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Americans have long been exporting their pop culture to the world. With TV shows and movies being among the most consumed global American exports, it's no surprise that US actors and directors are recognized all around the globe. However, for all of us non-Americans out there, sometimes the silver screens get us all dazed and confused. Do American people really drink from those red plastic cups at parties? Do they really wear shoes inside their houses? Is homecoming really such a big thing as movies make it out to be?

But we're gonna need a true expert's opinion on the matter—our Bored Panda readers living in the US! So scroll down below to read all the questions that people had about the things they saw on TV and feel free to share your answers!

#1

221Lauren Report

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Felix Feline
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Living in a college town I can attest that yes they do. It's all anyone talks about, and the traffic jams are awful. High school football here is just as bad.

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#2

euricawithhope Report

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Andres Tejeda
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its the easiest reference for us and a football field is 100yards or 300 feet or 91.44 meters.

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#3

PaigeImogenxx Report

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Kristin Scarbrough
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We say goodbye, or something like it. It's an idiosyncrasy of script writing, not Americans.

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#6

kaya_lorne Report

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Erin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my relatives from Ireland come to visit, they love to play with the garbage disposal. Even the people in their 60's think it is hilarious. They refer to it as "the murder sink".

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#7

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#9

disposablefilms Report

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Erin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was in school, it was hard boiled eggs. Now they have high-tech baby dolls called Baby Think About it. It is a Life Skills class that teaches you how to be an adult.

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#11

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SBW71
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Paper plates when there is a lot of people around. Less dishes to wash or get broken!

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Colin L
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes for picnics or barbecues, but not as a daily thing.

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kitty_player 03
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Funny this is mentioned because I grew up only using regular plates and I thought that paper plates were only used for birthday parties. I was so confused when my friends would eat their meals on paper plates.

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Marsha Brown
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone I know uses paper plates almost all the time, only uses regular plates when necessary for the food, or for guests.

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Inga Viviane
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an european without dishwasher, but healthy hands and a sink, i use real Plates and wash them after. The American paper plate waste is astounding.

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Siena Valenta
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes at events like parties and stuff, but not usually at home. Very wasteful...

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Lance d'Boyle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Generally only for parties but some bachelors and inbred families are lazy and will use them daily.

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Rebecca Schultz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Usually just for large gatherings or picnics, but some young bachelors may use paper plates to avoid doing dishes.

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Kim Lorton
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have nerve damage in my hands, so I have to use paper or plastic plates. I got so tired and frustrated and upset, dropping my glass plates! So, company gets the good stuff, and I use paper plates. Husband will get the good plates, and I use paper plates.

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Connie Martin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. Never use paper plates unless we're eating outdoors, and sometimes not even then.

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Mer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Eh, that depends on the people and the situation. Some never do; some always do, but most will only do it in certain situations like large gatherings or if the power is out or they're sick, that kind of thing since it's a wasteful practice.

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Helen Haley
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most people don't have enough room for the number of 'real' plates that would be needed for large gatherings (extended family dinner, party, bbq, picnic, reunion, birthday parties) so cheap disposable options are often the go-to choice. We enjoy large gatherings, but don't have the room or resources for real plates for everyone.

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Camy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait what Do yall have ceramic plates? Cuz I know of 2 in my house.

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Gin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, lots. Enough for a large BBQ with friends and family. -European

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Gipsy Kings fan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We use real plates for formal meals like a family dinner, but sometimes use paper ones if it's just for a sandwich or toast. Less dishwashing, saves time and water! If my paper plates are fairly clean (e.g. toast only), I wipe them off and re-use them.

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Katri
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can't you then just wipe off and re-use a regular plate with this same idea?

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Peter Showers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes in my house we use paper plates a lot just to avoid watching so many dishes. Yes paper plates are very common but not everyone does that.. It’s just easier to dispose of especially when you’re in a hurry and have to go versus washing a sink full of dishes.

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Sarah Grape
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

well, if they're in a hurry, or single, or lazy. most people do have ceramic ones even if they don't use them daily

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Katie Peter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With my family we only use paper plates when we have BIG gatherings and my parents don't want to do dishes for 20 people

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I_Love_Food🍰🍨🍱🍤🐕🐈
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

we only use paper plates when we have a bunch of people over and don't have enough real plates

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Steve Cruz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand the question: paper plates ARE "real plates."

