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This is a syndicated repost courtesy of The Daily Reckoning. To view original, click here. Reposted with permission.
Forget ObamaCare, RyanCare, and any Future ReformCare they might come up with. It's just shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic.
The fact is, it's time to start planning for what we'll do when the current healthcare system implodes.
As with many other complex, opaque systems in the U.S., only those toiling in the murky depths of the healthcare system know just how broken the entire system is.
Only those dealing daily with the perverse incentives, the Kafkaesque procedures, the endlessly negative unintended consequences, the soul-deadening paper-shuffling, the myriad forms of fraud, the recalcitrant patients who don't follow recommendations but demand to be magically returned to health anyway, and of course the hopelessness of the financial future of a system with runaway costs, a rapidly aging populace and profiteering cartels focused on maintaining their rackets regardless of the cost to the nation or the health of its people.
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Whew, got that out all in one breath.
Ask any doctor or nurse, and you will hear first-hand how broken the system is, and how minor policy tweaks and reforms cannot possibly save the system from imploding. Based on my own first-hand experience and first-hand reports by physicians, here are a few of the hundreds of reasons why the system cannot be reformed or saved.
Say 6-year old Carlos gets a tummy-ache at school. To avoid liability, the school doesn't allow teachers to provide any care whatsoever. The school nurse (assuming the school has one) doesn't have the diagnostic tools on hand to absolutely rule out the possibility that Carlos has some serious condition, so the parents are called and told to take Carlos to their own doctor.
Their pediatrician is already booked, so Carlos ends up waiting in the ER (emergency room). Neither the school nurse nor the parents see the symptoms as worrisome or dangerous, but here they are in ER, where standards of care require a CT scan and bloodwork.
Hours later, Carlos is released and some entity somewhere gets an $8,000 bill — for a tummy-ache that went away on its own without any treatment at all.
Since the Kafkaesque billing system rewards quick turn-arounds, observation is frowned upon unless it can be billed. So if observation is deemed necessary (to avoid any liability, of course), Carlos might be wheeled into an "observation room" filled with other people, where a nurse pops in every once in a while. This adds $3,000 to the bill.
(Never mind the stress on Carlos being in such unfamiliar surroundings; he might have felt better if he hadn't been subjected to the anxieties that come with being enmeshed in the healthcare system's straight-jacket of standards of care.)
If Carlos doesn't feel better after all this, then the bill is set to balloon bigtime because an overnight stay in the hospital is the next step — and if there isn't a 100% certainty that there is no chance of his stomach-ache becoming something serious, then the system will insist on overnight observation as the only legally defensible option.
There are other ways to increase the fees without actually providing additional care; was Carlos receiving "critical care"? Of course he was, because, well, it pays better, and by definition any ER visit is critical care.
This example is just the tip of the iceberg, but you get the point: all institutional care decisions ultimately revolve around thwarting future liability claims and maximizing the billing value of each interaction or procedure.
You've probably seen some of the racketeering that passes for "business as usual" in the pharmaceutical arm of the "healthcare" industry. A pharma company that spent $500,000 trying to keep pot illegal just got DEA approval for synthetic marijuana. Pinworm prescription jumps from $3 to up to $600 a pill.
Off-patent medications double or triple in cost, and then double or triple again with a few years, without any justification. To extend expiring patents, Big Pharma corporations petition the FDA to change the target audience for the med, and this trivial administrative change awards the corporation years more of lucrative patent protection.
The scams are endless, the skims are endless, the fraud is endless, the waste is endless, the fortunes expended to limit "winner take all" liability claims are endless, the paperwork churn is endless and the perverse incentives and negative unintended consequences are endless.
Everyone knows the system is unsustainable, perverse and insane, but they are powerless to change it within the system as it is. The usual sort of political horsetrading that passes for "reform" yielded ObamaCare, which did essentially zero to limit costs or cartel rackets.
A system based on parasitic predation by all the cartel players cannot be reformed or saved from its own perverse incentives and skyrocketing costs. The foundations of U.S. healthcare are rotten to the core.
"Reform" is an appealing delusion, but the rot is so deep and so pervasive it is embedded in the society and the culture, beyond the reach of legislative overhauls, no matter how well-meaning.
The trends cannot be reversed by policy tweaks and tucks. Consider: The U.S. spends more than twice as much per person than our advanced competitors such as Japan and France.
The U.S. spends 2.5 times more per person than the OECD (i.e. the industrialized nations) average:
Wages have risen 16%, GDP rose 168%, and healthcare soared 818%. Do you reckon wage earners might have a hard time paying for healthcare nowadays?
If healthcare had risen only as much as official inflation, each household would be saving $10,000 per year — $100,000 each decade. $100K here and $100K there, and pretty soon you're talking real money in a conventional wage-earner household budget.
Projections of skyrocketing Medicare and Medicaid program costs guarantee national bankruptcy. The projection of 90 million Medicare enrollees is predictable, but there is no reason to believe costs will be limited to $20,000 per enrollee annually.
