50 Genius Things Other Countries Have That Make The US Feel Like It’s Living In Another Century
Before anyone has the bright idea: universal healthcare, haha. Get it out of your system, dear internet.
With that said, check out all this cool stuff the world has! No, don’t look at it as if someone else has it better than you. Rather, consider it an idea that you can yoink and introduce in your own immediate surroundings because everyone deserves good things.
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Australian Company Introduces Glow-In-The-Dark Highway Paint Technology
I'm an Aussie. This is a great idea BUT I've never seen it anywhere yet!
"The test was conducted on a one kilometer section of the Metong Road in Victoria’s south east". I don't know if there's been any wider roll-out. It was trialled in the Netherlands in 2014 as well and doesn't seem to have had a wider roll-out there so I suspect the cost-to-benefit ratio didn't work out, though perhaps there have been improvements since.
Load More Replies...What's the advantage over reflector paint? I know reflector paint varies a lot in quality but I've seen some that's very bright. Paint that shines when there's no one to see it doesn't seem a great improvement. And it would need studies to test the effects on wildlife of course...
The difference is due to the amt of crushed glass they add to the paint.
Load More Replies...Even without this, Australia has had reflectors on roads for decades. So you can see where the lines are at night. In the US you might as well be driving with your eyes closed at night if the area is not well lit.
In Qld we have white lines on the road that become invisibile, no matter how bright your headlights are, the moment it rains. And it rains a lot.
Load More Replies...I want this so bad in the US. There are so many places where there's no reflectors and this would help in the rain.
So true. With all the glare from the rain, you can't see the fog lines and lane markers at all.
Load More Replies...When the Netherlands tested this in 2014, the glow lasted "up to 8 hours". Maybe there have been improvements or it could only be used at latitudes where the seasonal light/dark cycle doesn't vary too much.
Load More Replies...It is needed EVERYWHERE. Especially in places that rain. So hard to see the lines in the road when it's pouring
Has it's pros and cons. In southern Ontario (Canada) the road lines are a reflective type of paint. Easy to see at night providing they are clear of snow.
We have that in Australia too (but we don't get much snow) but this goes a step further, as far as I'm aware, leaving them glowing after the cars have gone.
Load More Replies...UK Supermarket Has A Tag You Can Add For Carts With Wonky Wheels
Look up SM:TV wonky donkey on YouTube. The donk with the wonk causes many issues on this children’s TV show that’s not really for children, it’s for hungover adults / students on a Saturday morning. https://youtu.be/9_3p6iulTHU?si=fdZ9k84crrc6IozC
Load More Replies...I feel pretty wonky most of the time, and I'm not even a wheel. Do I still get a tag?
We definitely need these tags for people. I don't know who'd be able to fix our wonkiness, but at least it'd warn others of the problem. 😄
Load More Replies...I've had plenty of wonky trolleys at Sainsbury's, but I've never seen these tags.
The problem with this is every cart will have this tag on it. There's ALWAYS one stinkin' wheel that's got a flat spot or vibrates or spins around like a whirling dervish.
In Florida, the parking lots get soooo hot that the bottom of the wheels often melt if not brought in in a reasonable amount of time. Walmart's are almost always melted...
Load More Replies...This would be nice. When I worked for a massive hunting/fishing store, they would only repair the carts before Black Friday. Would be nice to know exactly which ones need repair.
I remember reading, that supermarket trollys have bad wheels on purpose to keep you shopping for longer. Though this would be a legit good thing if they actually fixed them
In Singapore, Elderly Pedestrians Can Tap Their Identity Card To Have More Time At The Pedestrian Crossing
Swiping the card at a sensor gives its holder an extra 3 to 13 seconds to walk across, depending on the size of the crossing.
What a great idea. I usually make it half way across the road before the lights change.
It would be especially helpful when you have to cross as many as eight lanes. Around here, on the main multi-lane streets, if you press the button for pedestrian crossing, when it's your turn to cross, you get a countdown of how many seconds you have left.
Load More Replies...I see this as an issue so often with disabled people. They may e only make it halfway across before the light changes, then rude a*s drivers start honking their horns, like their life is so important they can't wait another 20 seconds to let some elderly and or disabled person cross the street without making them feel more like a burden. We need this in the USA.
I hope this service also applies to those with mobility issues or some other need who aren't necessarily seniors. Pregnant women perhaps? May even be helpful to school aged children.
But also a nice way of "Big Brother watching you". Why should you need an ID card to not have to run the crossing? You can also hand out anonymous cards to pensioners.
Alternatively, why can't there be a button for an extra-long crossing? Why have cards at all?
Load More Replies...Why would you need to prove your status as a senior citizen to get extra time? Just make it a button.
No need for that here. Once you stepped onto the road when you had green you are obligated to take as long as you need to cross savely
If you’re reading this, it’s very likely you already know the answer to why there are borders between countries, why each country is different, and similar questions that deal with why someone has something and someone else does not.
But let’s humor the idea of there being singularity—like, what if there’d be just one country on Earth?
Traffic Light With A Shining Pole In Moscow, Russia
I think this should be everywhere, nice to be able to see it if you are behind a large vehicle!
Isabella Co. Michigan, stop signs have reflective tape on the mounting posts. Not hard to see one of those
Load More Replies...I've seen enough Russian dashcam videos to know that the traffic lights are NOT the problem there lol
Terrible idea for those that are color blind. At least regular signals have positional lights.
If you look, it's not replacing the regular traffic light, though. This just aids the regular ones, for those times when you can't see the traffic light (as others have mentioned, such as when you are stuck behind a semi).
Load More Replies...Ok for a crossing, as here, but I suspect it could be very visually confusing at an intersection.
I would guess that the side of the road the pole stands would be the side of the road it is applicable to.
Load More Replies...too bad PUtin is spending so much useless time and effort in trying to take over Ukraine.. THIS would be a much better use of his time & resources.. backing start ups
This Car Park In France Has Soft Barriers Between Parking Spaces To Stop People Scratching Other Cars
Exactly. Cars have become wider over the years in order to meet tighter safety standards. Parking spaces haven't kept pace.
Load More Replies...My old 85 Toyota Camry had rubber strips that ran down both sides of the car. They worked perfectly.
This needs to be standard in all parking structures. Wouldn't add that much to the final construction cost, but would save so much money and aggravation down the road.
But what about opening the car door?? Wouldn’t it move the barrier against the adjacent car and possibly scratch it? Or am I overthinking this-
I think the barrier is made of something like a pool noodle. So yeah, possibly a very superficial scratch from the attachment hardware, but no dents.
Load More Replies...It should also prevent all but the most hard core idiots from parking on the line! I want this!
I understand stopping on the line; not everyone has the spatial awareness and experience to get into the slot correctly on the first try. What I don't understand is people who get out and just leave instead of realizing they are on the line and correcting their mistake.
Load More Replies...I invented that (in my mind) 15 years ago. Nice to see it finally caught on -- if only somewhere else.
There Is A Swing Made For Wheelchairs At This Park In Mexico
and the UK, they're not in every park, but in larger parks they're becoming more common. Or if there isn't a wheelchair swing, there's a swing chair with "seatbelts" or a pull over bar that disabled children can be placed into. :)
Load More Replies...Wheelchair OR special needs swings are in literally every single playground in the US built or upgraded after 2012. It's required by the Americans with disabilities act. You can thank Obama and the Democrats who fought for the rights of our citizens least likely to be able to fight for themselves.
*(are supposed to be in every playground built or upgraded after 2012). I'm still thankful nonetheless for the effort.