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Beth Arriaga
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We use paper plates for lunch during the day, for a sandwich and some chips or other light fare and ' real' dishes for breakfast and dinner... never really thought about it either way.

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Jeannie Carle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If a large gathering - we use paper plates at my house. At picnics, big family dinners, etc. Not all of us own 3 sets of dishes LOL

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Emily Smith
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes. It depends on the situation. If I'm just gonna cut up an apple or heat up something small in a microwave - then yes, I'll use a paper plate instead of a real one. I'll use them for more mainstream things if I haven't had time to do the dishes and I don't want to dirty anymore.

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John Baker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, we do. There's no sense in dirtying a regular plate for a sandwich and some chips.

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James Gallegos
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup some do. When I visit my mom, she uses paper plates as do I. Less dishes to wash. Plus I think she only uses her actual plates for nicer occasions.

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Murray Woodington
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And what’s the deal with the red plastic cup? Does no one have any glasses to drink from?

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Elina Kuusisto
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate it when people regularly use disposable plates/utensils. I don't know how common it is but it happens.

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scrappyrat
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm an American and I'm really kind of shocked at how many people commenting use paper plates for anything other than parties (though even then most people I know don't usually use paper places) or picnics sometimes, though really most of the people I know bring reusable stuff because we don't want to drown the planet in garbage. Seriously, I'm really surprised how un-eco-conscious so many people are. It freaks me out a little. I mean, global warming is real, folks. I mean, I get it when people are handicapped and have issues that make it difficult to hold heavy plates, but I'm handicapped and I use regular dishes, so not even all of us need them.

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Felix Utterback
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

paper plates means no dishes. That's all we use unless its a special occasion. Paper bowls too

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Jewels Vern
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. Farms grow special plants which are beaten into pulp. The pulp is dried and sold to a factory where it is treated and pressed into the shape of plates. These are wrapped in sterile material and trucked to a store where consumers can buy them, carry them home, and serve food on them. This is considered to be less work than washing them.

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Randy Roberts
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We use paper plates for small items like sandwiches or cold salads. Stuff like that. Funny thing is we use real plates underneath for support.

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Aimee Simmons
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

only when it's a larger than casual gathering because we like easy clean up, and who wants to have dishes for 30 people filling all available storage in your not large enough house to store all of your normal kitchen stuff.

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Randy Roberts
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

we use paper plates for something small like a sandwich or some cottage cheese. The funny part is it's usually on top of a real plate.

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Id row
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

100% paper plates. I only use real plates for holidays or if I'm having something that will go through the paper.

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AliJanx
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah...paper plates here. Always available, not always used, but definitely available.

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Kelly Murray
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends on the occasion. But I definitely keep paper plates handy.

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Lisa Shelton
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Holidays and bbq's when you have a bunch of people over. Cuts down on cleanup and less risk of people breaking your dishes if they get rowdy.

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Karon Sheffield
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Paper plates are generally used during outdoor parties and large parties where there is the need for easy quick clean up ... Kids birthday parties or ball games parties.

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Scott Shepard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Paper plates are for picnics, or large groups, where you dont have enough plates. It is considered low class to use them at home every day.

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Christopher Frizzle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Almost every day. I live alone so it's less dishes for me to do 🤷‍♂️

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Amanda Rudnicki
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We get porcelain plates at our wedding. It's the only set we ever get so we use paper plates to not break the precious China.

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Andrea Anthony
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

we used paper plates in my house as a kid (but my parents are weird). I use proper dishware as an adult.

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Kerri Russ
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We use paper plates in this house. We use them for sandwiches and chips. If there are only crumbs on the plate, I will clean them off and re-use the plate for myself later in the day or the next day. We have china and plastic plates for full meals for stuff that wouldn't be appropriate for paper. It is merely an option... and paper or plastic plates are the only way to go with little kids.

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Victoria Swift
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. All the time. About the only time I don't use paper plates is when we are eating something heavy that wouldn't hold up on a paperplate, of if its a special occasion (like Easter). It saves so much on washing.

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DKS 001
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

as an american: it depends on who and why they do this. For some who work 2-3 jobs a week they don't have time to clean dishes

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Romina
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I stayed with an american guy for 6 weeks who never used proper plates but always paper ones because he then didnt have to do dishes.