U.S. health care costs more in every category than other healthcare systems.Tweaking policy in one slice does nothing to limit the staggering increases being logged in all the other tranches of the system.
America's healthcare system is the perfection of the fraud triangle: the pressure to increase billings, fees and profits is immense, the rationalizations are unlimited (it's within the legal guidelines, etc.) and the opportunities for fraud are equally unlimited.
Individual caregivers and administrators want a different, better role and a better outcome, but each is trapped in the system as it is — and reform is impossible given the systemic foundations, incentives and legal framework.
It's time to start planning for what we'll do when the current system implodes.We might start by considering the "impossible" health care solution: go back to cash.
The post The Health Care System Is Completely Broken appeared first on Daily Reckoning.
Wall Street Examiner Disclaimer: The Wall Street Examiner reposts third party content with the permission of the publisher. I curate these posts on the basis of whether they represent an interesting and logical point of view, that may or may not agree with my own views. Some of the content includes the original publisher's promotional messages. In some cases promotional consideration is paid on a contingent basis, when paid subscriptions result. The opinions expressed in these reposts are not those of the Wall Street Examiner or Lee Adler and no endorsement of the content so provided is either expressed or implied by our posting the content. The Wall Street Examiner makes no endorsement or recommendation regarding them. Do your own due diligence when considering the offerings of third party providers.


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Hotels in New York für jeden Reisenden
Whether you're in the Big Apple on business or leisure, with the family or going solo, local travel writer, Danielle Contray, has found seven hotels perfect for every type of traveller.
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Wake up in the city that never sleeps
Yellow taxis in operation
Fly to New York from
Statue of liberty visitors
4 million annually
From Wall Street's glistening skyscrapers and kaleidoscopic Times Square, to Central Park's leafy paths and the Lower East Side's ultra-hip bars, this iconic city is yours to explore.
We can help you plan and book your perfect city break to New York, whether it's a last-minute getaway or a family trip in 2018. Plus, if you book flights and hotels together you'll save with our great value Pauschalreisen.
With up to 15 flights a day from London to New York, you'll soon find yourself hitting the movie-perfect streets of Manhattan, or hanging out with trendy locals in Brooklyn. If you're in need of some more inspiration, discover our New York travel guides for all the best things to see, do and eat in NYC.
Whether you're fashion hunting on Fifth Avenue or looking to be blown away by a Broadway show, your New York trip is guaranteed to leave you dazzled – and you'll soon understand why millions of visitors choose to visit the Big Apple every year.Reise nach New York planen
Sorgfältig ausgewählte Hotels in New York CityEmpfohlene HotelsSuchergebnisse
Wird geladen
We've done the hard work for you and carefully selected the best hotels in New York to complement your New York holiday – our extensive collection includes both luxury hotels and cheap hotels in Midtown Manhattan, boutique accommodation Downtown, and loft-style rooms in Brooklyn. Classic glamour fans should look no further than the five-star hotel The Plaza New York, which towers over Central Park and Fifth Avenue. On a budget? The Art-Deco Roosevelt is in easy reach of Midtown Manhattan's sights, but offers value-for-money rooms. Wherever you end up choosing, you'll be spoilt for choice with some of the best places to rest your head in New York.
Es ist kein Geheimnis, dass eine Unterkunft in New York City sehr teuer sein kann. Wenn Sie aber ein bisschen suchen, werden Sie viele erschwingliche Schätze finden. Ganz egal, ob Sie ein angesagtes Hotel in Brooklyn suchen oder einen günstigeren Ausgangspunkt in Manhattan, wir haben eine Auswahl für jedes Budget.
Mit unserer Auswahl an luxuriösen Fünf-Sterne-Hotels ist es noch nie leichter gewesen, das süße Leben zu genießen. Dabei ist es ganz egal, ob Sie eine einmalige Erfahrung suchen, atemberaubende Ausblicke auf die Skyline erwarten oder sich an hochmoderner Ausstattung erfreuen, wir bringen Ihnen das Beste vom Besten - damit wird Ihr Aufenthalt in dieser traumhaften Stadt garantiert unvergesslich.
It's no secret that New York is one of the most expensive cities in the USA, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the best of the Big Apple on a budget. Our handy budget planner will help you work out how far your money will get you each day, covering your hotel, food, activities and more.
