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5 Things Non-Americans Don’t Understand About The US

It’s clear that every country have their own customs, traditions and habits. However, there are things in the US that non-Americans don’t understand. In fact, in most parts of the world, there are few common aspects of life, that regardless where you come from, you can identify to such as the measurement system for example. Yet, in the US, it seems that they have established their own ”universal” ways of doing things. From how they count their money to their health-care system, non-Americans have always wondered why they are so different from the rest of the world.

We have looked at the most asked questions on the internet, and brought you 5 of the main things that every non-American has asked a US citizen about, at least once before.

Paying For An Ambulance

When I was an exchange student in Austria, I got a food intoxication, which required the ambulance to come pick me up from the dorm. Obviously, my medical insurance did not only cover the check-up and treatment at the hospital, but also the ambulance fees. In Europe, it’s a pretty normal thing. However, my American friends were utterly surprised that we don’t have to pay extra cash for riding in an ambulance, and said that back in the US, you can even end up paying more to be taken to the hospital on an ambulance then the actual hospitalization charges.

Massive Student Debt

We know that going to college in the US is really expensive. We are also well aware that some of the best universities and educational programs are in America. However, the rest of the world just don’t comprehend how can ”one of the best countries in the world” make their citizens live the rest of their days paying for their degrees. Many countries all over the world also do offer ”expensive” educational programs as well, however, you always have the option of attending a public university, free of charge.

How Americans Write The Date

It’s safe to say that one of the strangest things to a non-American visiting the US, or attending college there is how Americans write the date. In Europe, Africa, Australia and even South America, the date is written as such: Day-Month-Year. As oppose to the US, who write the date format starting with the month-day-year. However, the shocking part is that when you ask Americans why do they use it this way, most of them don’t know the answer.

Prescription Drugs Ads

Medication that require a prescription can only be obtained by a legitimate doctor’s order. Moreover, this something that happens in every country, no problem. However, in the US, there are a bunch of ads on TV that market these prescript drugs. For us non-Americans, we do not understand how can you promote on television something that can not be obtained without a medical emergency.

The Tipping System

Finally, this is nightmare to all foreigners visiting the US, especially for the first time. You go to a restaurant, and when it’s time to check the bill, non-Americans just don’t understand the tipping system. Is it 20% of the bill, is it more? does it depend on the service? Why should we pay so much for tips? Although it’s not a rule, not tipping waiters is very frowned upon in the US, and considered rude. This is something that was actually explained to us on the plane when we were on our way to New York.

Photos: Pixabay, Youtube.

The True Story That Inspired ‘The Terminal’ Movie

The True Story That Inspired 'The Terminal' Movie

If you still haven’t watched the amazing Tom Hanks movie, The Terminal, it’s about time to do so. On the other hand, if you have already seen it, did you know that it was inspired by true events?

In fact, and although it may seem that it’s mere fiction, and can’t be based on a true story, Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster that was released in 2004, has indeed happened in real life before. Without further ado, here is the true story that inspired one of the best movies of all time, ‘The Terminal.’

What Is The Movie About?

In case you still haven’t gotten the chance to watch the brilliant movie, here is a quick recap of the plot (no spoilers.) Tom Hanks plays the role of a Balkan traveler, who got stuck in JFK airport in New York.

During his trip to the US, his country got dragged into a civil war, which invalidated his passport and visa. Therefore, due to the situation, he was denied entry to the United States, but couldn’t return to his Eastern Europe either. Therefore, he had to live at the airport for months, until a solution is found.

Iranian Man lived At The Airport For 15 Years

Screenshot from the trailer of 'The Terminal'

Although the movie plot was directed trough Spielberg’ colored glasses, the real life, the story wasn’t as optimistic. Actually, Mehran Karimi Nasseri, an Iranian refugee who arrived to Paris’ Charles-De-Gaule airport in 1988, and was denied access to the country since he had no passport nor legal documentations.

In fact, Nasseri lost his papers while transiting in Paris on his way to England. 15 years later, authorities had found a way to deport him back, but he was afraid to go back to Iran in fear of being killed by soldiers. So instead, he stayed at the airport in Paris, reading all the books he could find.

Theories Claim That Nasseri Chose Self-Imposed Exile

There are different explanation to why Nasseri chose living at an airport rather than being sent back home. Most theories claim that he chose a self imposed exile, because his mental health got severely damaged after living for 15 years at an airport terminal. Alexis Kouros, an Iranian documentary filmmaker and doctor, tried to help him leave for Brussels, claimed that ”He used to be a normal person. By spending 15 years in that place, he has become institutionalized.”

Furthermore, Nasseri was paid for Spielberg to use his story in ”The Terminal.” However, since he didn’t have access to his bank account, everything was reportedly handled by his lawyer until he finally was able to leave in 2004, few months after the movie was released.

