What do you look like?

[Philoctetes]

Apparently, looking at this chart, in Europe, you're more likely to be able to retire early.  I don't know about the Netherlands, though. At least it isn't a huge difference...

So this chart tells us why they retire or is it just the age?

As JdP mentions, things are quite relative.

[Scarpia]

In Italy the whole concept of retiring is obsolete. There's just no work, period. I think people really need to be careful when they say "Europe" but really mean Norway.

And "greatest" is relative, and nobody ever said America was the greatest, just the most powerful. Which it is. They have the highest GPD and the strongest military.

Highest GDP will last for a few more years.  Then the US will insist on having the most powerful military without the largest GDP, which will have the same effect on the US that it did on the USSR.

[Philoctetes]

Highest GDP will last for a few more years.  Then the US will insist on having the most powerful military without the largest GDP, which will have the same effect on the US that it did on the USSR.

Very true. Although, the numbers are sometimes far too kind to China's growth, but I think in our lifetimes that they will assuredly surpass the US. Plus the US already can't support its military infrastructure.

[Josquin des Prez]

Highest GDP will last for a few more years.  Then the US will insist on having the most powerful military without the largest GDP, which will have the same effect on the US that it did on the USSR.

Yes. The joys of multiculturalism. Diversity is our strength, just like Japan, or China, right?

[Scarpia]

Yes. The joys of multiculturalism. Diversity is our strength, just like Japan, or China, right?

I won't pretend to have any idea what you are talking about.

[Philoctetes]

I won't pretend to have any idea what you are talking about.

A pithy retort of Joseph Nye?

[Josquin des Prez]

I was parodying myself.

[Scarpia]

I was parodying myself.

That would be a feat.   

[Que]

I had to sell all my CDs — I thought it would be impossible to part with them, but I really don't miss them. Things are just things.

I'm amazed and glad you take it so well! 

But still it must be sad (I would be devastated) to have to sacrifice the result of labour and love to keep a roof over your head.

Q

[Lethevich]

I suppose it would depend if they were coped first. I've often seen my CD collection as a ball and chain around my leg - a massive consumerist monument which draws raised eyebrows when people see my half-wall of CD racks. I've often considered copying and selling after scanning the covers and booklet notes, but that would take far too much effort to be practical.

Also: my first post in this thread, wow. I tend to avoid it for some reason, and clicked it by accident.

[DavidRoss]

I suppose it would depend if they were coped first. I've often seen my CD collection as a ball and chain around my leg - a massive consumerist monument which draws raised eyebrows when people see my half-wall of CD racks. I've often considered copying and selling after scanning the covers and booklet notes, but that would take far too much effort to be practical.

Also: my first post in this thread, wow. I tend to avoid it for some reason, and clicked it by accident.

Darn--and I clicked it just because you had!

About twenty years ago I got rid of most of my books and records to simplify my life and be less captive to my possessions.  From time to time I've regretted the loss of some records, but this doesn't rank high on the list of my regrets in life. 

[Antoine Marchand]

I suppose it would depend if they were coped first. I've often seen my CD collection as a ball and chain around my leg - a massive consumerist monument which draws raised eyebrows when people see my half-wall of CD racks. I've often considered copying and selling after scanning the covers and booklet notes, but that would take far too much effort to be practical.

Also: my first post in this thread, wow. I tend to avoid it for some reason, and clicked it by accident.

Darn--and I clicked it just because you had!

About twenty years ago I got rid of most of my books and records to simplify my life and be less captive to my possessions.  From time to time I've regretted the loss of some records, but this doesn't rank high on the list of my regrets in life. 

Two very interesting posts.

I usually read Lethe's posts not just because they are intelligent, but because I am a bit intrigued (in a totally positive way) by a girl who has this madness for discs... not too much usual among women.   

[DavidRoss]

I usually read Lethe's posts not just because they are intelligent, but because I am a bit intrigued (in a totally positive way) by a girl who has this madness for discs... not too much usual among women. 

Yes...though others show up occasionally and some still put in appearances from time to time, few remain as persistently engaged as Sarah.  Perhaps she teaches school in the lower forms, or has two or more boy children of her own, and thus is well accustomed to the posturing, wounded egos, and pissing contests that discourage most women from habituating the site...?

[CD]

I'm sure more than just women have stopped posting due to some of the attitudes of certain posters — that's why I haven't been around as much, but now I just ignore them.

[Philoctetes]

I'm sure more than just women have stopped posting due to some of the attitudes of certain posters — that's why I haven't been around as much, but now I just ignore them.

So that's why I get no responses. 

[CD]

[Kontrapunctus]

[Mirror Image]

Nice picture. Very professional.

[Kontrapunctus]

Thank you.

[Opus106]

Nice picture. Very professional.

Indeed. As the picture was loading, I thought it was Paul Galbraith.