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A
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate this so much. Every American reality tv show I've ever watched, the family is using paper plates. It's so incredibly wasteful. Do they not know how to wash dishes?

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Shart
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have regular plates too..some use paper for parties and what not..it makes for an easier clean up

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Mommyofboth
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My family uses them on rare occasions. When we have large gatherings of people, like Christmas or birthday parties.

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Perfumista Perfumista
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If there is a high attendance event like a shiva/wake where we may have more people in the house than we have plates/cups for. Also when eating outdoors or when there are a lot of children running around that might break stuff.

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Full Name
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've learned something! I'm Canadian and have been in the States a lot and have never seen them used in a house but judging by the comments it's more common than I thought.

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elfin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Paper plates are real plates. They're not imaginary or virtual. They are generally used in situations where you want easy clean-up, like a picnic or a day in the park. They don't have to be carried home and washed.

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deanna woods
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I use paper plates because I am single and am usually eating alone. My parents use paper plates because they are older and are too tired to wash dishes.

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Olya Fedchenko
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

how does eating alone justify using paper plates? which have plastic in them

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Meami
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We rarely use paper plates at our house (even for gatherings) and when we do, we make sure they are compostable.

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M Adams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Real plates for home and very special occasions, paper for other less formal gatherings such as family reunions, cook outs, etc.

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glowworm2
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because we're Jewish and the pizza/takeout food we bring in isn't Kosher, we use paper plates. Otherwise we eat off of real plates--heck we have two sets of them for meat and dairy.

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Erin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We use them. Especially for larger crowds or picnics, but NEVER at my grandmother's house. This is also something that my Irish relatives get a kick out of - paper plates and cups.

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N G
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and do Americans always eat ready made salads from those clear disposable bowls?

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Lavender Brown
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes and no. I use paper plates only for parties/special occasions where we have people over. Just us though, we use glass plates.

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The Emerald Triangle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Use them all the time! They make great starter fuel for the fireplace/pit too!

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Ivana
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think paper plates should be outlawed. What a huge waste.

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K
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lots do especially for when eating a sandwich or for a kid’s meal. It’s quick clean up and a kids can’t break it

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Jaymi Leigh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really? I'm from Canada and this is not a thing here. We use plastic plates for our kiddos so we can wash and re-use them. Sorry, seems wasteful to me.

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#12

benallenwf Report

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Kristy P
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "funeral" is usually in a church and then a burial service graveside.

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#14

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Catlady6000
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is especially true in small towns. The largest parking lot in town is the local teen hangout

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#15

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Hedy Hahn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, Homecoming is really big here in the US. Celebrating at high school and university.

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#18

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Keith Nolen
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because Americans have been sold the lie (mostly by Nestle, thank you!) that bottled water is better than tap water in some way. In truth most of the bottled water IS tap water.

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#22

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Hedy Hahn
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We do call them Kleenex all the time probably because that brand is what we used.

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#24

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Dynein
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that is to avoid accidental advertising? I'd think that in most (industrialized) countries, the typical bags offered by stores have the store logo all over them...

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#25

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ROSSELAIRA EUGENIE CRUZ
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess it depends. My family and friends only do photoshoots for weddings, 18th birthdays (girls), 21st birthdays (boys), or someone's first birthday.

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#26

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Erin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Chicken and waffles is a religious experience. I live in the Midwest and some of the best chicken and waffles in the world is right here in Indianapolis at Maxine's Chicken and Waffles. Another awesome place is in Harlem (where chicken and waffles was invented).

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#28

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April Simnel
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's ground meat with binders like egg and breadcrumbs, and can also have minced onions and peppers (capsicum), and seasonings that's all mixed together and baked in a loaf pan in the oven. Most people make it with just ground beef, but when I was little in the 70s, in our home it was made with ground beef, pork, and veal, and we had it maybe once a month with homemade mashed potatoes and brown gravy, and a green vegetable. I don't eat meatloaf now. It's not horrible, it's just not my first choice for comfort food.

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#30

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April Simnel
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the big cities, all you need to do is raise your arm on a busy street. I've lived in NYC almost 30 years now, and no one yells "TAXI!" here. I grew up in a smaller town, though, and in the smaller places, you pretty much have to call a taxi in advance. I never flagged a cab until I moved to NYC.

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