Load More Replies...And we have an entire beautiful accessible playground near me in Virginia
Load More Replies...These should be in every park. A new park was implemented in a town near me and had lots of wheelchair users in the design, so people assumed it was accessible. I'm a wheelie so looked more closely and the only accessible items to wheelies was a noughts and crosses board and a car track that was just outlines on the floor... no accessible swing or roundabout or anything. Disgusting
In the us near me they have a park with a lot of wheelchair accessible things like swings, roundabouts, and other equipment which is really nice. I do wish more parks had this though.
Load More Replies...Elementary students at a school in a town near me raised money to build a new accessible playground for a wheelchair student in their class. They were successful and it was particularly heartwarming because it was all the students' idea when they realized their friend could not enjoy the playground like they did.
Yes, the same thing happened at the elementary school (in the US) I worked at over 20 years ago. It did not have any swings, but the wheelchair could be rolled up all the way across the equipment. It was the first accessible playground in town and got a lot of media coverage.
Load More Replies...My city made an entire playground for children with disabilities. I thought it was a great idea. This is also in the US. Occasionally, good things can happen here.
It’s romantic to think that, in some senses, our planet can be seen as a single country—a single place where we as a species live. And that’s what we share.
Apollo 9 space mission member Rusty Schweikhart explained that when he first looked at Earth from space, he felt a profound shift in perspective. Looking at it, he knew there were numerous borders on it, yet you couldn’t even see them.
Japanese Government Sends Individuals Quarantining At Home Free Care Packages! Shown Is For 1 Person (Me) In Tokyo
if this was in the US or the UK you'd only have people complaining about what they received...
Load More Replies...You mean there actually exists a government that cares about its people?
Well the Japanese and South Koreans must pay too, where else does the government get money to buy these?
Load More Replies...My Australian Tax Return Shows Where My Money Went
Where's the category for tax rebates to Rupert Murdoch et al? I'd like to know how much I gave him (in case I want to touch him for a few bucks at some point)
You want to touch Rupert Murdoch in exchange for money...?
Load More Replies...I'm from Canada and I'm guessing our tax breakdown must be pretty similar to this in terms of healthcare. And I wonder if Americans realise that just a portion of our taxes goes to healthcare, then there are no deductibles, no co-pay (I didn't even know what that was until my friend moved to the States and explained it to me), no bills for hospital or doctor visits, and most everything healthcare related is free after you pay your taxes once a year.
Sounds so simple, but as Bouche commented, the healthcare industry and insurance lobbies (among so many other lobbies) run Washington, not the politicians, and for sure not "the people."
Load More Replies...I'd love to see this kind of breakdown on an American tax return. ... Yeah, probably not, actually.
It'd just say "Defence" and everything else would be so small it's negligible. But we have to make to world safe for democracy (as our democratic process crumbles).
Load More Replies...Most Americans would lose their minds if they saw so much going to “welfare”. We would rather have poverty and inequitable healthcare than pay anything in taxes to help. That’s “socialism” and if there is one thing we are deathly afraid here, it’s that.
Pensioners are, ironically, the ones who complain about 'dole bludgers' the most.
Load More Replies...They couldn't do those in USA. Everyone would be pissed to see where the money went. Like the $1.8 Billion a day we spend on interest payments for our national debt.
Sewer Cover In Osaka, Japan
And various other places in Japan. :) Even more awesomely, a social tech company made an app where members of the public can report damage to sewer covers.
iirc, there's even a booklet for people who want to go out and find all of the decorative manhole covers. xD
Load More Replies...Rome has cute ones, they have SPQR on them. I love that 2000 years later they're still using SPQR as their acronym.
Well, it is still Rome, isn't it? Something that the Rome senate (gouvernment) does for its populus :). Why change something that doesn't need change :)
Load More Replies...Last year they added Pokemon ones in Yokohama: Blogheader...c9-png.jpg
Theres a great illustrated book called "Drainspotting: Japanese Manhole Covers" by Remo Camerota.
There's an entire subreddit that shares manholes. Can't remember what it's called but there're some beautiful ones from Japan.
First thing I thought of! Great minds obviously think alike.
Load More Replies...They have them in Seattle https://www.waymarking.com/gallery/image.aspx?f=1&guid=8380b817-243c-41f3-95b0-bd436046532e&gid=3
Load More Replies...Despite Rusty’s idea, despite our species essentially coming from a single place and sharing the same ancestry, we somehow got to a point where there are around 200 countries, each living its own life, relatively speaking. Why? How? What happened for these borders and walls to pop up and separate us?
Cool Bike Repair Equipment On A Bike Path (Canada)
We had this at my local university. Within months all the tools had been stolen and the pump bent in half for good measure.
Of course, because how there be something kind and useful. :(
Load More Replies...I live in the Scrapple Belt, Mid Atlantic, we have one at almost every state park.
Utah bike trails (the ones connecting the cities) got these 10 years ago. It took less than a year before some morons had destroyed the 5 that I ran across.
Nappies In Sweden Have A Father On The Packaging
I've found once they fill with about 1-2 kgs, you still have to change them...2-5 kgs indeed.
Yeah. Basically everyone here speaks English and I guess it's being sold in a few nordic countries so it's just easier to just label the front in English.
Load More Replies...Americans " I don't want woke wipes men can't have babies so why would a man need wipe "
Lights To Silently Get Your Waiter's Attention In Maastricht, Netherlands
Nice! One of the best ambigrams I ever saw was on that show Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction. It was hosted by none other than Jonathan Frakes. In it, he would present 3 stories reenacted and asked the audience to guess which story was real. The ambigram he used? Ambiguity - written to be read normally AND upside down. It was so cool to see! I was so impressed that I learned to write it. To this day, I can write the word Ambiguity as an ambigram! Will Riker for the win ❤️👏💯
Load More Replies..."Bubba Gump Shrimp Co." (US chain mostly in touristy areas) has had signs on the tables you change if you need something for at least 15 years (maybe longer, I can't remember the first time I visited one.) There was also an arcade restaurant I went to as a kid (25+ years ago) that had individual televisions and terminals at the tables (for the adults) that gave out vibrating pagers to the kids so the parents could summon them from the arcade when it was time to eat/leave that also had a call button for service!
Saw some in Greece, 3 buttons, Order food, drinks or bill. Very useful and meant waiters saved a trip over when they can simply bring the bill.
For the people saying, "Oh my god, how hard is it to raise your hand and make eye contact" - congratulations on only ever being in restaurants where all you had to do was lift your eyes and instantly lock gazes with your server, who had nothing else to do but immediately swoop down and tend to your every need. Over here in the real world, though, most people would rather not interrupt their meal and conversation to find the server, wait for them to look over, and awkwardly wave at them.
I know several restaurants that have this feature as well here. It seems to slowly spreading
I think Applebee's has that option on their little table computers.
Load More Replies...In Hawaii, they have a restauran called Bubba Gump Shrimp. On the tables, were these wooden signs and one side read, “Run Forrest, run!” And that was if you didn’t need your waiter or waitress. If you needed them, then you simply turned it over and it read, “Stop!”. Just like in the movie 😂
One theory, validated by a number of studies, suggests that whenever people are made to feel insecure and anxious, the natural response is to cling to their identity and defend themselves against insecurities.
While criticized, the theory still explains why, in times of crisis and uncertainty, nationalism grows, and walls tend to be built.
This Stall For Your Dog Outside A Super Market In Copenhagen!
No petting, no taunting, no questionable treats, perfect! Just don't plan to spend the night there yourself. A writer for The Outline tried a similar booth and apparently they have cameras/sensors watching and the company will fine people who get in.
Most of them wouldn't behave as well as most of the dogs.