Rest your head at the Aloft New York Brooklyn to explore the hip streets of Brooklyn, but still have easy access to all the major subway lines to see Manhattan's sights.Buchen Sie einen Aufenthalt
Dining out needn't cost you an arm and a leg as you can find good cheap eats all over the city, from amazing street food such as dollar pizza slices, to roaming food trucks. Check out our guide for the best places to eat for under $25.Places to eat for under $25
Walk over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge to take New York City in all its glory. Then make your way to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal and hop on the free ferry to Ellis Island to see skyline views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
Set in the heart of Manhattan's Midtown, the brand-new InterContinental New York Barclay is within walking distance from Grand Central Station, the Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center.Buchen Sie einen Aufenthalt
After a full day of sightseeing you're probably feeling peckish, head to Korea Town where you'll be spoilt for affordable food and drink options at Turntable Chicken Jazz , Mandoo Bar or the vegetarian Hangawi, with mains starting from $9.95.Gastronomie in New York
Pre-book tickets online to skip the queues for the Top of the Rock observation deck and the best views of the city. Back on ground level, wander to the Museum of Modern Art to enjoy the city's largest artwork collection for only $25.Jetzt buchen
Wake up well rested and stay at The New York EDITION, which is right by Madison Square Park.Buchen Sie einen Aufenthalt
In the nearby Theatre District, try The Lambs Club Sushi of Gari 46 and Italian fine dining at Carmine's – expect to pay between $50 to $100 for a dinner for two. Then why not drink in the city's killer views at a glamorous rooftop bar?Where are NYC's best rooftop bars?
If you're visiting during NBA season, there's nothing quite like cheering on the home team at Madison Square Garden – single-game tickets start from as little as $29. But if sport isn't your thing, hail a cab near Time Square to catch a Broadway show where box office prices stretch from $50 to $170.A guide to Broadway
In New York gibt es so viel zu sehen und zu erleben, dass man manchmal gar nicht weiß, wo man anfangen soll. Aber keine Sorge - mit unserem kleinen Reiseführer für New York kommen Sie so gut zurecht wie ein Einheimischer.
We know how important it is to be in the heart of the action, and with hundreds of hotels across a number of neighbourhoods, you're bound to find your perfect stay in New York. With five boroughs ripe for exploration, New York has one of the most exciting hotel scenes in the world. Most first-time visitors base themselves in Manhattan, which is home to the city's famous sights – and certainly isn't short of hotel choices, from budget to boutique. But if you're looking to get to know a different side to the city, its other boroughs have plenty of options, too.
The Upper East Side is all about old-school glamour, with easy access to the Guggenheim, the Met and Madison Avenue's high-end boutiques. Midtown Manhattan encompasses a host of must-see sights, from the Empire State Building and Times Square to Broadway and Radio City Music Hall. Over on the west side, the once gritty Meatpacking District is all about glamorous foodie hotspots, rooftop bars and, of course, the High Line, while the Lower East Side's art galleries, party scene and brunch spots cater to students, artists and fashionistas alike. Read our classic and curious New York neighbourhood guides to find out more.
Wherever you decide to stay, be sure to check out our New York packages – you could save a bundle and bag yourself a cheap New York break.
Whatever type of New York city break you're after, you can be sure that the Big Apple won't be short on things to see and do. Here are our top five suggestions:
Our top tip? Book tickets in advance wherever possible – it'll save you having to queue, leaving you more time to explore this exciting city.
The ultimate melting pot of cultures and cuisine, New York is a foodie's paradise – so make sure you pack your appetite. Here are some of our ideas from our in-the-know locals:
Thanks to our convenient flight times, you can still have an action-packed weekend in the city. The important thing to do is plan your itinerary ahead of time, ensuring that you book a hotel that is in easy reach of the New York sights you want to see. Pre-booking activities and tickets to sights in advance will also help you make the most of your New York short break. Read our classic and curious 48-hour guides to New York for more inspiration.
Discover the best NYC deals and save, when you combine your flight, hotel and car hire. We have more than 12,000 hotels to choose from and up to 15 flights a day from London to New York. Plus, earn bonus Avios when you book your holiday to New York with us.
Book early and secure your dream holiday with just a small online deposit
We have a dedicated team on hand 24 hours a day in case of any issues
We have more than 12,000 hotels in popular destinations across the globe
Stellen Sie sicher, dass Ihr nächster Urlaub in New York City ein unvergessliches Erlebnis wird, indem Sie mit einem unserer Nordamerika-Reiseexperten sprechen.
Why check just one incredible city off your list when you could see two, three, or even four? Our multi-city holidays give you the freedom and flexibility to combine two or more exciting destinations – turning a great trip to New York into a truly unforgettable adventure.Individuelle Reisegestaltung
Hitting the road is one of the best ways to explore the USA. Whether you're planning an epic road trip or just need the freedom to drive the family around, you can save money on your America fly-drive holiday with us by booking your flight and car hire together.
Pick up your car at over 5,000 locations with our dedicated car-hire partner Avis
Roadside assistance and 24-hour customer support offered as standard
All mandatory charges are included, plus earn a minimum of 500 Avios per rental
Die New Yorker nehmen wahnsinnig gern den Long Island Expressway, um zu ihrem Sommerparadies in den Hamptons zu gelangen. Es gibt aber auch andere Refugien, die in nur wenigen Stunden mit dem Auto erreichbar sind. Lizzy Wilkinson möchte Ihnen drei davon ans Herz legen.
