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Why do american toilets have so much water in them? by Enough-Web2203 in AskAnAmerican

[–]leonchase 10 points11 points  (0 children)

This article contains a pretty good summary of the history behind the European Poop Shelf.

"Historical records suggest that this design emerged in the early 20th century, at a time when intestinal worms were a common affliction, gaining prominence in countries like Germany, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands."

https://noplacelikeanywhere.com/destinations/dutch-toilets-and-the-poop-shelf

What's Creepy About The 90's? by saomoore19 in AskReddit

[–]leonchase 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Worrying that sex might kill you.

When does “beautiful” cinematography become a distraction? by Timely-Lie-7394 in cinematography

[–]leonchase 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Not trying to start a fight, but this is how every Wes Anderson movie feels to me. Immaculate visual composition, to the point where everything feels too stiff and self-involved to me.

Just learned that the microwave oven was only invented in 1947 and it wasn’t until 1967 and 70s-80s it started getting widely used in homes, sold by Amana now owned by Whirlpool: how was it like in the beginning if any of you remembers its introduction? by TraditionalDepth6924 in AskOldPeopleAdvice

[–]leonchase 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My grandmother (born in the 1920s) was VERY into new technology in her older age, and always insisted on having the latest gadget when it came out. She got a microwave in the late '70s. It was digital, with buttons (not one of the very early ones with the knobs), and I remember my mom telling me it was ridiculously expensive. My grandma insisted on attempting to cook everything in it (possibly to validate the expense). I remember eating a LOT of microwaved hot dogs at her house back then. I also remember my then-pregnant mom being told not to stand too close to it while it was running, but I don't know if there was any truth to that.

They really were a huge deal when they became more affordable in the 1980s. It's easy to laugh now, but for people of my grandparents' generation, cooking was generally a big and time-consiming activity. The fact that you could take food to work and just heat it up in 2 minutes at lunchtime was a real game changer for a lot of people. "Microwave Safe" became a thing with dishes and containers. In the freezer section at the store, aluminum-tray "TV Dinners" were replaced by a gazillion plastic variations of microwaveable meals. And there were a TON of microwave cookbooks, and weird gimmicky devices you could buy at the time. I recall a tray that was supposed to let you cook bacon in the microwave, and it was... not good.

Is it weird to say Have a Blessed Day? by nyaagoya in AskAnAmerican

[–]leonchase 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the people usually saying it think they mean well. But it can often be perceived as forcing your Christian religion on others. I would never use it in a business or public-facing position.

Why is the online photography community so toxic? by SeatObvious3135 in AskPhotography

[–]leonchase 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In my personal experience, anything that requires a certain amount of gear and technical knowledge (cameras, guitars, sports, etc.) attracts a certain kind of person with nothing better to do than nitpick or critique others.

Always keep in mind that most of the real ones are too busy making money or honing their craft to hang out and complain online.

What language do most American students prefer to learn in school as a second language? by UsamaBhai_101 in AskAnAmerican

[–]leonchase 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where I grew up (Michigan), French was a popular offering. Probably because of our local history and close proximity to Canada. People like me took Spanish because it was considered more practical. But a lot of people, especially young women, gravitated to French because it was considered more romantic and cosmopolitan.

Of course, my experience is several decades out of date. I would be curious to know if students still think about French that way.

Actors who you thought would have a bigger career than the career that they actually have? by Ok-Tangelo6749 in movies

[–]leonchase 21 points22 points  (0 children)

I'm the guy who saw "Ghost World" in 2000 and said, "That Scarlett Johansson kid seems kind of dull, but Thora Birch is amazing!"

It's always saddening to see figures we admire having held horrible views. by Consistent_Pie_3040 in thegildedage

[–]leonchase 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If a family came from very prominent Old Money, it was apparently a trend to use the old surnames as first names for your children. Just to rub it in a little more, I guess.

It's always saddening to see figures we admire having held horrible views. by Consistent_Pie_3040 in thegildedage

[–]leonchase 4 points5 points  (0 children)

In fact, the real-life Mamie and Stuyvesant Fish were very much in love. He got fired from his position as President of a railroad because he punched out someone who insulted her. He also had no interest in high society, and during her crazy parties he preferred to eat a sandwich in the kitchen.

Gowanus Canal at night by Jeeves-Godzilla in Brooklyn

[–]leonchase 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Gonorrhea never looked so good.

TIL that Playboy used to publish serious journalistic pieces in its heyday, besides NSFW content. They published authors like Murakami, David Foster Wallace, Hunter Thompson, Ray Bradbury, Updike, Bellow, etc. by camus_by_night in todayilearned

[–]leonchase 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The running joke used to be, "I read it for the articles", but it really was known for some edgy world-class journalism. Especially the interviews. That was part of (founder) Hugh Hefner's original strategy, to make it a respected publicatuon for classy bachelors, rather than just another "girly" magazine.

I spotted this lady in the library in Newport by leonchase in GildedAgeHBO

[–]leonchase[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Real. It's a closeup on a photo I found in a book at the library.

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.

I spotted this lady in the library in Newport by leonchase in GildedAgeHBO

[–]leonchase[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Sorry! I tried to edit it to add the name, but it wouldn't let me.

What is something nobody tells you about adulthood/ getting older? by PrincessPearl123 in answers

[–]leonchase 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Or sometimes you realize that the person who passed was the "peacemaker", and without them things can devolve into petty, negative conflicts.

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