Load More Replies...Awesome idea! Would be better for doggo if it was bigger though (although it would probably make you pay more money to use)
Then just leave your doggo at home where he's more comfortable. Geez. Seems no one is ever satisfied with anything.
Load More Replies...We need more of these, especially here in the US where people insist on taking dogs who aren't service animals inside stores where they don't belong. Petco/PetSmart? Fine. The local grocery? No.
We have these in the U.S. as well. I've seen them in front of some shops, and also at several service areas (rest stops) along some of our highways. They have AC during the summer, and heat in the winter.
This Burger King In Norway Has A Apot For You To Empty Your Sodas In Before You Throw The Cup Away
Nope. At least, I've never run into something so sensible here in the US.
Load More Replies...In France now you find 3 different bins in McDonalds : one to empty your drink, one for the leftovers, one for packagings.
In some fast food places in the UK we have.. sink for liquids, bin for food waste, bin for recycling, and bin for everything else.
Load More Replies...If you were too full? Or if it is too watered down
Load More Replies...Burger King dont do this in america ? It's in all their european restaurants...
Nope, but we do have self-serve soda fountains that have drains (idk if you have those in Europe too or if they're behind the counter). We're supposed to pour the leftover soda out there and then throw away the cup, but many people either don't realize that (their parents may have not taught them) or they just don't care. :/
Load More Replies...This Toilet Flushes By Using Your Foot
This mechanism is located in a toilet in Mexico and you don't have to be a germaphobe to appreciate it. Unsanitary public toilets can lead to gut infections, lung and skin infections as well as STDs. If a stool doesn't look clean but you really need to use it, consider using tissue paper to open its door, using the toilet seat cover, and if there isn’t one, cleaning the toilet seat with a tissue paper before using it or even hovering closely above the toilet.
The chance of actually getting a disease from a toilet is very low, especially if you wash your hands. There's virtually no chance of getting an STI unless the last guy is still sitting there.
If you can get it from a toilet, it’s literally not an STI
Load More Replies...The auto flushers we have are nice but have a tendency to flush if you shift or lean too far. It's an unpleasant if you haven't finished yet.
"... if a stool doesn't look clean..." Surely a typo? No stool ever looks clean to me! I think the OP meant "stall"!
Clearly you've never been to Mississippi or the range rover dealerships bathroom outside cleaveland OH
Load More Replies...Please don't hover unless you plan to wipe the seat clean after you use the toilet. Don't leave that nasty mess for the next patron.
Yeah, really! That drives me crazy-- if we all just use the toilet correctly, the only part making contact is our thighs, same as if we were sitting on a public bench in a bathing suit. Either sit on the seat, or raise it--if you insist on hovering, you can hover over the rim.
Load More Replies...You can't get an STI from a toilet seat. It was put out that you can to stop people being embarrassed to go to a doctor about having an STI.
By who? I don't see the medical profession as a whole lying, or allowing such an outright falsehood just to make people more comfortable. Let be be clear, I'm not saying there aren't lies by groups of them (the pandemic proves that). I'm just asking if what you said was a one group lie campaign or what.
Load More Replies...Love the foot pedal, but the reasoning is incorrect. Toilets are yucky, sure, but not disease-inducing. JUST WASH YOUR HANDS!
This is a backwards step in accessibility. There are many people who can use the ordinary lavatories, but would not be able to use the foot flush mechanism. If it is introduced, then make use the hand flush is retained.
As long as both options are there, the foot flush still benefits the people who can't use it, because fewer people will touch the hand flush, thus exposing those who need it to fewer germs.
Load More Replies...So, to avoid that, the psychologist behind these insights, Steve Taylor, explained that the other end of the spectrum is where folks who are well-off reside—folks who incidentally often don’t have a sense of group identity.
Instead, they have transcended beyond that concept and found a calmer life where folks aren’t pigeonholed into nationalities, borders, identities, and the like.
UPS In Italy Uses These "Bicycle Trucks" To Deliver Packages To Places In Narrow Streets Of Rome
In Poland DHL has it as well - really useful in the city centre
There are versions used in Copenhagen, and Amsterdam too.
Load More Replies...We have this in Portland, OR. It's a courier company called BeeLine. Big boxy electric trikes. Thought about going to work for them at one point last year.
But seriously where in the US or Canada would this work? Cities that have the necessary density have harsh winters. This is a step backwards into another century.
There are plenty of other countries around the world other than US or Canada where this could work.
Load More Replies...I saw something similar in Lausanne, but it was the post office van.
I think it could would within business district, and individual suburbs. In rural areas, not so much. We live in rural Western NC. Not only are residences spread apart, but demographic is mountainous, with roads being curvy as well.
It said that they are used in the narrow streets of Rome, where there is not room enough for a car.
Load More Replies...Similar to what our post people use to deliver the mail and small packages, but with a motor bike not a push bike.
Train Seats In Japan Facing Outwards So You Can See The Scenery
Great idea however for someone (me) with motion sickness this is a nightmare
Some Japanese trains allow you to rotate your seat to face the direction of travel if you want to.
Load More Replies...There are many trains on scenic routes around the world that have outward facing seats.
Amtrak in the US also has these. Just road on trains with this along the old Santa Fe trail this last summer
Public Air Shower In Tokyo To Blow Pollen Off Hay Fever Sufferers
I need one just before the door to my house! That way I could blow everything odd before I entered.
Load More Replies...Does it really blow the pollen off or does it blow the pollen directly into your nose and eyes?
Need one to also remove cigarette smoker from smokers that stay outside the entrances of stores, fast food places and gas stations. Just not having any compassion and still breathing out onto people either in front of them or behind them as they walk by. People with sinuses, colds, asthma, etc don't need that. Some continue to smell that for days.
Unfortunately it's a serious addiction and they may not feel they have a choice. It's still very inconsiderate and I still cough when I go by.
Load More Replies...Taylor noticed that folks who went through extreme psychological trauma—a life-threatening diagnosis or a loss in the family—often entered this next step in human development. They wouldn’t feel like they belonged to some nationality, religion, race, whatever. Having lived something that intense has led them to lose their group identity because they no longer felt separate, fragile, or insecure. And so there was no need for some sort of quick fix in the form of nationalism.
The Trains In Japan Have Women-Only Cars
Yeah, it's good that they have them, but bad that they need them in the first place.
Load More Replies...Nothing to be jealous of. In Japan many people are f****d up! They harass women terribly.
In India also we have female compartments in public transport which is really sad
Based on the stories I've heard I'd be terrified to be out on the streets alone as a woman in India.
Load More Replies...I'd rather have a train that was designated as "no creeps". Scratch that, a society that was "no creeps".
Considering the stories I've heard about the groping that takes place in tightly-packed train cars, yeah, I can see the necessity of this.
Sadly from what I have seen a lot of men ride on them knowing it is women only:(
This is nothing to brag about. It’s sad that this is even needed in this day and age. 😔
The brag comes from people taking some action in this day and age.
Load More Replies...I'm the one who would rather have the women's car be an option. Probably smells better
So many of you are falling for the perfect solution fallacy. We shouldn't make anything that helps victims unless it fixes every single problem in the world, am I right? We can't have women only trains because it still allows harassment to happen in other places. We can't remove hostile architecture because the government should be making more shelters. We can't supply narcan and clean needles because it doesn't end addiction. I hate virtue signalling as much as the next guy, but sometimes we just need to accept a temporary solution while on the road to more progress. The world is f****d up and we can't cure it overnight, and the longer we hold onto the idea that we can and the more we deny small solutions, the more we hurt the people that actually need help like this. I believe whole heartedly that we need to make things better and I wish that we didn't need these types of cars, but saying we should remove them because they don't address the root problem is absurd.