Photos: Pixabay, Youtube.

Canals Clear In Venice While Italians Sit In Quarantine

Venice Canals on a normal day

Canals in Venice are showing remarkable results, due to reduced human activity for Coronavirus. The virus left many deaths around the world, and sickened over 237,600 people, according to official count. Its high contagion rates have led governments to impose total shutdown of their countries. Italy and Spain are the epicenter of coronavirus in Europe. In fact, as of Thursday, March 19th, Italy became the country with the highest mortality rate, surpassing even China in the number of deaths.

However, and although the situation in Italy is quite alarming, Italians face the pandemic by isolating themselves in their homes. They have been locked in for almost two weeks, and the government imposed nation-wide confinement. Nevertheless, nature has responded positively to this quarantine, as canals clear in Venice, and swans and dolphins reappear after years.

The Absence of Boat Traffic In Canals Made a Huge Impact

Images have circulated on social media recently, showing how wildlife is slowly returning home in absence of humans. In fact, the water of Venice canals cleared so much, that you can see the fish swim below. Dolphins and swans were also spotted, in a scene that Italy didn’t witness sin years.

Moreover, when interviewed by CNN, Venice’s mayor explained that “The water now looks clearer because there is less boat traffic on the canals, allowing the sediment to stay at the bottom.”

Air Pollution Also Decreased In Italy

In addition, the mayor of Venice also confirmed that air quality in Italy has significantly improved. In fact, China, where the pandemic first started, also did a favor to the environment during lockdown. Their gas transmission was lowered, and air pollution decreased a lot as a consequence. As reported by Fei Liu, an air quality researcher at Nasa’s Goddard Space Flight Center, ”This is the first time such a dramatic drop-off over such a wide area for a specific event occurs.”

People React To The ”Side Effects” Of Quarantine

Despite the isolation and chaotic current situation of the world, it’s undeniable that nature has benefited from this outbreak. Many people expressed their feelings about how much planet earth really needed a well-deserved break.

Photos: Pixabay, Instagram, Twitter, NASA.

Epidemic Movies That Are Trending Right Now

Epidemic Movies That Are Trending Right Now

If you are not yet forced into quarantine, please go ahead and take this precaution on your own. Statistics as well as experts, argue that the most efficient cure to fight this coronavirus is simply limiting its spread. Wether you think you are completely healthy and fine, or still believe the theory that it only hits old people. Staying at home during at least 15 days, is the only way you can prevent catching and spreading this series virus.
That being said, staying at home for so long is not easy. However, if you find ways to keep yourself busy, then you’ll think less about it. Imagine, your bed, Netflix and pop corn for days on end. And to help you, we have prepared a list of the most trending epidemic movies that discuss virus outbreaks. This way, you keep entertaining yourself while learning more about the current situation of the world.

Contagion

Discussing a similar virus outbreak story to nowadays, so definitely a movie you can relate to while in confinement. Basically, this movie filled with class-one stars such Matt Damon, Kate WInslet, Jude Law and a deadly virus, what more can you ask for? In addition, this movie has an extra point of “terror” for the amount of similarities it has with COVID-19. Not surprisingly, many say that Steven Soderberg’s work predicted the current epidemic.

Outbreak

Kevin Spacey, Dustin Hoffman, and Morgan Freeman are the star faces of this thriller that seeks to dramatize an Ebola-like virus epidemic. In fact, from which, the world suffered a lot not long ago. In the same way as with Ebola, the origin of the virus is Africa, and once someone is infected, their chances of survival are not high. As the virus spreads, the protagonists will have to try to deal with the situation. It soon became a “THE” film for fans of epidemic movies, so it’s a recommendation worth a try!

Virus

A film of Korean origin that surprises with the enormous similarity that it has with what is happening with the coronavirus today as well. Furthermore, although it was released in 2013,it strongly describes events very similar to what we are seeing on the news. Viruses, coughs, infected and overcrowded hospitals. Luckily, the virus in the movie is much more dangerous than the one we are facing in reality.

Bird Box

The most recent weird virus-talking movie. Sandra bullock is forced to live with two children, in a place where the mere act of seeing gets you killed. In fact, this virus that has spread in air, forced everyone to live with a blindfold. Of course, until forced to leave their home and run away. A film filled with action, suspense and especially during this epidemic, sympathy.

Photos: Youtube

Harvey Weinstein to Serve 23 Years in Jail for Sexual Assault

Cinema and Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty of sexual assault and rape charges, and is set to serve 23 years as a consequence. This trial was one of the most awaited in the world, since allegations against him started. In fact, Harvey Weinstein’s case made so many historical changes, by starting the global #MeToo movement.

