- A water ice stand called Del’s is a Rhode Island favorite. With fresh made ice in traditional lemon or watermelon flavors or a plethora of other options, stopping at ‘the sign of the lemon’ is sure to make any day better.
- The official state drink is called coffee milk. A mix of coffee syrup and milk in a manner similar to chocolate milk, this concoction can be found in all Rhode Island grocery stores.
- Rhode Island was one of the only states that never approved prohibition.
- There is a more eclectic mix of delectable food in Providence than in most other cities.Italian. Vietnamese. Thai. American. Seafood. Mexican. No matter what type of food you are craving, Providence is guaranteed to have it.
- You can drive across the state in an hour. Yep, Rhode Island is that small. Some people commute longer distances to work each day than the length of the state. Places that are more than thirty minutes away seem like an eternity for Rhode Islanders.
- Tomato pie is bigger than pizza. Like pizza but without the cheese, tomato pie is a Rhode Island favorite. Most Rhode Island natives would take tomato pie over pizza any day.
- A large blue bug permeates over Providence (the state’s capital and largest city). Visible from both sides of I-95 passing through Providence, this big blue bug is New England pest control’s mascot.
- WaterFire is one of the coolest events to ever exist! Every other Saturday night from the late spring to early fall, the rivers of Providence are lined with burning piles of wood and intense, instrumental music. If you’re ever in Providence on a summer Saturday night, check out WaterFire and I can guarantee you will be astonished.
- Job Lot is an amazing discounted store. A mini version of BJ’s, Ocean State Job Lot is every Rhode Islander’s go-to for everything from clothes to household items.
- The word 'wicked' is used a lot. If you hang around a native Rhode Islander for a long time, you are guaranteed to hear the phrase “wicked good” on more than one occasion.
- The whole state has one area code and it is 401. Because of Rhode Island’s sole area code, telephone numbers are listed without the area code. On many landlines, you do not even have to dial the area code to make a phone call. Convenient, right?!
- Rhode Island was the first state to have freedom of religion. Roger Williams founded Rhode Island as a state that went against the norm of an alignment of the church and state. Rhode Island would become a refuge for people prosecuted for their religious beliefs.
- Taylor Swift owns a vacation house in the southern part of the state (in Watch Hill, RI). If you follow Taylor on Instagram, the crazy Fourth of July party she posted many pictures of this year likely took place at her Rhode Island abode.
- The drivers are notorious for being aggressive and bad. Having family in Rhode Island, I have experienced multiple near-accidents due to drivers cutting my family off.
- Family Guy took place here! The town of Quahog, where the show takes place, is not actually a real town; however, many of the places where scenes occur are based on real locations in Rhode Island. For instance, the Happy-Go-Lucky Factory where Peter Griffin works is based on the Hasbro Factory a few miles from Providence.
- Potholes are everywhere in the state. If you drive for just a few minutes in the state, you are bound to drive through a pothole (hopefully not one that gives you a flat tire!).
- Coffee is taken VERY seriously. There are more coffee shops on the East Side of Providence, where I go to school, than within fifteen miles of my house in Pennsylvania.
- Rhode Island has huge population density. With an estimated 1,050,292 people crammed into a state that is only 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, Rhode Island is the second most densely populated state (second only to New Jersey).
- Rhode Islanders employ various unique phrases. For instance, sandwiches are called "grinders," water fountains are "bubblers," and milkshakes are "cabinets."
- The full name of Rhode Island is Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. This makes the state’s official name the longest in the country.
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EntertainmentSep 19, 2016
Twenty Things You Probably Didn't Know About Rhode Island
The country’s smallest state (and my new home) is a lot more awesome than you think!
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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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Lifestyle
5 Benefits Of Learning Different Languages
It's a pain to learn but it's definitely worth it in the end.
18h
2115
a2zli
When I was learning how to talk, I was taught both Portuguese and English at the same time. In elementary school, I started taking mandatory Spanish classes, which I did well in because of my knowledge of Portuguese. Then in high school, on top of taking Spanish, I also started taking French. Now, in college, already fluent in English and Portuguese, I'm in the process of becoming fluent in Spanish, and I have a standard high school level understanding of French.
All my life there has been many people who been involved in a variety of languages. My mom is fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. I remember her trying to learn Arabic when I was younger and she used to know German. My dad is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish while managing well enough with English. My step mom is fluent in Spanish and English, and has learned Portuguese since dating my father. Because of them and others, my environment has always been conducive to learning multiple languages.
Up until I started working in high school, I took all of this for granted. However, I soon learned there were significant benefits to knowing more than just English. Anyone that knows one or more languages than English understands how satisfying these reasons are.
1. Helping people who don't speak English.
At work, on the streets, in a grocery store, or literally anywhere else, there are moments when people who don't speak English struggles with their surroundings. Trying to speak to someone who doesn't understand their native language, looking for directions, or asking for help with something becomes difficult for them and frustrating. For example, I was on break at work once and while passing the food station, a man was trying to order a meal in Spanish. The cashier didn't understand Spanish and saw me passing by, so he asked me to help since he knew I understood and spoke Spanish. It's always made me feel really great being able to help others through using other languages.