I agree. Simple solutions like this at least make women safe during commutes. Imagine having to go to work or commute home everyday, exhausted, and still have to deal with potential harassments at public transport. Indonesian commuter trains have women-only cars too, the first and the last cars on every train. The only men allowed to enter is security guards who make rounds to make sure there are no intruders. In an ideal world, of course this won't be needed. But hey, despite our best efforts, some form of pathologies will still be around and designs to make environment safer, better will always be needed.
Load More Replies...And then you have the idiot guy tiktokers (usually tourists) who think they are "inspectors" and video themselves going into these cars. Total lack of regard for the women who could have had a panic attack at the sight of him.
Supermarket Trolleys In Sweden Have A Map Of The Supermarket
It's about time we got something like this. Rick Paulas of the Pacific Standard has compared the current design of many grocery stores to casinos. "There are lights and sounds that re-focus attention every micro-second, carpet on the ground to offer cushion for our feet, an open-flow space from the slot machines to the poker tables to the roulette. But what's more important is what's not there: clocks on the wall, bathrooms, escape routes. The reason is obvious — can't spend money if you're not present—and they point toward why supermarkets attempted to get their customers lost."
But the whole point of Super Market design in the USA is to confuse and disorient the customer for as long as possible so they spend more money.
And just when you get used to it, they rearrange all the aisles.
Load More Replies...Oh how I wish these were a thing in the UK. It might stop the demon store managers from randomly changing the store about...
It's not the store managers, Alethea. It comes from way above them, way above individual store level. So it's more a demon store parent company thing.
Load More Replies...Wouldn't work here, they keep changing things around to keep us confused!
Only seen it once- in an ICA. So... not AS common as this implies it is.
At least in IKEA Svågertorp I believe they have that!
Load More Replies...This Carousel In Hong Kong Has A Sea Turtle Mounted To The Floor For Disabled Children
We have these in the US too but they're usually not labeled for disabled people. Usually anyone can go one these.
I think the point is that the back is open so a wheelchair can be pushed in and the child still gets to experience being on a carousel.
Load More Replies...But how does the wheelchair get there? They're always 1m+ off the ground... seen this in a few places and when asked the staff look blankly. Even a child in a wheelchair, it is very heavy to lift both, impossible if they have a power chair. Some children won't be able to be lifted up out of the chair or if they can, their chair that they need to sit in is too heavy. It's a great idea but only if they have a ramp/ lift that can be used then moved away so the ride can spin.
Literally a ramp that is level with the carousel with a small gap between. And since carousels spins in place, they don't need to move the ramp. There are also ones with drawbridges.
Load More Replies...So, once humanity stops individualizing itself through identities, only then will there essentially be one country. And once borders are out the window, then there’d be an increased chance of everyone having and enjoying the same nice things.
But do you notice how I say an increased chance? There’s always a catch.
This Ice Lolly I Bought In Korea Has A Little Tray To Prevent It From Melting All Over Your Hands
In my house we use plastic lids, lol. Sometimes we have an abundance of little lids that go to containers being used for other things. Cut a little hole in the center and they're perfect, plus washable. We have slightly bigger ones with slightly bigger holes for littles to use with ice cream cones which are also notoriously messy for little and/or slow eaters (we take the lid off once the ice cream is low enough to not drip).
We have those in Puerto Rico, I love it, specially since it's so hot there the ice cream melts quickly.
This Bill In Turkey Tells You How Much Each Person Would Need To Pay If You Split It Equally
no it's not. How come we have lost the ability to do these simple diversions. It is NOT that hard !!
Load More Replies...I don’t know why a group would split the check evenly like that. Someone is always going to get screwed.
No, no. Pay equally is always unfair to someone. Pay for your own stuff.
this confused me briefly, but I think its the amounts at the bottom are for if its split equally between different amounts of people. so if the bill is getting split between 2 people, they would pay 57 each. if its split between 3 people they would pay 38 each. split between 4 people they would each pay 28.50 each and between 5 people they would pay 22.80 each.
My sister has an arrangement with her friends group that she will pay and then send a Venmo request for their portion, so she does all the work, and gets all the CCard points ;)
Exactly! I don't drink alcohol, and a big part in every restaurant bill is wine and spirits, so I always pay my own.
Load More Replies...If you look at the individual amounts, they are not equal. I think the bill shows the total for the table and the correct amounts for each person.
The math says that those are the amounts to split it equally between different numbers of people. Which makes it pretty pointless unless everyone in the group is bad at basic math and left their phone at home.
Load More Replies...Lisbon Consists Of 7 Hills. In Order To Make It Easier For Residents And Tourists To Move Between The Different Neighbourhoods, This Open-Air Escalator Was Installed
I went on one of these in Barcelona it was so funny and surreal... Until I felt ashamed of myself as older people marched past me on the actual stairs.
The more abled people use them, the less disabled people stick out.
Load More Replies...How lovely for those of us who can't use stairs -- I love beautiful, traditional city neighborhoods like this, but just like my home city (NYC), neighborhoods with stairs are often unmanageable for people with certain disabilities. Love this!
Pretty sure Rome is known as the city of 7 hills due to the ancient city being built around 7 hills, but the more you research the more cities you find with this ‘claim to fame’ as shown here there’s Lisbon in portugal and also quite near to where I live is Bristol, England and even Washington, D.C. so I wonder what the reason is/was to build on 7 hills and if 7 hills has some kind of religious/cultural significance
Its entirely acceptable when you arent used to the hills. Lisbon hills especially are high. Pro tip- no running shoes for cobblestone, go birkenstock. Trust me.
yep! the sidewalks can be slippery in shoes without good treads...
Load More Replies...These are very handy, and probably useful in warmer climates. If you live in an area with plenty of inclement weather though, outdoor escalators won't last long.
In Spoleto, Italy, they have an outdoor escalator with a roof on. And it is disguised as a roman siege engine, too.
Load More Replies...Those would be very handy. I have long Covid, and get tired more easily than I used to. Thanks to these, I could traverse the neighborhoods and not exhaust myself doing so. Wunderbar!
Good for me too, with MS and a corresponding heat intolerance.
Load More Replies...I'm terrified of escalators. I could never manage the timing/coordination thing.
It's really not that difficult. You wouldn't have to run, the speed is a reasonable pace. Just watch for a few seconds to get a good guess for the size of the stairs, grab the handrail if you need/want additional support, take a step forward, follow with your other foot and you've managed to get on! You'll even have enough time to readjust your position before the stair folds out. For getting off you'll focus on the end, grab the handrail and take a step forward when you're sure you'll be able to cover the distance. You might feel like you're going too fast so you want to keep walking a couple of steps afterwards. But you'll be fine. Again, the escalators are not going at a running speed.
Load More Replies...We also have these in Medellín, Colombia, Comuna 13 Escalators. It has becone a turist spot.
While an amazing concept, losing group identity won’t solve all of the world’s problems. It would solve plenty, but not all.
Remember that what works in one part of the world might not work in another. And, by proxy, there’d still remain that "oh, we have something you don’t" mentality just because of a simple lack of necessity. There’s more, but you get the point, right?
These Two Different Sets Of Shopping Baskets At A Department Store In Bangkok - For Those That Need Help Or Want To Be Left Alone
I need help shopping! But the baskets for that are pink! I am a manly man, I can´t take those! /s
I'm the opposite: I want to be left alone, but I still want the pink basket, because those are cute! :)
Load More Replies...What do you do if you think you want to be left alone and then realize that you need help?
