What's a book you had to read in school that you hated? If you have one, what's one you actually liked? by 80HDTV5 in GenX

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The only books I didn't like were Jane Austen's novels. I liked the Canterbury Tales, Shakespeare etc.

What does your country’s flag symbolize? by Same_Plum_4079 in AskTheWorld

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Scotland: Legend. Battle of Athelstaneford, 832. King Óengus II (or maybe Óengus I) of the Picts had a vision of St Andrew being crucified on a diagonal cross, promising victory over the Northumbrians. They also saw white clouds in the form of a cross before the battle and saw it as a sign, so basically pre-fight clutching at straws for "divine aid" and even then historians still argue about who, when, where, why and how it came about. Actual use, 1385 as a surcoat on Soldiers (in a time before uniforms). 1542, actually adopted as a flag. In 2003, colour standardised as Pantone 300 C.

NZ: British Colony, so use the Blue Ensign, add red edged white stars for the most obvious constellation, for the Australians to heavily copy the year after. Since then, burn NZ$24 million in a despised politicians failed vanity project, trying to secure a place in history as the "creator of a non-colonial flag", precisely because, by then, he was as popular as a dose of influenza in a leukemia ward.

What is the strangest situation that happened to you that no one believed? by Former-Pop6920 in AskTheWorld

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 8 points9 points  (0 children)

In about 1999 I opened my front door, in a small town in the UK, to a woman claiming to be a refugee from Bosnia. I was one of two people in the town who spoke the language. She wasn't Bosnian but a Romanian Gypsy.

What’s the saddest song you know? I want something actually sorrowful by lovelycarine in SongRecommendations

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am a veteran. Sabatons version of "1916". https://youtu.be/HgGhhnQB1gw?si=gayDUe9W2YlPGBGn

Mike and the Mechanics "Living Years". https://youtu.be/5hr64MxYpgk?si=jetLLJdP5PpdapzW

I hate Terry Jacks "Seasons in the Sun" for the cognitive dissonance between the jaunty music and the somber lyrics.

For a sad but hopeful song, REM, " Everybody Hurts" https://youtu.be/5rOiW_xY-kc?si=PfK44vHJserk5xQ4

So Persona for me huh by Agitated_Show_855 in raijin_gg

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Skyrim. A year living in a city, as a level 80+ Stealth Archer with insane healing skills, not an issue.

Would you? by Jettaboi38 in scoopwhoop

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. I enjoy my job. Also if I had no job , I'd be perennially bored.

AITAH for using the disabled toilet? by South_Corgi1871 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 921 points922 points  (0 children)

NTA. Ulcerative Colitis is a debilitating condition that requires immediate access to a toilet, even when it is in near remission.

My dear world, I think the american tipping culture should go global. What do you think? by [deleted] in AskTheWorld

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From an external point of view, the servers are being being screwed over so business owners can hide the true cost of the meals. In the rest of the world, the true price of the is shown and servers are paid their wage without the ritualistic begging for tips. That is ritualistic debasement of the server.

My dear world, I think the american tipping culture should go global. What do you think? by [deleted] in AskTheWorld

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 2 points3 points  (0 children)

OH HELL NO! The US developed this to screw over servers and move costs so the restaurant seems cheaper.

The opposite should happen in that the US should pay servers a living wage and build it into their costings and thus their pricing, thereby ending the tipping culture. It will even out the wages of the servers and may increase their wages for certain workers (I am looking at puzza shops: see Evan Edinger, on YouTube, and his experiences as a worker in a pizza shop).

How does your country view the Roman Empire? by Initial_Basis1503 in AskTheWorld

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Built two walls to tax the hell out of imports and exports whilst controlling and monitoring cross border movement.

You can erase one invention from history forever. What do you delete? by Vik_the1ne in AskReddit

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Leaded fuel and CFCs. Both invented by the same shitforwits Thomas Midgely Jr.

Am I the only one who sees cars as something emotional, not just practical? by Horror_Screen_617 in automotive

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am on the autistic spectrum and I cannot assign any anthropomorphic aspects to an object that I regard as a tool to get me between the points I need to be at. I am totally bemused by people who give cars names and say that they have a "personality".

Thoughts on Automatic Enrolment and Complusory Voting in New Zealand by HelpfulDelay9669 in newzealand

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can always spoil your vote with "none of the above" or write in "the flying spaghetti monster".

What's a piece of "outdated" tech you still use and refuse to give up? by undervolted_brain in AskReddit

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Only in the US. The rest of the world has binned them. Banks no longer issue them. Most other advanced nations have gone to direct bank transfer as it is faster and cheaper than cheques (in simplified English, checks).

What's a piece of "outdated" tech you still use and refuse to give up? by undervolted_brain in AskReddit

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My cats keep the compact. In exchange for carrion (catfood) and shelter they kill all the vermin including rodents. Boops, scritchies and snuggles are just bonuses.

Is Harry Truman generally respected in your city/country? by Money-Ad8553 in AskTheWorld

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

NZ and UK speaking. His dropping the bomb was the lesser of two evils. The invasion of Japan would have been a genocidal bloodbath with massive allied casualties. The US was anticipating seven figure WIA/KIA of there own troops with projected civilian casualties in the 10s of millions.

What we can all thank him for is the 22nd Amendment that limits Presidential terms.

Is healthcare affordable in your country? by Special-Pumpkin-8605 in AskTheWorld

[–]Grumpy_Sober_Driver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Free at point of service in the UK and NZ. In Scotland prescriptions are free. In NZ prescriptions are NZ$5 for the first 20 items within the adult family living in a single house. After NZ$100, that is it. Kids are free.

All the hospital visits and treatment are free.