Scratch beneath the surface andthere are loads of activities tokeep the kids entertained in NYC

subset: commoncrawl


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Sings & Plays & Rings [CD]
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Star Charm Infinity Anklet
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This is the seventh short story in my Counting Down the Days book, currently a work in progress. We have so far taken a sneak peek into other short stories in this collection viz: The Right to Remain Silent, Networking or not working, The Dilemma, Power to the People, Counting Down the Days and Nothing.
The Vigilante
Julie has lost a husband she totally loved, thanks to the neglect, self interest and sloppiness of his friends. Njoroge, Wambua and Salim have deliberately opted to misinform her husband about the presence of law enforcement officials during a heist, and simply watch him unknowingly walk into a fatal trap.
With Kimunya now dead, she takes it upon herself to punish the remaining members of a terror gang she willfully belonged to and dutifully worked to protect. Her plan is to deal with them one by one, and successfully eliminates some of them, until something goes terribly wrong and exposes the enemy within.
How will she carry out her plan? Can she stop avenging Kimunya's death in view of the inherent risks?
My Current Reads
I have recently discovered eFiction Magazine on Issuu - my favorite online hangout where I get to read great stuff in an attractive, engaging and innovative presentation.
eFiction Magazine has been around for quite a while [how did I miss all this?], since April 2010. The August 2011 edition is the 17th issue!
Below are the very first and the current editions of eFiction Magazine. I'd urge you all to head to Issuu and subscribe to this online magazine that showcases the latest fiction across the web, for free. It is truly priceless for any writer worth his/her salt.
eFiction Magazine - then
eFiction Magazine - now
Do have a great day good people!
Cheers :)
Books I'm Reading,
counting down the days,
eFiction Magazine,
short stories,
The Vigilante,
Thursday, August 25, 2011


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Located just 20 minutes west of Jacksonville, Baker County offers the advantages of a small-town atmosphere with big-city convenience. The Osceola National Forest lies within its boundaries as does an abundance of lakes, making Baker County a haven for fishing, boating, hunting, water skiing and other outdoor activities.
The county is home to several large industrial parks located along I-10, has low taxes and a business-friendly local government.
Key Companies
- Insteel Wire
- M&R Specialty Trailers & Trucks
- Sanderson Pipe Company
- Swift Transportation Corporation
- Wal-Mart Distribution #6099
Facts about Baker County
- Population: 26,859
- Labor Force: 11,120
- Median Home Price: $148,500


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Chuck Ware, MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Ware, aka "Chuck", received his undergraduate degree from Miami University, Oxford, OH in 1979. He graduated from Wright State Medical School, Dayton, OH in 1983 and completed his Orthopedic Residency at Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, WA in 1990.
Chuck is a Colonel in the United States Army Reserves. He was active duty from 1983-1994. He served in Operation Desert Storm, two deployments for Operation Iraqi Freedom, and most recently, in 2012, a deployment to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.
Dr. Ware is an Orthopedic Surgeon with special expertise in arthroscopic procedures, along with shoulder, knee, and hip replacements.
Tim Barnard, PA-C
Board Certified Physician Assistant
Tim has a Bachelors of Science in Biology from State University of New York College at Cortland, Cortland, NY, a Bachelors of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, and a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE.
Tim is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard. He has been deployed to Africa and Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Tim's duties as an Orthopedic PA include initial evaluation/consultation of a patient's orthopedic issues, as well as routine follow up and post operative care visits. He is also Dr. Ware's surgical first assistant for all inpatient and outpatient surgeries.


text: Posted April 30, 2012 I would think the people and coaches in the buildings that get paid very well know what they are doing. The analysts were the ones screaming we need a tackle. We do need some help, but I think they addressed the right needs. Kipper is an idiot. If you agree with him then... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Description: Fleeing to her sister's house in the Welsh borders after being attacked in London, Jess is disturbed by the cries of a mysterious child. 2000 years before, the same valley is the site of a great battle between Caractacus, king of the Catuvellauni tribe, & the invading Romans. The king is captured & taken to Rome with his wife & daughter.
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Problems in MacBook Pro Due to Poor Quality
That happened on the evening of March 6 2010. When I was surfing the web, I noticed that my MacBook Pro was very hot. Then suddenly the screen showed some greenish and then froze. I forcefully shut it down and restarted it. During the startup, the apple looked green and then with green-striped screen it said: "You need to restart your computer…" in four languages.
I repeated the restart and saw the same message again and again. Only once I did go into the system but within minutes it froze in green again.
Next day I sent for the repair via the reseller store, which turned out a mistake for me. The reseller would add their "service fee" on top of the repair charge, even though they did nothing except calling the repair company to pick up the machine.
Initially I was told that the video card is dead and I could get the repair for free. That's OK, though I think Apple should make the recall (MacBook Pro: Distorted video or no video issues).