The OP took the photo in CentralWorld Mall, Bangkok. It's a massive tourist hotspot.
Load More Replies...In Canada wanting to not be bugged is usually deemed a sign someone is planning on shoplifting. Staff are trained to approach people and offer assistance to people they think are acting "unusual" or maybe just lost.
In Belgian Train’s Toilets There Is A Sos Button Close To The Ground In Case People Fall And Can’t Get Up
They have these in hospitals too. I accidentally set it off one time. Very embarrassing to have a bunch of nurses come busting in while you're wiping your butt. :)
The IT Crowd, before people think I’m taking the pìss.
Load More Replies...VLine (Vic country trains) do. I did find out recently that they have 'quiet' carriages too now.
Load More Replies...This Pizza Box In Japan That Has A Handle In The Middle To Keep The Pizza Flat
You can fold the handle down when stacking the pizza's (it is just a carton) and ask for a piece of rope to stack and carry the stack with the top pizza :)
Load More Replies...Seems like it would be more of an awkward carry than "genius", especially walking with it to your side or the way they holding it up and in front of them in the picture, having to arch your arm the way they're carrying it. Also, if the pizza has any decent amount of weight to it I'd be nervous of the weight pulling the box down and the tabs giving way and having a mess. If you're bringing home carry out pizza just carry the damn box like they're meant to be carried.
Totally agree, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Saw a pizzeria that put a cooked pizza doughball in the center of their pizzas so they could get rid of the plastic lid supporters. That seems like a better solution IMO, no plastic, extra doughball to eat, no cheese/toppings stuck to the lid...win, win, win!
Load More Replies...What does this that a string doesn't? And you can stack them that way too.
I saw one for a pizzeria in Alaska that has a target printed on the back so you can use it after you finish the pizza.
Besides, there are easy solutions to these problems—either bring whatever it is that you want in and make it a thing, or go to this other country, experience it, and move on. No need to flex who has what.
But a person can still dream of a world where there’s a single country where everyone could possibly be able to experience Kinder Surprises. In any case, thank you for listening to my ramblings.
These Bins In Sweden Show You What To Recycle
Is it truly sweden if people aren't neatly setting them next to the bins for the homeless or impoverished to take for deposits? /j
Looks like an art installation. Lived in Malmö for a decade and have never seen one.
They Have Pet Carts In Grocery Stores In Italy
Because it's dangerous (and illegal) to leave them in the car.
Load More Replies...I don't understand why pets in shops or restaurants are such a big deal? I get some people are allergic, but wouldn't that go for service dogs too? As long as the pup is well behaved, what's the issue?
If they are well-behaved, they are not the problem, but one badly behaved rottweiler in a meat section can cause the ultimate disaster.
Load More Replies...This may be state by state but mine doesn't allow animals in grocery stores unless they are service or law enforcement. Frankly people are already ridiculous and entitled about their pets already. The last thing we need is to encourage that where they don't really belong.
I love dogs more than what's possibly normal, but where there's produce only guide dogs should be allowed.
I can't handle non service dogs in stores. I've worked retail since I was 16 and it's gotten worse every year. I've gotten into disagreements about stores that people assume are dog friendly but aren't because it's just easier to let them in than fight with every person. It's not safe for dogs not trained to handle crowded places and most ESA dogs aren't. You put your dog in a cart most doesn't get wiped down and then sometime comes behind you and doesn't know it's gross. It creates health problems for those allergic and more work for those who may have to clean up after your pet.
Unless it's a service animal, they really shouldn't be in a store, especially clothing or food. You may love your pet, but other people probably don't want their hair/smell on their food and clothing. Even if they have pets of their own, it's kind of like the way you put up with your kids or other family members but won't tolerate certain things from strangers, same.
When you live in a city and have a dog, you are going on walks for like 4 to 5 Times a day, it can be exhausting to have to go out again to do your groceries. Better if you can go shopping while walking your dog ! Personnally I don't live in a city anymore with my dog, but I've never been able to take her with me in public transports or grocery stores. Where I used to live, it was forbidden 😓
I wish business would quit catering to people who bring their pets to the store. Unless it’s a service dog they should absolutely not be allowed in supermarkets and restaurants
As nice as this is, one major sneeze of the goodest boi or girl isn't something I'd like to find on my meat, even shrink-wrapped. Or a good shake in the fruit, veg or dairy area. Some things shouldn't be combined, and if it is impossible to find a way of combining daily chores with having a pet, then choices have to be made.
Actually in Brazil some supermarkets have closed kennels below their trolleys. My dog has his own trolley with a closed net from where he sees all I'm doing. In my world, is no different from any other family member. He can't stay alone and we just moved to a different country where everybody are strangers to him... as for what you feel for dogs, I feel the same for humans. I wished they never stoped using masks.
Load More Replies...I do not like this idea. Service animals are allowed everywhere. If your pet cannot be alone long enough for you to go to the grocery store, you need to order home delivery.
Probably nothing to do with the pet not being able to be alone. I mean, most are alone for hours while people work. Walking your dog and doing groceries on the same trip is a great time-saver.
Load More Replies...Shopping Cart Cleaning Machine In Germany
I'm not as paranoid as most when it comes to cart hygiene (because I carry around Purell and use it as soon as I'm done) but this machine should be standard everywhere!
Our local HyVee grocery store installed one of these soon after Covid first struck, two years later it was disassembled and gone. I kinda wish they had kept it seeing as Covid and other viruses are still pretty common
i'm from germany and haven't seen this yet. it's probably something that's typical for this edeka, others don't have it.
These were at Belgium supermarkets too, only for the corona pandemic tho.
So, what are your thoughts on any of this? Share everything that you want to share (within reason, though, kids are watching) in the comment section below!
There’s A Privacy Button That Plays Background Sound In The Toilet In Japan So Your Bombing Sounds Won’t Be Heard
That would actually be perfect (please hear me out): just imagine that you can also choose which other stall the fart and plop sounds come from. And that all stalls have these option. Fart sounds would play all the time everywhere, much better disguising actual farts and plops, because noone can tell which are real and which aren't. Now add stink cannons as well and everyone gets plausible deniability for every poop, fart and stink!
Load More Replies...It refers to the auto-rectractable rod for bidet function installed in many public toilets in Japan, you can push the button to clean the rod.
Load More Replies...It is called otohime. It is more or less a standard that became neccesary because people were flushing constantly to cover the bombing noises. Now it plays mostly the tune of a flushing toilet without wasting water.
That's a good idea! I used to be a serial flusher to cover up sounds but I know it was a waste of water.
Load More Replies...They were added to save water, since people, especially women, were flushing the toilet multiple times to hide the normal sounds of a person on the toilet. It's an indication of widespread obsession with an ideal that humans produce no sounds. It seems all cool, until you realize that it's no different than airbrushing all hair from photos of women's bodies.
So, the bombing is oversounded by some kind of tune? Making everyone aware that some serious bombing is actually going on? Kind of defeats the purpose...
Can I play the "1812 Overture"? (WITH FULL CANNONS!!) (Upper left button looks like the ENEMA option. Yes, I know it's for bidet.)
Bus Stop In Norway With Books You Can Read While You Wait
Uk has these in ex phone booths as well as bus stops, like little community honesty library's
Here we have them on basis of "pick a book, leave a book". Any old book you don't want anymore? Leave it there, somebody might want to read it. It is even used by public libraries to get rid off of old books nobody really want (if nobody borrowed it in 2 years, what is the point of having it there? It goes to storage, there it sits for another 2, 3, 5 years and then it is either left outside in "take a book" or sold for some change or left in one of those public shelfs.)