Actress Rose McGowan was one the first Hollywood figuresto open up publicly about her experience with Weinstein. She, in fact, encouraged many more women to address sexual assault and rape issues, and come forward to justice.

Harvey Weinstein Assaulted Several Hollywood Stars

Rose McGowen, one of the Charmed sisters, revealed shocking information when she came forward. Apparently, Harvey Weinstein’s whole cinema factory was in fact, a rape factory. She even disclosed, that on his daily meetings agenda, there has to be at least one ”for rape.” The actress expressed that she was never really able to live well after what he did to her 16 years ago.

In addition to McGowen, several other Hollywood icons came forward regarding the matter. Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie also confessed that they lived a bad experience with Weinstein when they were younger, as he assaulted both of them sexually.

He was the reason for the #MeToo Outbreak

Since all the published allegations by the New Yorker, at least 50 women came forward and reported Weinstein’s sexual assaults, in which 3 confirmed rapes. Harvey Weinstein who first started by denying, ended up ”apologizing for the trauma he caused these women” and took time off while being a therapist. However, just few weeks later, the board of the Weinstein company sacked Harvey, and considered the sexual assault allegations very serious. In addition, few days later, his wife left him and took the kids with her.

The Harvey Weinstein case triggered a rage among women not only in Hollywood, but worldwide. As more women started coming forward, it led to the outbreak of the #MeToo movement, that will later become global and make historical changes in women’s search for gender equality.

23 Years in Prison For 2 Felony Charges

The verdict was pronounced on March 11th, as judge James Burke and the jury found him guilty of two felony charges. Weinstein got 23 years in prison in total for both sexual assault and rape. The 60 years old’s lawyers tried to argue for minimum, due to his age. However, all their attempts were in vain.

Furthermore, women celebrated what was called ”a victory for feminism” and justice. Rose McGowen who started everything, took her emotional reaction to social media.

Photos: Instagram, Pixabay.

This is What Coronavirus Has Done To The World

Coronavirus, which is now the main focus of the entire world, has undeniably did some damage to the world. Since it’s outbreak in the province of Hubei in China last December, this ”deadly” virus has spread to the rest of the world in the span of weeks. Moreover, due to the concerning rates of contagion, most government officials are taking radical safety measures for their citizens.

Besides deaths, panic and quarantines, covid19 has tragically (and not-so-tragically) has done serious damage. Here is what coronavirus has done to the world.

Altered Traveling Plans

Obviously, when a highly contagious, super fatal disease appears, the most important element becomes safety. By the end of 2019, China had already suffered from fluctuating tourist rates. In fact, major companies canceled their flights towards Hubei, and airports were closed.

However, following the tragic and rapid spread of the virus, other countries than China took a hit. Therefore, people had to cancel trips, postpone business trips and limit crowds. In Italy, after the country entered into self-quarantine, all attractions, museums and touristy places were closed, which left major Italian cities zombie-like.

Affected the World’s Economy

Besides the damage economically done through tourism, the world’s economy is being affected. Many countries have implemented a coping strategy, which consists of allowing remote working. In order to limit the massive use of public transportation, as well as frequent physical contact within offices, people are now working from home.

This is not all. The UK and US stock markets have are reported to suffer their worst hit since 2008. Oil prices are plunging, and the world is fearing a globally serious market shut down.

People Took the Major Hit

Additionally, besides the economy suffering, people are the ones taking the major hit. Psychologically speaking, the panic and seriousness of the situation has many people misinformed. Then, being forced to work at home, made people believe that the end is near. Supermarkets were flooded and emptied, bars are shutting down, and festivals have been canceled. Free movement of people is now becoming limited everywhere, and major precautions are recommended to be made, especially in highly infected zones.

Closing of Important Facilities

On Monday, Spanish authorities announced that they will be shutting down schools, universities (public and private) as well as elderly homes. this comes as an attempt to radically lower contagion rates. Following the footsteps of the Italian government, who closed up the country, Spain is also considering a possible complete shut down of the metro and trains, if the situation aggravates.

In addition, all football events scheduled for the upcoming two weeks, will officially be played behind closed doors. This includes big confrontations, crucial matches, as well as the return leg of the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Few Positive Points

Well, there is nothing positive about having to close yourself in, or hear someone’s death or fluctuating economy and altered traveling plans. However, coronavirus might have done a small fraction of good to the world. According to NASA, since the outbreak of the virus, their ”greenhouse gas emissions in China, the world’s largest current contributor to climate change, are down 25 per cent.” Climate change is also another serious issue facing the world nowadays, and we hope that this current situation grows some awareness regarding what we could go through next.

Photos: Pixabay, NASA.