I am not a hoarder. I don't like clutter. In the US it seems almost everyone is a hoarder. In my old neighborhood, I was one of the few who parked my car in the garage. It used to amaze me that people would park their $50-70,000 vehicles on the street because they had their garage filled with useless junk that they will never use.
I think it would be impossible to ban them, even if everyone except them chose to do so. They have veto rights as founding members. The UN was created without a level playing field on purpose. Sometimes the victors in war take advantage of the situation. This was the case with the creation of the UN, and that is part of the reason it is broken now. Another is that it is difficult, if not impossible to get a mutual agreement among 100+ parties.
The UN is basically an advisory board. They are unable to enforce any of their decisions militarily without the assistance of the stronger member nations. Reality isn't always pretty.
I understand the stereotypes that most Europeans have of Americans, and many are true. I was born and raised there. However, much of the ignorance that Europeans see is caused by the US's isolation in North America from the rest of the World. The US doesn't have a great deal of people within it's borders that speak a different language (except from Mexico). We cannot travel as easily from one country to another because of the great distances. Even still, many Americans have lost the pioneering spirit we once had as a nation and don't even leave their hometown. As a result, it isn't surprising to me that most have a poor grasp of geography.
However, I suspect there are enclaves within Europe that have the same issues. I have seen poor villages here in Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia. I have met people from England who also cannot speak a foreign language. England is isolated by only a small channel, so why should the US be any different?
Yes Europeans generally are more cosmopolitan, but it doesn't give them the right to look down their noses at nations in other parts of the World. The Americans are the most visible target for this, but Australia and nations of Africa and Asia are in the same situation. Every country is ethno-centric in some ways. Don't judge America by the Jerry Springer show and other such nonsense. Most Americans would like that show to be pulled off the air, because it is disgusting. However there are enough deadbeats at home all day to keep the ratings up so the show is profitable. Perhaps it makes them feel a little better with their lives when they see someone in such a mess.
I am not a blindly loyal person to the US and its culture. Infact, I don't plan to ever live there again. I am just stating a case because I think it is unfair to judge an entire population based on what is seen on television or from one person's account of their travels to an impoverished portion of a nation.
Jesus is described as not an attractive man. Since he was born in the Middle East and held to the Jewish traditions he would have had a beard. He very well could have dressed and looked much like Osama bin Laden. Of course their is no comparison of the two men other than their appearance. Jesus himself will judge Osama and decide whether he is a man of faith or a tool of the devil.
I am born American, but I love living in Europe! I hope to never leave! :) The only problem is there are too many languages to learn here. I have the greetings down, but that is about it in most languages. I am learning Polish now, but it is difficult. At least I knew a little Russian, Spanish, French and German before moving here. It helps a little bit.
Some of us are just shy and inexperienced. We just need a small hint that is OK to make a move. After 10 years in a bad marriage, I was a little gun shy, and didn't date for a while. Now ten years after the divorce I am in a place where I am surrounded by beautiful, well educated women that don't speak the same language I do. Rejection is not the problem now...basic communication is the problem.
My work sends me places in addition to my vacation breaks. So far this summer work has sent me to Norway. I had one day for myself and saw the fjords...absolutely beautiful! I also have been to the US and drove from Baltimore to Lexington, KY. Beautiful mountain scenery there. Two more work trips may include England and Kandahar, Afghanistan. I am not thrilled about the last one too much though. At least it won't be for too long if it happens.
Prague. In the Castle District everything is compact and you can walk from Prague Castle, across Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square in 15-20 minutes. I have not seen a more beautiful city. On top of that, the prices are affordable and the people are friendly.
I work with Germans and many other nationalities from from Western Europe and the Baltics. There is a general disdain in our organization for American politics, but most of them are intrigued by American Pop Culture. Some of their imitations are idiotic. For example we have a Bulgarian who quotes song lyrics for fun, and he and his buddies watch stupid "B" movies like Euro Trip and laugh until they hurt. However, they are kind-hearted and genuinely friendly towards me (I'm American).