2. Understanding what people are saying when they don't realize you do.
This definitely includes when they're talking about you. The feeling of satisfaction and self-pride when you can shock people by pointing out that, "hey I know exactly what you're saying about me," is probably my favorite reason on this list. It's also really fun hearing people gossiping about others, whether you know who those other people are or not. You could be in a completely normal setting, like a hair salon, and one haircut later, you know all about how your hairdresser's sister just got divorced and now there's a nasty custody battle going on to see who gets the kids. It's highly entertaining to hear about the lives of others without them knowing, even if we're aware that it's kind of messed up and makes us seem nosy.
3. More job opportunities.
This is heard all the time when our parents, teachers, and advisers tell us we need to learn a foreign language in school. Sure it gets annoying to hear, but it's also really true. Knowing languages can open up more job opportunities because employers look for people who can either bring a more diverse group to them or who can keep up with the diverse group they already have coming in. Most jobs can be helped or expanded through the knowledge of other languages, and some even have it as a job requirement. Knowing more than just the English language puts you at a higher advantage than other applicants.
4. Connecting to more people.
When you go to a foreign country and find someone that speaks English, it's the best feeling in the world. You don't feel so alone anymore! The same thing applies to when people from foreign countries or when people who don't speak English come here. It feels like they've finally found something familiar in a sea of the unknown. Knowing languages also allows for you to connect to more people through also learning their culture. Cultures all over the world are vast and unique, and by connecting to someone through their language, you're able to discuss the culture of their country and can compare it to your own culture. It's always really intriguing learning about the experiences others have had in their homelands, and being told about those experiences brings you closer to those people.
5. Vacations become much less stressful.
Obviously, this depends on where you go, but if you go somewhere that you know the language, then it holds true. Besides relaxing by the beach, one of the top things people do when they're on vacation is going sightseeing. At one time or another (or maybe every vacation), it happens that you get lost while on your way to places you're dying to see. Having trouble communicating in a foreign country is one of the biggest worries when traveling, besides safety. No need to worry about that anymore when you understand the language can read road signs and maps, and can speak to natives about the culture of their country.
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Lifestyle
Why Thanksgiving Shouldn't Get Shafted, As Told By Disney
Let the turkey have his day, man.
28 November
1464
Deviantart
I am without a doubt one of those people who refuses to start decorating for Christmas or listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving has become an underrated holiday over the years. You barely see any Thanksgiving decorations in stores; it's like they skip right from Halloween to Christmas.
Here are some reasons why Thanksgiving is still bomb, illustrated by some of our favorite Disney characters:
1. You get to spend time with your family.
No matter how much your family may annoy you, you know deep down that you love them. Any time you get to spend with your family should be cherished.
2. It's the one day of the year where you can stuff yourself and feel no guilt.
Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, pumpkin pie...you want to skip right all over that stuff? No, that's what I thought.
Remember: Thanksgiving calories don't count.
3. You get to go home from school.
Whether you get a full week off for Thanksgiving or just a few days, it still means you have the opportunity to take a break from stressing about classes. And you get to see your dog, what's better than that?
4. It's fall's last hoorah.
Goodbye flannels and cute booties. Goodbye pumpkin spice everything and the beautiful red and orange leaves. Goodbye sweater dresses and goodbye not wearing a coat when you go outside. Thanksgiving is like the going away party for fall.
5. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Truly a staple in the American household for Thanksgiving morning.
6. There really isn't that long of a wait for Christmas after Thanksgiving.
Just be patient, Christmastime will be in full swing once Thanksgiving is over and the wait isn't that long. Also let's be real-- it will start snowing soon and the cold weather will approach us, something most people like to hold out on anyway.
7. Thanksgiving makes you think about what you're thankful for.
Even though you should appreciate what you have all the time, some people don't really think about it until Thanksgiving when everyone else is doing it. I guess it's better late than never, but you should always be thankful for what you have.
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Lifestyle
8 Things To Do To Keep You Occupied During Thanksgiving Break
Nothing says "Thanksgiving break" like never changing into real clothes all day.
28 November
999
Becco
Some universities only get two or three days off for Thanksgiving break. Or, if your university is like mine, you get the whole week off go go home. A whole week off is a long time. I'm not complaining, because I'd rather have a whole week off than three days, but there is a lot of down time. Here are some ideas as to what you can do to get the most out of your Thanksgiving break.
1. Reunite with friends from high school
The Thanksgiving break of my freshman year of college was when I really got to see which of my high school friends I actively wanted to be friends with after graduation and which I was friends with only because I was in classes with them for four years straight. With these friends, it can be fun comparing our daily lives from different colleges and reminiscing on how awful high school was. Go to a coffee shop and catch up!
2. Go to the gym
Because there's truly nothing more exciting than running into that guy from your graduating class who posts snapchat stories of him lifting weights at your local gym in order to try and impress the ladies. But also, Thanksgiving meal carbs. Ugh.