Later, after replacing the video card, the engineer found the I/O board on the left was broken also. But that I needed to pay for the repair.
Why was this I/O board broken? Was that caused by the failed graphic processor? Or, vice versa. I asked Apple for explanation but only got the reply saying that the broken I/O board is not related to the video-card failure.
So, these two units just happened to be out of order at the same time?
I have owned few laptops and only this MacBook Pro gives me hardware problems. The battery was completely dead right after one year. Not less battery life but completely dead. In 2.5 years, the graphic card and the I/O board were dead too.
Come on, my first laptop bought in 2002 Feb is still working without problem (only the LCD screen is quite dim). What kind of quality does Apple offer in their products?
Recently, after a long time, they finally have admitted the problem in the hard drives (Apple cops to defective MacBook drives) for certain MacBook machines from 2006 and 2007. Maybe my broken I/O board is also defective.
Will not buy another Apple laptops or machines. I'm done with that. 👿
April 13, 2010 11:32 am
I have had issues with every Apple product I have purchased. I had one of those MacBooks you mentioned, and I'm currently on my third hard drive. But I will say that the Apple Store replaced the two that failed, never charged me a dime, and repaired it the same day I took it in. In fact, they replaced my last drive even though my laptop was two years past it's warranty. So I sorta have a love-hate relationship with Apple right now. Things always break down on me (usually right after the first year), but they have been good about fixing things. Plus, it's hard to go to Windows or Linux after having used OS X. haha.
By the way, my Apple TV is only 14 months old, and the hard drive just failed. Geez.
Tim Thompson permalinkNovember 9, 2010 10:32 pm
Thanks for this post. It helped me identify the problems with the NVIDIA graphics processor on my MacBook Pro.
Johan Krüger-Haglert permalinkDecember 9, 2010 2:55 am
I may have the same version, late 2007, 2.2GHz.
Bought it with low VRAM even though I didn't wanted to because I didn't wanted to pay the huge premium for 128 MB more VRAM. Apple suck.
Anyway, had GPU issues aswell and tried to submit for warranty replacement/repair the 27th (?) aug 2008, got a notice about how I was out of warranty? Even though I think it was delivered the 1th sep 2007.
Since one year passed I didn't rushed with it (three year consumer protection for manufacturing faults here in Sweden anyway.) Half a year later the magsafe connector cable totally gave up, didn't got a very promising response from the new store in town and didn't wanted to buy a new power adapter so it's been resting on a shelf for 1.5 year now.
Mailed them just before three years (actually called) and felt very annoyed and go a very unsympathetic response and was told to talk to the company in the town instead since they are an authorized retailer or service partner or whatever. Mailed them before three years had passed, one guy from there called me up but after three years had passed and said that "it was over three years", no shit. But I don't want to have to deal with all crap like this. They should just had accepted the warranty complaint on the webpage in the first place.
Anyway I lend it in this Monday but didn't told them what my issues was back then but would do so later. Got an e-mail how my left io board was broken (something I've never noticed myself, charger work like crap though, maybe the broken charger has killed the board? Hard to see how that's _MY_ problem since Apple is the one releasing shitty products at über-premium prices) and also how my power button supposedly where "starting to fail", something I haven't noticed either.
No mentioning regarding the GPU.
Should I had lend it in earlier? Yeah, totally. But there was no store in my city back then and their fucking webpage didn't let me to. I mailed them a long mail with all the issues but only got a reply with their phone numbers. But I hate talking about shit like this on the phone.
Personally I'm an Amiga guy who used Linux and BSD before the mac. I'm fully capable of running a hack and maybe that's what I will do. The reason I actually bought a mac is because I think it's OK to support them for their OS and to make everything work. But it was totally not worth it =P
Apple as company suck, the spec suck, the vendor lock-in suck.
I would probably rather run FreeBSD with KDE in general but want commercial applications. OS X has them and in a mixture with some "personal style" computing. Obviously Windows have them to, with much better prices and options but maybe less personalization. Much better for gaming though.
Windows + FreeBSD work to. Dunno where I'll go. Aslong as the game work for OS X probably OS X hack and maybe OS X + FreeBSD.
Will see how this is solved, or most likely not. Suck to not have used the computer in 1.5 year considering how fucking expensive they are.
2.2 GHz Macbook Pro where 19995 SEK back then or something such, today:
19 995 Swedish kronor = 2 917.95033 U.S. dollars
Johan Krüger-Haglert permalinkDecember 9, 2010 2:56 am
stormko: Guess you live in the US. Apple with Apple stores is most likely a much different experience than Apple web shopping with no local business partner or even better Apple themselves.
raul permalinkDecember 27, 2010 12:45 pm
I bought my MAcbook pro on October 2007. Last week I had the same problem.
So.. I just take my mac to an apple store and they will fix it for free????