Load More Replies...Plus it looks like it’s mostly enclosed to protect from the weather. Nifty
A lot of German towns have public book shelves / donation boxes these days. Sometimes in the form of upcycled phone booths. I have never seen them inside bus stops though. I like the idea.
Sadly, places in Canada, the glass would be broken, spay painted, and there would be no books.
So many community based things I have seen that are just beautiful from Norway that are so considerate and like wow why wouldn't they just do this everywhere. Like on top of bus stops they plant grass and flowers ,cools the lil building naturally cleans the air attracts bee that are much needed as an example. This is well country sounds gr8!
What happened if you got too engrossed on what you're reading and the bus came? Ah! return it the next day or when you're done. :D
In Mexico They Label Their Food If They Have Excessive Sugar And Calories(Azúcares Is Sugars)
Same in Argentina (black hexagons for excess of calories, sugars or fats). In Spain, it has a "nutri score" label (graded , colour-coded) where A Green it's the best and E Red the worst.
Every single American product has that label I guarantee it. In America it would make more sense to label the products that don't.
This must be an old package because they also banned mascots on kids foods
Guess it depends on where they're sold. I've seen Zucaritas with Tony on them in my supermarket as recently as last week. But I'm in Indiana, USA.
Load More Replies...Bought some chorizo-flavored Fritos in a Mexican candy store in Arlington, Texas yesterday. They do indeed say excessive calories in Spanish.
Is this really needed? I'm pretty sure most people know what cereals are the sugary ones.
They may know that these cereals contain sugar, but many people I know regard them as "basically müesli, but more appealing for children" and have no idea that regarding the calory/sugar intake they might as well feed them candied popcorn. And I don't think there's a precise sugary/non sugary line to draw. Even normal corn flakes (the K brand) have 10 % of sugar. The tiger decorated ones have more than three times as much, at least according to the nutrient lists I found for the on sold in Germany (not sure if/how much the recipes vary internationally to account for local tastes)
Load More Replies...Zucaritas are the best!!! Sweeter than your regular Frosted Flakes although they are supposed to be "the same".
I noticed this at work. Amusingly it applies even for products where this is kind of the point (like baking powder being listed as having excessive sodium; it's sodium bicarbonate, of course it has a lot of sodium!).
I want this in Australia. I mean, I’m a fairly intelligent person who knows what I should and shouldn’t put in my body, but it would be good to have it staring in my face. Also good to show my kids.
The nutriscore system is more detailed and rather smart. For instance there are a lot of products which people deemed 'good' like vegan / vegeterian processed food which actually have a 'D' (bad) score. To the opposite some chicken nems or cookies will have an ok 'B' score.
Load More Replies...In Morocco, Utility Poles Are Disguised As Palm Trees
Southern California has these, too, along with fake pine trees and fake cactuses.
Think these disguises are pretty common. In north Florida, we have pine tree ones.
A Public Bike Stand With A Built-In Pump
This cool multi-purpose mechanism was photographed in Utrecht, the Netherlands. And this doesn't come as a surprise. Cycling is a common mode of transport in the Netherlands, with 36% of the people listing the bicycle as their most frequent mode of transport on a typical day.
Hope it doesn't get hot on summer days. Imagine you go to pump your bike and bam! Surprise second degree burns
I'm confused about the physics of this. Which way to the handlebars face? The grass? It would help to see a bicycle locket on it.
Knee-Activated Water Taps At A Supermarket, Italy
Plus, you get defense training at the same time! "Aim for the balls, ladies, aim for the balls!"
We have these all over at my work. I work in a food plant and our facility hygiene standards are very strict.
Seems a bit much. And odd ...shiny balls 🤣There's motion sensors right at the tap in most public restrooms I've visited. All you do is put your hands under the faucet and the water flows until you remove your hands.
This Tank Style Stairs Dolly In Japan
There are different power-assisted dollies available around the world. Tank track ones are pretty cool though!
They have those in Venice. With all of the little bridges they are definitely needed
Easier to have an elevator than make the delivery people work harder. But probably cheaper for the building/company.
The Gum I Bought In Japan Comes With A Stack Of Paper For Easy Disposal
The chewing gum in the era before everything was packed in plastic pots came with two disposal wrappers: an aluminum/aluminium foil and the paper wrapper.
I'm a total gum swallower. I admit it. My favorite to swallow are bazooka and watermellon. I'm weird but I admit it.
Not at all!!! I love to swallow the bubblegum tape one, also bubalicious and the bandaids!! Anything by that brand really.
Load More Replies...I think I read somewhere that the fines are heavy for being caught spitting anything on the ground in Japan. Those little papers could keep you out of jail!
Only problem is finding a public garbage can there, good luck.
Load More Replies...Just get gum wrapped in paper instead of wasting the plastic, how ridiculous.
Great, so now in the US we would have little paper wads on the ground too... oh wait, Japan...they throw their stuff away
Okay, I know Japan has its own set of problems (see the "women only" train car entry for an example), but I still say Japan is freaking awesome!
These Sprinklers On The Road Near The Ski Resort I’m At In Japan To Keep The Road From Freezing Over. (Salt Water If You Were Wondering)
How does the salt affect the road and where does the overflow go? What impact does it have in the direct environment?
Salt is commonly used on roads to melt ice, it lowers the freezing point of water. Salt breaks down to sodium and chloride which breaks up the bonds in water, this is done so the roads don't become a sheet of ice. The runoff ends up back in the soil as well as nearby bodies of water which can have negative effects on the environment.
Load More Replies...Salt is great for keeping roads from getting icy. Not so great when it makes its way into the water table and starts killing aquatic wildlife.
In many places with snowfall - small cities and big cities - these "snow removal pipes" are installed to wash the snow away. They are not salt water. They are well water for the most part. And, they are usually used only when the temps are not too much below freezing to avoid ice coating the roads. I use one on my parking space and front entry approach. Ordinary people can buy hoses to do the same thing.
Adult And Child Sized Toilets In A Single Stall - Auckland International Airport
That's great! My child (5yo) cant ist in grown up toilets due to muscle tonus problems, childrens seats are very rare in public, even in places like childrens libraries or hospitals....
And carrying around one of those child seats that you can put on top of adult seats is... an experience! I agree, having a kid sized toilet makes life so much easier...
Load More Replies...There's a family restroom at my local mall, in Indiana, USA, with a setup like this. :-)
This Toilet In Japan Has A System Of Occupied/Vacant Toilets Information
This ruins the fun out of all those movie scenes where the person is hiding in one stall whilst another flings open the doors of multiple others, getting nearer... And nearer.... Then BAAAMMM HERESSSS JOHHNNYYY
Well I guess it checks occupancy based on the door lock. And since you wouldn't lock the door when you hide (dead giveaway) it would still work the same...
Load More Replies...Multiple airports in the US have similar setups, usually a light over each stall, green for open, red for occupied.
I much prefer the old fashioned method where you 'twist' the lock and that turns the little thingy on the door red or green. They don't use unnecessary electricity, are way less expensive, and are way more reliable because computer errors or broken screens are way more likely than the plastic thingy on the lock breaking.
The red or green twist lock did not protect me on a recent flight because the dude didn't lock the door and I walked in on him. Human error (or possibly, human exhibitionism) will always be a risk.
Load More Replies...Am I the only one looking for a blue stall that is as far away from the pink ones as possible? (Unlike the row of people in pink ones who don’t seem to be able to take a s**t unless they have company.)
Why is this even necessary when you already have lights/signs on each stall?