3. Start a new Netflix show
Take a break from all that homework I know you're getting ahead on. Find a new show that you can binge watch during your vacation.
4. Sleep
We all know there's never enough of that in college.
5. Cook
Because sometimes in college you don't have access to vegetables/fruit/a kitchen.
6. Organize your home closet for the month's-worth of clothes you'll be taking back with you for Christmas break
If you think the three suitcases I took home with me for this one week of Thanksgiving break is too much...think about how many clothes I'll bring back home with me in a few weeks.
7. Start making your Christmas list
All of the holiday gift ads are coming out this week!
8. Or start shopping for your family/friends' presents
With all that money that a typical college student has, right?
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Lifestyle
10 Inevitable Stages Of Going Home For Thanksgiving As A College Student
Turns out that Thanksgiving is a lot more complicated when you're in college.
27 November
2190
Wikimedia Commons
It's that time of year again- Thanksgiving Break is finally approaching. For college students everywhere, Thanksgiving is a time to relax and not really worry about homework (well, depending on what major you're in). However, going home for Thanksgiving is actually a lot more complicated and stressful than it looks. From traveling, to Thanksgiving in general, the stages of going home can drive students crazy.
1. Trying to get a flight/train/car last minute.
Traveling is stressful for everyone, including college students. However, traveling on Thanksgiving is a whole other monster.
2. Secretly planning your Black Friday shopping plans during Thanksgiving dinner.
We have all thought about this during at least one Thanksgiving dinner.
3. Helping with Thanksgiving prep.
Unless you are so terrible at cooking that you need an intervention from Gordon Ramsay, you will probably help out with Thanksgiving prep. Or, if your family doesn't want to deal with cooking at all, you can always go out to eat!
4. Unpacking all the unwanted clothes from college.
Goodbye summer clothes, and hello sweaters and scarves!
5. Seeing a ton of relatives/family friends.
Thanksgiving means seeing family and old friends at a very fast rate. Be prepared for inevitable questions including: "Do you have a job yet?" or "How are your grades?"
6. Drinking more wine than usual.
Honestly, any kind of wine goes really nice with your Thanksgiving dinner.
7. Eating a lot more than usual (duh).
It's inevitable that you're going to get a food coma on Thanksgiving. Be prepared.
8. Realizing that you were extremely sleep deprived in college.
Going home for Thanksgiving also means more sleep. And then you realize that all-nighters eventually add up.
9. Trying to finish your homework on time but procrastinate instead.
Procrastination is inevitable.
10. Realizing that after break you're almost immediately going into Finals Week.
And instead of studying you'll probably be looking at ugly Christmas sweaters and potential Christmas gifts.
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Relationships
5 Simple Ways To Keep Your Relationship Happy
Have we all heard the saying "happy wife, happy life?"
27 November
8749
Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash
Your relationship doesn´t have to be full of exchanges of lavish gifts. You do not have to go on elaborate dates and try crazy things. While those are great for a relationship, there are much simpler ways to ensure a happy and stable union.
1. Don´t overthink.
I must say that this is very common among partners. Sometimes it is easy to lose sight of the truth between the both of you. Although your love may be strong, this may also cause you to become insecure. This insecurity may be about things that might not even exist. This may stem from personal insecurities, but I do think that a lot of people start thinking things like "What if he/she doesn´t love me?" At that point, thoughts like that can possibly negatively affect the relationship. Whenever it happens, make sure to shift your focus to the good and beautiful things in your relationship instead.
2. Talk things out instead of having a heated argument.
There are different ways to solve your problems. It is best that you avoid confrontation that is toxic and full of anger. Focus on what the problem is and see how you both can reach an agreement. Arguing and screaming at one another does make both of you feel really bad and can put a slight dent on the healthiness of the relationship. Sit with your partner and talk things out. It is not easy to do, but you will find that it will make you both happier and more understanding of one another.
3. Pay attention to your partner.
THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. People may think that gifts and huge proclamations of love may be the key to a good relationship, but I believe that it is much more simple than that. The most important thing is for your partner to KNOW that you love them and to see that you truly care about them. You don´t avoid them and you make them a priority. If you're with a person, they should become a priority and they shouldn't have to question your motives.
4. Show interest in things they care about.
My boyfriend and I don't share similar interests. We don't necessarily have to, though, to make things work. It wasn't too easy at first because I really have zero interest in half of the things he does, but my appreciation and deep love for him made me want to understand him more. He does the same for me and this has greatly improved our relationship. So, if you really don't seem to have much in common with your partner, make sure you give them some time to show you what they love.
5. Express your love verbally.
My boyfriend is the type to keep things within. He's not the biggest fan of romance or verbally expressing love. But I am the opposite. Sometimes it hurts my feelings because I just work differently than he does. We spoke about it, and he has tried to be better at expressing his love for me. This has also improved our feelings about one another. Telling your partner what you feel is significant can make you guys even closer than before.
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