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(This was the sermon I preached on Palm Sunday at First Congregational Church, Long Beach CA.) Today we take a donkey ride into Jerusalem with Jesus. We're bumping along the rocky road into Passion Week, with a rabble roused by Rabbi Jesus cheering us on. Life's going to deal with death, and death is going to deal with [Read More…]
Practicing Mindfulness This Passion Week
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Holy Week in an Unholy World
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"God understands our pain. That is good theology for Good Friday. And that kind of theology only happens when we connect the Bible to the world we live in. It happens when worship and activism meet. We don't have to choose between faith and action. In fact we cannot have one without the other." We [Read More…]


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My best friend is an avid world traveller and comes home from her journeys (Iceland, Chile, Mexico, Egypt, Russia, France, Peru, and more) with many interesting stories about coping with the unexpected. Sometimes these surprises come in the form of food or lodging conditions. Other times they come as communication issues or even your fellow American tourists, behaving in ways that make you want to claim "Uuuh...I'm from Canada. Totally not with that guy."
In this Ible I've compiled a list of key travel tips to help you not look like a jerk in a foreign land. Since some of these principles are difficult to capture in a photograph, I decided to draw up some quick cartoons --with me as your traveller icon-- to embody each topic instead. Enjoy!
Step 1: Do Your Research: Intake and Output
When I say do your research, I don't mean obvious stuff like local attractions or what temperatures to expect so you can make clothing choices. I mean really research the native culture in and around your destination so you can decide (presumably before you book) if this is really a place you want to be. How will you decide this? Simple.
Foods and Bathrooms.
Google the area's native and local cuisine.Does it sound like something you'd be excited, or at least willing, to try? If it doesn't sound like your thing, investigate how modernized or westernized the area is currently. In a worst case scenario, will they have something like McDonald's or Starbucks that you can get by with until you acclimate, feel more experimental, or move on to a different destination?
I feel that food is a big part of any trip and one should always make an effort to try unusual things. If you discover that boiled goat heads are a daily component of any balanced breakfast where you're going, and that isn't something you're willing to scarf down, weigh whether this is really the vacation spot for you. Even if you discover that you don't like these new adventuresome foods, now you know. The galapagos taught my BFF that she hates papaya --now she knows.
When investigating your lodging options, make a point of looking at photos of bathrooms when possible. You may also want to try finding out about he visitor bathrooms at any attractions you decide to visit. How similar are they to what you're used to? Can you deal with the differences? Do you need to bring your own toilet paper?
In the U.K. my parents found the "water closets" to be so compact you just barely had enough room to turn and grab the TP. This does not mean all toilets situations in the U.K. will be like that, but they are out there. In India, many places have "squat toilets", which are holes in the tiled floor instead of a raised seat like you'd see in the west. Are you willing and physically able to adapt to the bathroom culture at your destination?
Quick! Where's the Bathroom?!? Most Ible readers seem to agree that the term "toilet" will get you exactly where you want to go, but saying "bathroom" or "restroom" may be confusing.
In your potential destination, is it common to have to pay to use public restrooms? I was reminded by some helpful folks in the comments that in some countries it is very common to have to pay to use the restroom, or considered appropriate to tip a restroom attendant. For the many of us who primarily pay for things with a card these days, this would be a good reason to make sure there's cash/ change in your pocket!
Know the facts ahead of time. The last thing your inn keeper, host, waiter, or tour guide wants to hear is a big rude American "You want me to do WHAAAAT???"
*When booking a stay at a hostel, it is wise to inquire whether bathrooms are communal or uni-sex. My friend has had some surprises with that too. If you don't get a private bathroom, make sure you pack pajamas, loungewear, or a cover-up that you are comfortable walking down halls in. This may include a pair of flip flops or foldable slippers, if you don't want to go barefoot in a communal space.
Step 2: Gesticulation Considerations
If you only learn two native words I would suggest they be "Hello" (or some other greeting) and "Thank you." You'll use them often and being mindful enough to say them will prevent you from looking like a jerk.
Even if you've got your little translator pulled up on your phone, it's still possible to put your foot in your mouth without even opening it.
Many cultures have hand gestures that mean derogatory or aggressive things, and you want to make sure you aren't unintentionally flinging insults left and right just by using casual western gestures. This website has a good starter FYI list, though there are many more out there. Try googling "(your destination) insult gestures" to see if there is anything obvious you should avoid. Hand signals that are harmless in America -- like "I'm O.K."-- are not cool to do in some other places.
Pointing with your index finger is a good one to avoid. This one may be hard to suppress, especially if you're in a place with amazing sites and want to yell "OMG look at that pyramid!!" Many cultures find pointing to be rude, or too aggressive if you are gesturing toward another person. Try directing someone's gaze with an open palmed hand instead, as that is viewed as more relaxed.