Wonder what wouldve happened to Tara in the Scream movie if they had this kinda stuff
Bottle Caps In Italy Designed To Stay Attached To Bottle
New EU regulations. I hate it. I drink a lot from the bottle and the cap scratches my face. Furthermore if you are still sleepy in the morning you will have a milk splatter every now and then, when you pour milk in the attached cap, instead of the cup beneath.
These are so annoying! As a left-handed person, I had trouble opening bottles before. Now even more. In the summer, it's pointless to dream of buying cold sparkling water while spending time outside when you can't open it. (I often have my own water bottle with tap water). I tear the caps off the oil bottles because cleaning the oil while cooking is not part of my repertoire. These suck and the developer of these should be whipped as well as those who throw caps into nature. Thank you, litter throwers.
As a left handed person I have literally no idea how being left-handed makes it difficult to open a bottle cap.
Load More Replies...Been seeing these a lot recently, on fruit juice and the like (I don't do fizzy drinks). I HATE them. They're really awkward, get in the way, difficult to tear off. I just don't see the point.
They're difficult to tear off because you're not meant to tear them off.
Load More Replies...With the small bottles it's ok but let me tell you the fun begins if you get up in the morning and want to make your first coffee. Those lids are attached to milk also and if you poor ot out the lid will turn to the lower side and the the milk is everywhere but not in the mug. If they would stay on one side it would be perfect but cleaning the kitchen instead of your morning coffee? NOT. COOL.
In theory, you can twist the lid, so it's still attached, but doesn't go everywhere
Load More Replies...Judging from the comments, even though this concept is great, its execution falls short. Sometimes designers, as well as those who pay them, really don’t think things through in a common sense manner. Resolving the problem shouldn’t be all that difficult. If the cap dropped or snapped down instead of standing up above the opening of the bottle, the problems mentioned here most likely would be solved. Either have it drop down with a soft connector, or keep the harder connector but have the cap snap down flush with the bottle instead of standing up, and this particular issue goes away.
I totally understand the idea. It’s a good IDEA. In reality they are a pain in the neck. If you can’t control your fingers easily or have weak hands they are a hindrance, if you have any liquid in the cap then it’s on your face in a second or on the work surface, or you pour into the cap and it’s now a helpful sprinkler attachment that spreads liquid over you and your surroundings. As I say, it’s a good IDEA. Needs a bit of refinement to be anything but a pain in the neck.
aaaargh they're all over Europe and they're horrible if you dont empty the bottle in one go.
In Norway, The Packed Meat Has A "Thermometer" That Tells You How Many Days Are Left Until It's No Longer Safe To Eat It
We have "Sell by" dates printed on the packages but I'd support these too. EDIT: Since I'm obviously unfamiliar with these, I'm going by the title which says "Tells You How Many Days Are Left Until It's No Longer Safe To Eat It" which is why I mention the "Sell By" date (which is a guide, obviously, and not a rule). Seemingly that's not the case, thank you for letting me know.
Sell-by assumes constant refrigeration. These are attached when the food is packaged, and a combination of temperature and time (average temperature) determines the eat-by time.
Load More Replies...How the Keep-it® indicator works When the Keep-it® indicator is attached to a product, the indicator will start to constantly monitor the temperatures to which the product is exposed. The content of the indicator is specifically tailored to different products, and simulate how the product’s remaining shelf life is reduced over time. When the product is s stored where it is warm, the indicator will move rapidly. When the product is kept cold, the indicator will move slowly. When the indicator shows zero, the product is no longer edible. For example: If a fish product is determined to have a shelf life of 12 days at 4℃, its shelf life will be reduced if it is kept above this temperature. However, if the fish is kept colder than 4℃, its shelf life will increase.
So much more accurate than the regular "sell by" date, I'd imagine!
These would be nice for the reduced meat or "managers specials" if you will.
Would be very useful in the US where the more diverse the area the more likely meats and frozen foods will be left on random non-refrigerated shelves.
Imagine if it really was a thermometer that monitored the temperature the meat had been stored at from the factory to someone's mouth. If your fridge wasn't set cold enough (it should be 0-5ºC) the meat would go out of date quicker, or it had been left in the shopping bag all morning, compared to going straight in the domestic fridge an hour after buying. It would also make up for problems with storage at the business end too.
It's come to my attention recently that sometimes these dates relate to the packaging, such as with plastic water bottles and likely canned goods. The contents are not the issue; it is degradation of chemicals into the consumable that is risky.
NOOOOOOO. CANNED GOODS GO VERY BAD. If left too long (yes, even sealed, even store bought) they become prime breeding ground for botulinum bacteria. Extremely toxic and almost definitely will kill you without medical attention. There are some warning signs you can watch for, but don't ignore expiry dates on canned goods unless the can appears edible and you're starving.
Load More Replies...Japanese Police Cars Can Raise Their Blinking Lights To Be More Visible
Many people (including myself) make first contact with Japanese culture via (and thanks to) anime. So I think it's pretty normal.
Load More Replies...Do we really need them to be more visible? I have never met a person who complained that they couldn't see them police lights flashing..
I think they're often a hazard at night, but they may be hard to see during the day because of traffic and other obstacles. NYPD and Nassau County use articulating arms on some of their cars. Untitled-6...bb0a1c.jpg
Some New York State Trooper cruisers have a similar device on them now. Rather than raising the roof bar lights, though, they have lighted poles that come up on either side of the cruisers when parked while the emergency light bar is lit. They look like overgrown WiFi router antennas.
This Heated Bench With A Wireless Charging Pad For Your Phone At A Bus Stop In South Korea
Knowing the Koreans they probably have technology that makes the phone light up and shriek whenever a bus gets close.
Load More Replies...So nice that this public amenity is not designed on purpose to exclude homeless people. Wish we could have compassionate infrastructure here in NYC.
The US won't do that because it would attract homeless people. Most benches and other flat surfaces in public places are designed to be openly hostile to the homeless.
Only if I'm "Smart" enough to know its for my phone, I need a sign/label. . .!
Wow, our bus benches have metal bars to keep homeless from sleeping there.
That wouldn't work in California, the homeless would never leave the benches and the rest of the public would never get to use them, and I wouldn't blame the homeless, especially in the winter.
They Have Umbrella Vending Machines In Hong Kong
At grocery stores in the US they tend to have the umbrellas near the entrance/exit. Why aren't they in the main shopping area so it's easier to grab one BEFORE you check out?
Load More Replies...Japan as well. Then again, Japan has a vending machine for everything. And I do mean EVERYTHING.
I also like that in Japan they have umbrella cubbies in a lot of stores where you can put your wet umbrella and know exactly where it is when you leave the shop.
I have a feeling some people end up owning way more umbrellas than anyone should have lol.
Unless it's cold, or I need to be presentable, I'd rather get rained on. A warm rain is fun.
Last time I worked in Amazon's GLA-1 warehouse in Gourock, Scotland, they had vending machines for hi-vis vests, safety knives, and cut resistant gloves.
As an American I've been lead to believe they have vending everything in Hong Kong
The Elevators In My Office Building Have An Umbrella Sign That Lights Up If It's Raining Outside (Osaka, Japan)
It would burn out in the Pacific Northwest of the US. Better to have one with the sun.
Same here in the UK, it's been raining for the last 45 days
Load More Replies...We just walk outside and can usually figure out if it is raining or not. . .!
Isn't it too late to know about rain if you are inside the elevator alrady? It does make more sense to me to know about that before leaving my home or workplace or whatever building I'm in.
