I lived in Erlangen, just outside Nurnberg.

I only got to Nurnberg once when I was there. Hey, you getting any smoke from te fire in Waycross, or is it just drifting down our way.

Got the smoke yesterday, but not so much today. If this drought continues, it will be just like Southern California, with a hick accent.

We're getting it today. They just announced a minute ago that the winds will be shifting to the west and blowing the smoke onto brunswick. Then it's back to north winds and we get the smoke again.

In those two statements is the heart of the issue, the world is getting [censored] small! I don't think we need to close the borders, but reform is surely needed. What troubles me is that American ideals are being lost. Taking responsability for your own safety, actions, politics, health etc. We are seeing this society change from one founded on independance to one based economically, politically and practically on DEpendance.

A bug out bag is a great idea, being prepared is a sign of independance, as are other self reliant practices. Being politically engaged, etc.

Bug Out Bag thread is posted in the other forum - go post some stuff!!

(main menu, "outdoors and fieldcraft" for those who haven't ventured there before!!)

Jerry - did you live in any Asian countries during your Brathood? We're talking about extremely different cultures - not just some differences...!

Nope, no Asian countires for me. The most foreign places I visited were the Middle East and Africa and finally Detroit.

Oooooh... Detroit...! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Probably the most exotic of them all!

The Korean culture was very different than US culture... Prostitution is very normal and rampant, respect for elders is huge, very patriarchal, most married men have young girlfriends (considered normal), and there is very little violence using weapons, but there are frequent riots and protests... Domestic violence seems common (accepted). Just very different.

That being said, some of my very best friends in the world are Korean. One of them is going to college in Minnesota - I need to get over and see him soon. The rest of them are in Korea, and I really need to go back and visit one of these days!

Actually I did see a public execution while in Saudi Arabia. It was pretty crazy to say the least. I felt very safe on the streets. Djibuti and Moghidishu on the other hand were interesting to say the least.

I'll bet that was a whole different world over there! Korea was similar to the US economically and structurally... and was also a very safe place.

That was the ultimate punishment in the Kentucky Fried Movie..."Send him to Detroit".