Dipping into verbal language for a moment, this is a good time to bring up a very good point gleaned from the comments section. If a person you encounter on your travels does not speak english, REPEATING THE PHRASE LOUDER WILL NOT HELP! SEE HOW ANNOYING THIS IS? AND I'M ONLY TYPING. You might try slowing your speech to make your words clearer, though take care not to attach a condescending tone like you're talking to a child. That could get irritating too. Maintain a normal speaking volume and courteous tone. Focus on key words the person may recognize or try to find a sign or object you can reference. Do your part. Look at your translation dictionary or the internet for help finding the native word.
Step 3: Photo Bug
Photos are a huge part of most peoples' vacations, but taking them at the wrong time or place can make you look like a huge jerk.
Observe your Surroundings. Are there any signs asking that you please NOT take photos in the area? Be respectful of those signs because sometimes there's a very good reason (flash photography might scare wildlife, for instance). Are the other tourists taking photos in an open and relaxed manner? You may witness someone sneaking a picture in a no photo zone and think maybe it's ok for you to sneak one too. In most cases I would say don't stoop to their level. Aside from looking like a jerk, you could risk getting hauled out by security.
Observe the Tone. Sometimes the sites of most interest are not the most joyful ones. The world has some beautiful cemeteries, war memorials, temples, and burial grounds that are worth seeing, but maybe not the most appropriate places to take selfies. Are the people around you praying, meditating, or visiting ancestors? These are not your moments to have. Do not take pictures of them. I'm not religious, but I understand that these practices mean something to other people and snapping conspicuous photos is obnoxious.
Consent. Consent. CONSENT! Ask a person's consent before you walk right up to them and snap a photo. Don't make someone feel like a novelty or talk about them like they are an object. You may be surprised who knows a bit of english!
Asking consent for a photo is easy, even if you don't know the language. Lift your camera slightly and smile at the person. Maybe nod toward the camera. If they smile back and start to pose, you're all clear to take a picture. If they go wide eyed and turn away or duck behind their hands or clothing, that's an obvious no-go. Some cultures do not understand photographs, and some people are just plain shy as individuals! Respect this and move on. Try asking a different subject later, or in a different setting.
On the note of selfies, do NOT make contact with artifacts, sculptures, or other objects that you are not supposed to touch. No ducking the velvet ropes, no sneaking in through the employee entrance, and no having your friend hold you up on their shoulders so you can take a photo where it looks like you're almost touching the peen on the statue of David. To you, this forbidden touch is nothing, but there's a very real possibility you could do irreparable damage to something that is thousands --or even millions-- of years old. Consider these cringeworthy examples wherein a worker fumbled and knocked King Tut's beard off or when Ke$ha put her entitled millennial mitts all over a real Triceratops skeleton at the LA Natural History Museum. Sidenote: I am very pleased to say I know the NHM employee who schooled her on Twitter about this.
Respect the art and the history behind what you're seeing. Take photos, but take them responsibly.
Step 4: Dining Decorum
Remember our talk about boiled goat heads? Well let's just say you decided to go to that location anyway, thinking weird food situations wouldn't come up. Let's just say it has. Your gracious host shoves a plate at you that is loaded with roasted grubs, blood pudding, chilled monkey brains, or whatever. What now?
Keep in mind that politeness is very important, and you DID say you'd try new things! Try to stifle any visible signs of revulsion you may be putting out before your host decides you're a jerk. The gross thing on your plate may be considered a real treat here, and you should try to honor the gesture if nothing else. You may find it isn't gross after all.
Unless the situation is so bad that you're literally vomitous, try a little bit. You could be surprised. Have a beverage very handy in case you need to wash it down quick.
If you tried but you just can't stomach the specialty, look for familiar fillers on the table; rice, salad greens, couscous, noodles, vegetables, fruit, breads. Here's a strategy you probably used as a kid: Load your plate, mix things around, and make it appear as though everything else was so delicious that you just couldn't possibly finish all those monkey brains. *Just make sure it isn't important in this culture to clean your plate! Your host's feelings are preserved and hopefully your insides are too. If you know the area well enough, maybe you can suggest you take your host out to dinner the next time and that way you have a little more control over the menu.
Speaking of stomachs, this is a good opportunity to remind you of the benefits of Ginger Root. I always carry some ginger capsules with me when I travel. Ginger soothes your stomach, which can help with motion sickness (boats, long car rides) and digestive upset. Ginger teas or candy will have the same, though likely less concentrated, effect. Not a bad thing to have in your toiletry bag in case some food doesn't agree with you!
Step 5: Snack Stash
I highly recommend traveling with a stash of protein, fruit and nut, or granola bars. They're easy to fit in the negative space left in your carry on and should get through most customs with no problem, provided they are still sealed. Protein bars are especially helpful while you're in transit because they keep you feeling full for longer. Just make sure you drink plenty of water so you can digest the protein properly.