And virtually every public building has a stand for shared clear plastic umbrellas. People will put their personal, more expensive ones, there but people won't take those. bunch-plas...35611e.jpg
Although clever and useful, I feel like Japan is avoiding any excuse for people to start a conversation with each other with these nifty creations. Like, if I was wondering if it's raining, I would like to bring it up to the guy standing next to me in the elevator. Not that he/she would know...but it's a conversation
'Pffff it's cold out there, huh ?' - 'Yeh...we've had such a bad weather' - 'Hum, yes, and it's not going to stop soon' - 'Yeah right, I wish we were in spring' - 'Yeah right....well....have a nice day' - 'Yeah, you too'.
Load More Replies...This Belgian Supermarket Has A Parking Spot Just For Pregnant Women
In a few specific areas, I can believe that. But no, they're not common here.
Load More Replies...Those are fairly common in the NE US too. We normally use a stroller symbol instead of a butt plug symbol though.
I've seen one at a library in the Atlanta area
Load More Replies...We've had "expectant mother" parking spots in the US for as long as I can remember. My children are over 30 years old and they had them when I was pregnant with them in a lot of shopping centers/grocery stores.
Where in Belgium is it? I see German and French but no Flemish.
Load More Replies...Hey! That symbol is identical to the Food Lion supermarket here in NC! The one on the sign.
I love this symbol it looks both like a pacifier and a female symbol that's preggers ♀️🤰 a 2 in 1 combo logo
This Croatian Crosswalk Pedestrian Pushbutton Has A Tactile Display Of The Intersection
Uk in some places has raised markers on the paths for people to use as guides with their sticks
Yep, we've those too - also on railway platforms and leading to traffic lights which beep to let sight impaired people no to stop or to walk.
Load More Replies...Us has rivets mainly coated in yellow that allow for vision impaired individuals. Some places I've been don't have them but the 2 states I've lived do.
We have these in Slovenia as well. At least on some of the major intersections anyway.
uk crossings have a lil nub under the button that rotates when its safe to cross, apparently for blind/deaf people, the crossings near me in Poland have braille and directional noise signals that are unique to that particular crossing in that area
I've been looking at those every single day for decades and never realised this 🤣🤣🤣
Weird Plastic Finger Covers To Eat Chips With In Korea
It seems like the rest of the world is trying to cut down on plastic production and consumption. And then there's Asia, which seems to have an obsession with plastic. The more the better.
The title, "80 Brilliant Things In Other Countries That Americans Might Not Even Know Exist". Aside from the supposed brilliance why single out Americans? They aren't the only ones, BP.
Exactly, and to make it worse, most of these are also available in the US. Well, not the finger covers for chip eating, because that is just stupid.
Load More Replies...As a non American, I also find the title to be weird. It could have just been "80 genius things from all over the world". And still served the purpose. No need to spread negativity
I find it weird as well. BoredPanda has a truly disturbing history of bashing its readers from the US and treating them like a monolith. It’s honestly turned into xenophobia and they are losing readers because of it. I’ve actually written to BoredPanda about this and they do absolutely nothing about it and just write more listicles like this that create a divide. This has sadly become a really negative site between all the censorship and negative content.
Load More Replies...Sigh . . . so sick of this, BP. Writing from France. Other Bored Pandas - what are some other sites that you go to that you like? I think it may be time to migrate.
Honestly Reddit has all of this. Most of these posts are just compilations from Reddit. Like 95% of Bored Panda is just Reddit Digest.
Load More Replies...BP has degenerated into a bunch of snobby Europeans bashing middle class americans for not being "sophisticated enough". Get a f*****g grip. I could think of a bunch of stupid things Europeans do (paid bathrooms anyone?), but I don't because I don't like bashing entire continents of people.
So, for a list of "genius" ideas, there were definitely some good ones, some ones specifically for that particular area, lots of mediocre ones, several that are worldwide (including the US), and lots of one-use plastic waste (horrible ideas). NOT impressed.
BTW the US was included in several ideas on this list...so, BP maybe, just maybe DO BETTER!! Stop this asinine US bashing. The title could have been simply, "good ideas around the world."
Load More Replies...Why single out America? Why not just title this "Cool Things from Around the World"? To single out America comes off as hateful and bullying. I thought BP was supposed to be about positivity??
Nope, positivity doesn't draw them in, more clicks from negative, stupid s**t. It feels deliberate with the title of this asinine thread.
Load More Replies...Like so many other similar listicles on this site, it's fun to see innovative ideas, but my goodness... Not a single one of these things is ubiquitous in any country, nor is any one of them completely absent in the USA. You could find instances of every one of these things in the USA and then swap the title for, "Things the US has that make other countries feel like they're living in a different century". It would be just as weirdly hyperbolic and dripping with exceptionalism...
Have seen ALL of these in other recent posts. Why are we getting old c**p under a new title?
Because new material would require actual work...
Load More Replies...Bored Panda seems to love trying to pit one group against another. There isn't any reason for such behavior! If it isn't the US against the world, it is one generation against another. It seems like none of these sites can have a decent conversation, it all has to be making controversial statements to draw people in
The title, "80 Brilliant Things In Other Countries That Americans Might Not Even Know Exist". Aside from the supposed brilliance why single out Americans? They aren't the only ones, BP.
Exactly, and to make it worse, most of these are also available in the US. Well, not the finger covers for chip eating, because that is just stupid.
Load More Replies...As a non American, I also find the title to be weird. It could have just been "80 genius things from all over the world". And still served the purpose. No need to spread negativity
I find it weird as well. BoredPanda has a truly disturbing history of bashing its readers from the US and treating them like a monolith. It’s honestly turned into xenophobia and they are losing readers because of it. I’ve actually written to BoredPanda about this and they do absolutely nothing about it and just write more listicles like this that create a divide. This has sadly become a really negative site between all the censorship and negative content.
Load More Replies...Sigh . . . so sick of this, BP. Writing from France. Other Bored Pandas - what are some other sites that you go to that you like? I think it may be time to migrate.
Honestly Reddit has all of this. Most of these posts are just compilations from Reddit. Like 95% of Bored Panda is just Reddit Digest.
Load More Replies...BP has degenerated into a bunch of snobby Europeans bashing middle class americans for not being "sophisticated enough". Get a f*****g grip. I could think of a bunch of stupid things Europeans do (paid bathrooms anyone?), but I don't because I don't like bashing entire continents of people.
So, for a list of "genius" ideas, there were definitely some good ones, some ones specifically for that particular area, lots of mediocre ones, several that are worldwide (including the US), and lots of one-use plastic waste (horrible ideas). NOT impressed.
BTW the US was included in several ideas on this list...so, BP maybe, just maybe DO BETTER!! Stop this asinine US bashing. The title could have been simply, "good ideas around the world."
Load More Replies...Why single out America? Why not just title this "Cool Things from Around the World"? To single out America comes off as hateful and bullying. I thought BP was supposed to be about positivity??
Nope, positivity doesn't draw them in, more clicks from negative, stupid s**t. It feels deliberate with the title of this asinine thread.
Load More Replies...Like so many other similar listicles on this site, it's fun to see innovative ideas, but my goodness... Not a single one of these things is ubiquitous in any country, nor is any one of them completely absent in the USA. You could find instances of every one of these things in the USA and then swap the title for, "Things the US has that make other countries feel like they're living in a different century". It would be just as weirdly hyperbolic and dripping with exceptionalism...
Have seen ALL of these in other recent posts. Why are we getting old c**p under a new title?
Because new material would require actual work...
Load More Replies...Bored Panda seems to love trying to pit one group against another. There isn't any reason for such behavior! If it isn't the US against the world, it is one generation against another. It seems like none of these sites can have a decent conversation, it all has to be making controversial statements to draw people in