The Germans I work with demand efficiency and enforce rules like they were written on the same tablets that Moses brought down from the Mountain. However, when you are doing your job to their satisfaction they are warm and friendly. Perhaps I have been living overseas too long or maybe I have been in too isolated places in Europe (The Azores and Poland), but I really don't see a huge influence in Europe of American culture. Sure, almost every place has McDonalds, but is that really a big issue? Locals choose to eat there, but it isn't going to turn them into Americans.
Europeans are different than Americans. They hold on more to traditional values and have a respect for their history and ancestry. Many Americans don't care about anything except feeling good at any given moment, and they really don't care how they get satisfaction or what the cost is. If they have to tear down a historic building to construct a new parking lot for Wal-Mart, don't stand in the way of the bulldozer.
The age difference could be very significant in Turkey. Turkey has undergone some huge cultural changes in the past 50 years. The older generation still holds on a bit to the idea that the man rules and the wife will follow, but the younger generation in general has more western thoughts about the relationship between a man and a woman. I lived in Turkey for over two years and saw first hand the big differences. It isn't an insignificant thing.
ashanti, only you know this man well enough to know if you are compatible. We can all give our opinions, but since we don't know you or the man, we can not give good advice.
Speeding. When you are on a deserted stretch of road in the Western U.S., there should be no speed limit. It takes too long to get across the desert and eliminating the speed limit out there wouldn't cause many additional accidents. In fact, it might save people from falling asleep at the wheel from boredom.
I agree. I need a good poke, since I don't usually catch on to subtle hints. I have had strong feelings for women before that I thought were not interested, to later find out she gave up on me and found someone else. It really upsets me when that happens. It really sucks to be shy.
I've been traveling on weekends lately. It is nice to be in Europe where everything is close. In the past month I visited Prague, Bratislava, Vienna, Budapest, and in Poland, Wroclaw, Gdansk/Sopot/Gdynia and Poznan. Later this month I will go to Berlin and I'm thinking about taking the ferry from Gdansk to either Stockholm or Helsinki.
I grew up with a bunch of rednecks/hillbillies in Kentucky. The schools teach them to read now, but then they go and waste it reading the National Enquirer, World Weekly News or Lexington Herald-Leader. Then if you have a discussion with them they try to debate you with stupid ideas like the Waterboy's mom, "Gators are onery because they got so many teeth and no toothbrush". Their favorite argument is, "It's got to be true because it was in the newspaper".
My house is in Oklahoma City. It is a great place and people are friendly there. Try to visit the riverwalk and Oklahoma City Memorial downtown. The Centennial celebration is also going on this year so there may be some big events going on while you are in the State.
I'll be making the road trip in a couple of weeks. I will pick up my daughter from her mom in Cincinnati and then drive to OKC to visit some friends. It is a nice drive through the Ozarks on I-44. Plan on 14 hours at least for the drive from Ohio to Central Oklahoma.
If there are thunderstorms in the area while you are visiting, keep a close watch on the weather. Tornadoes are a real risk in that part of the US.
Two places at one time. I love my life and my job in Poland, but it sure would be nice if I could also spend every day in Kentucky. with my mom and dad. They are both getting older and I am missing their last good years.
Prague was awesome! In fact, I was there again on Wed-Thurs on my way back from a weeklong trip to Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Of the four places, Prague is my favorite. In fact, I am considering an idea to sell my home in the US and buy a place there. I can retire very comfortably there with my military pension and I can be out in Aug 2008.
I arrived very early on Friday morning, rested one day and just returned from a day trip to Gdansk. I'd never been there, but discovered I could take a ferry to Stockholm and Helsinki. It was a tempting thought to just get on the boat, but I have to be at work on Monday morning.
OK, why would someone complain about "foreigners" sending messages when you are a member of an international forum?
By the way, I am outside of the US, but only temporarily due to my job. I am a US citizen, so now since I am Poland, should I only correspond to people in Poland? That would be a challenge, since there are few members here from Poland, and I barely speak any Polish.
Sorry you were grumpy, but an attitude like this will make ensure that no one wants to date you.
NelsonOKC Forum Posts (99)
RE: if u have a child
Yes. The child needs to communicate with the grandparents on BOTH sides.