Having a few snack bars stashed on your person will ensure you never get weak or cranky for lack of food. Cranky can sometimes translate into "Jerk", which is what we want to avoid. If you find yourself out sight seeing and start to stress about where to get food/ what is this food?/ I don't understand how much this food costs/ is this meat being sold off the back on an un-refridgerated street cart safe?, etc., take a moment and just eat a snack bar. It'll tide you over and maybe even clear your head a bit so you can make decisions you feel good about.
These snack bars can also come in handy if you've had to do some emergency food avoidance maneuvers, as previously discussed, and need something familiar to fill your tummy.
If traveling with children, remember to get them to drink water and eat a little something now and then, even if they say they aren't hungry. My mom and I found out I'm hypoglycemic the hard way (I thought a Wendy's Frosty counted as a hydrating beverage and I was wrong). Even a few bites of snack bar can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. If you find your kid fading, try a salty snack as they can also give a boost to someone who is dehydrated. McDonald's french fries brought me back from the brink of disaster every time!
Step 6: Pacing
Observe the pace of your surroundings. If the locals are operating at a more relaxed pace than you're used to, try to make the shift and enjoy it. That's what vacation is about, right?
I'm big on efficiency and moving slowly usually drives me crazy. However, when you remove yourself from the western "GO GO GO!" culture, you realize how crazy that attitude really makes you look.
Simply put, there's no reason to speed walk or shove your way through a tour group if the vibe is decidedly a calm one. Save your energy for a dash if you're late for your flight, or something that really matters.
Conversely, if you find yourself in a very fast paced, busy environment, be mindful of where you're going (and what you might be blocking if you just stand there staring at your phone checking FB). If you're not confident moving through a busy scene, look for a sidewalk or other "slow moving lane" option where you can go to get your bearings without looking like a total jerk. When moving through tight crowds, keep a hand on bags or camera straps to help avoid snagging.
Step 7: The Tipsy Traveller
Imbibing can also be a major part of a person's vacation. You might do so because there are unusual things to try, or because it's cheaper (in the U.K. it is cheaper to buy a beer than to buy a bottled water), or because a drink is just part of certain meals in that culture.
You should definitely aim to have fun on your trip, but getting ridiculous, sloppy drunk can make you look like a jerk anywhere. I'm not trying to poop on anyone's post-college-European backpacking plans here. There are some good reasons to keep your drinking in check.
Drink with a friend or trusted traveling companion(s).This is really more of a safety issue than anything. If you go out alone and get totally blitzed, bad things can happen. Mild bad case scenario, you get turned around outside the pub and can't figure out how to get back to your hotel. Worst case scenario, seedy locals see that you're a mess and use that to take advantage of you. I'm not going to darken this Ible with the many stories of robbery and violence that you can find elsewhere on the internet, but know that those things do happen and get informed.
Drinking with a trusted friend or group may increase the chances that at least one of you will stay sober enough to read a map, flag a cab, or drag the others back to the hotel safely. It isn't a guarantee, but I definitely advise it over solo boozing when abroad.
Try to be mindful of your intake as best as possible, and read the room. If you're getting the side eye from people, maybe it's time to drink some water. If you get too loose you might accidentally start throwing around some of those uncool gestures we talked about, or simply get labeled a buffoon tourist. It's difficult to come back from that label the next morning when you all load on a tour bus to Machu Picchu together.
Step 8: Adventure On, Jerk-Free!
Now you have the basics you need to not be a jerk abroad! If you enjoyed this, please vote for me in the Travel tips contest and contribute any additional anti-jerk tips you have in the comments below!


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Wondrous Winter Walks in Wiltshire
Step into the wilderness which is Wiltshire. It's not a traditional Christmas or New Year break without a frosty stroll in the countryside.
Whilst the hustle and bustle of city bars and corporate Christmas parties might have you singing and dancing into the early hours, they don't always leave you feeling your best. On the other hand, the calm and crisp countryside can help replenish your mind and take the edge off that dreaded return to work in January. For those who like to get out and about, there are plenty of majestic and adventurous walks in Wiltshire which can do exactly that.
But as oppose to reeling of a tiresome list, we've picked one of our favourite walks in Wiltshire to tell you about and inspire you this festive season.
Heavenly Views – Horningsham (4 Miles, 2 Hours)
Right outside the front door of the pub is of course our favourite walk in Wiltshire and is named most appropriately as 'Heavenly Views'. The walk boasts stunning views of…
Longleat House
Sculptures by Paul Norris
The nearby pretty mill pond
Thatched roofed houses
Village pump and commemorative beech tree in Horningsham village
We're not the biggest and brightest of walkers in Wiltshire by all means but we can safely say that 'Heavenly Views' walk is manageable for almost anyone and the perfect answer to getting out and about. If you're really smart you choose this one has it ends up and one of the best pubs in Wiltshire… We'll leave you guess where that might be!
Why not take up this wonderful walk in Wiltshire this Christmas and New Year with all the family. If all of the lovely landmarks on our favourite walk aren't enough to get you running for your walking boots, then our Sunday lunch sure will have you strongly considering it.