

I live "out West" (USA) and people think we have bears in our back yards all the time but that's silly...that only happens in the Spring when they come out of hibernation.  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: AnonymousDIL on May 03, 2011, 01:55:56 PM
And in the summer you are out on your surfboard, right, Luise?  ;)
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: Rose799 on May 03, 2011, 02:04:17 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on May 03, 2011, 01:54:14 PM
  ???Well, there's dumb and then there's dumber!  ???

I live "out West" (USA) and people think we have bears in our back yards all the time but that's silly...that only happens in the Spring when they come out of hibernation.  ;D ;D ;D

Do you know any "bear in the woods" stories, Luise?  :)   
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: catchingup on May 03, 2011, 02:06:11 PM

Okay lets see who can answer this.
Who made the first teddy bear and why was it named a "Teddy bear"
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: pam1 on May 03, 2011, 02:06:37 PM
Teddy Roosevelt!
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: luise.volta on May 03, 2011, 02:07:51 PM
I never even met Teddy Roosevelt in the woods, either...
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: Rose799 on May 03, 2011, 02:09:26 PM
Teddy Roosevelt's mother, so he'd stop trying to bring home the real thing?
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: lancaster lady on May 03, 2011, 02:11:29 PM
chap called Morris Michtom  from Brooklyn ....in honour of the bear that 'Teddy Roosevelt ' didnt shoot .
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: Rose799 on May 03, 2011, 02:15:36 PM
Oh yes, good ole Morris Michtom...   :)
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: catchingup on May 03, 2011, 02:16:09 PM
Quote from: pam1 on May 03, 2011, 02:06:37 PM
Teddy Roosevelt!
Yes!! A crippled lady started making soft toys to earn a living. Her  surname was "Steiff" She was so good at what she did that eventually opened a factory and produced thousands of toys.
The first "Teddy Bear" was given to Teddy Rooseveld as a mascot and so the name was born.
It reminds me of the verse in the bible directed to a crippled beggar "Silver and gold have I none,but such as I have give I unto thee.....Rise up and walk"
My Quote"And now that you can walk,get your own silver and gold"
;D ;D ;D :D :D ;D ;D
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: luise.volta on May 03, 2011, 02:16:32 PM
I used to date his grandson, Robert.
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: Rose799 on May 03, 2011, 02:18:33 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on May 03, 2011, 02:16:32 PM
I used to date his grandson, Robert.

Robert Roosevelt - really?!!!
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: luise.volta on May 03, 2011, 02:18:45 PM
(Different spelling the teddy bear thing wouldn't ruin his image...)
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: Rose799 on May 03, 2011, 02:22:45 PM
Quote from: catchingup on May 03, 2011, 02:16:09 PM
My Quote"  And now that you can walk, get your own silver and gold"

I could have used your help a few years ago...   :) :) :)
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: pam1 on May 03, 2011, 02:26:54 PM
*singing* I am so smart. S M R T

No, really I saw Holly was reading the thread at the same time so I had to type furiously to get the reply in before her lol.

Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: holliberri on May 03, 2011, 02:29:11 PM
I'll one up you, only b/c I had to spend a week out at a National Park for a 1st grader.

Teddy also invented the National Park system. How do I know? B/c my cousin mailed me a colored teddy bear and told me to "find a park, take pictures of the bear there, and mail it back to her in 7 days..."

I didn't know homework was outsourced now.
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: luise.volta on May 03, 2011, 02:29:21 PM
Oh, I remember those darling Steiff bears! My eldest had one in 1948! They were expensive. Well, that's a relative word when my first, custom built home cost $5,000.!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: pam1 on May 03, 2011, 02:34:34 PM
LOL Holly, I knew you knew.  So did you take the pic and mail it?   ;D

Luise, every time I hear stuff like that I wonder what I'll be able to tell my grandkids.  Like the phone booth is going out of style, I imagine that can sound so funny to our next generations.  "So yes, there was a booth in a parking lot where you could put a quarter in and call.  4 quarters for 4 minutes long distance"  LOL
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: catchingup on May 03, 2011, 02:34:56 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on May 03, 2011, 02:29:21 PM
Oh, I remember those darling Steiff bears! My eldest had one in 1948! They were expensive. Well, that's a relative word when my first, custom built home cost $5,000.!  ;D ;D ;D
If you had kept it,it would have been a good investment.They are ever so collectable and fetch high prices.
Oh and if a bear does not look so good anymore they are known as "Well loved bears" so dont discard them. ;)
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: luise.volta on May 03, 2011, 02:54:09 PM
Yup, my parents were born in the 1800s...horse and buggy. And my dad lived to see a man walk the surface of the moon!My mom wore long dresses and bathing suits that came down to her knees. (With a skirt!)  My mom was a teacher and she was not allowed to teach after she married because it was "improper."
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: holliberri on May 03, 2011, 03:44:29 PM
Yes, I did. Lol.
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: pam1 on May 03, 2011, 04:05:59 PM
See?  I told you before you were a good doobie lol
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: Pooh on May 03, 2011, 09:22:42 PM
I'm at the age now that I plan on wearing long dresses over my bathing suit....
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: lancaster lady on May 04, 2011, 12:09:28 AM
Pooh......bathing suit ....you're having a laugh (as we say ) ....that's what people would do if I wore one ....I need to borrow Luise's moms suit ......!
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: luise.volta on May 04, 2011, 10:07:58 AM
We have an indoor swimming pool here in this retirement center and water exercise classes. Let me tell you, it isn't pretty.  :(
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: Rose799 on May 04, 2011, 10:17:27 AM
Quote from: luise.volta on May 04, 2011, 10:07:58 AM
We have an indoor swimming pool here in this retirement center and water exercise classes. Let me tell you, it isn't pretty.  :(

You're a riot, Luise!   :D :D :D
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: not like the movies on July 09, 2011, 05:05:52 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on May 04, 2011, 10:07:58 AM
We have an indoor swimming pool here in this retirement center and water exercise classes. Let me tell you, it isn't pretty.  :(


Been reading posts off and on today. I do love humor. I've used it since I was young as a way to cope. I am glad I found humor. This made me really laugh. I am picturing the same scenario only fast forward say 40-50 years....same picture in my mind but adding all the tattooed seniors!
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: luise.volta on July 09, 2011, 05:12:47 PM
Hilarious!  8)
Title: Re: AMERICA!!!
Post by: catchingup on July 10, 2011, 12:03:35 AM
Quote from: luise.volta on May 04, 2011, 10:07:58 AM
We have an indoor swimming pool here in this retirement center and water exercise classes. Let me tell you, it isn't pretty.  :(
Beauty is skin deep Luise.As we get older it goes deeper and deeper.
Title: Re: Perceptions!
Post by: luise.volta on July 10, 2011, 10:13:06 AM
Tell my floor to ceiling morror that!  :o
Title: Re: Perceptions!
Post by: Pen on July 10, 2011, 05:45:55 PM
Hey, Catching Up, how are ya? Good to see you're around.
Title: Re: Perceptions!
Post by: Pooh on July 11, 2011, 06:19:44 AM
I was always proud of what Mother Nature gave me.....now Father Time is taking it away.....

;D