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Thread: Where are the Europeans?

  1. #21
    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    I'm American by birth and upbringing but I've been in Scotland for a while. I was just starting to feel European when they decided to take us out!
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    Deb
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    Senior Member R.A. Stewart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Well, there's always a way to get back in ...

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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    In my Passport is a note that I am a Citizen of the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany (or something to that effect), even though I am currently living in Door County, Wisconsin, North America. So I guess I am straddling the fence somewhat. But if you want to send me pens or ink within Europe, you can still mail them to my father in Weil am Rhein, the City of Chairs .

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    Senior Member AzJon's Avatar
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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Quote Originally Posted by d3cadent View Post
    Hi all,
    But where are the Europeans?
    In Europe, presumably.

  6. #25
    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Quote Originally Posted by R.A. Stewart View Post
    Well, there's always a way to get back in ...
    I would if I had a vote.
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    Deb
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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Quote Originally Posted by Pterodactylus View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Farmboy View Post
    I'm from the US, which country is Europe again?
    Let me help you a litttle bit as I understand that this is a little bit difficult for a US guy.

    Europe is a Continent, part of the developed world consisting many countries which care about the world climate, have functioning education and health care systems, which are not led by an dumb egomaniac Neanderthal.

    But as said I understand that getting these informations is difficult in a country flooded with alternative facts and and a free falling education system.
    As a European, I hate this kind of smugness Europeans have versus Americans. They do things differently and for the above average performers, better.

    You just think socialism is better. That's an opinion, not a fact.

    And OP is quite on point, I miss EU members, also in for sale section. You know, the section that allows testing out pens at lower prices than full retail for new ones.

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    Senior Member Lexaf's Avatar
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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Hi, Lexaf here. From the Netherlands. The little country on the Noth Sea. We're west of Germany, north from Belgium and East of UK (some water between UK and us...) and south of Denmark.

    I am writing and selling mostly about vintage pens manufactured in France, UK, Germany, even from Belgium and yes: pens originally manufactured in Holland do exist. I even offer them for sale here on the FPG marketplace now and then.

    For the non European readers: The Netherlands is often referred to as 'Holland' and our language is 'Nederlands', also known as 'Dutch', not the same as Deutsch, which is the German language.

    As amof, I like to read postings from every part of the world, the more the better. So come on Aussies, Kiwies, Indos, Latino's, Cheeseheads (from Holland) Frogs, Krauts, Maddogs & Englishmen and Yankees!
    Nationality is not an issue, it's knowledge, passion for pens, and the fun of sharing your experiences with each other that counts for me.

    Ok, especially for the US members: I wish the CONUS charges for shipping were valid for the rest of the world. but on the other hand: World Wide Shipping is not as difficult as it seems... (for some of you, no offence intended)

    Thank you and enjoy!

    (edited for some typos)
    Last edited by Lexaf; August 21st, 2017 at 10:06 AM.

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  11. #28
    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Quote Originally Posted by Pterodactylus View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Farmboy View Post
    I'm from the US, which country is Europe again?
    Let me help you a litttle bit as I understand that this is a little bit difficult for a US guy.

    Europe is a Continent, part of the developed world consisting many countries which care about the world climate, have functioning education and health care systems, which are not led by an dumb egomaniac Neanderthal.

    But as said I understand that getting these informations is difficult in a country flooded with alternative facts and and a free falling education system.
    I wasn't born in the USA. I came here to study at the university, worked hard, build a career, a family and eventually I call this land "Home", became a citizen and was accepted as part of the society.

    Throughout my years living in the US, I've seen a whole lot more positive than negative, more encouragement than being looked-down upon, I've worked alongside and build lasting friendships with people from all over the world. And the fact that I own a business now and I was able to watch my daughter grow, is a testimony in favor of a society that still values freedom. Freedom that wasn't obtained cheaply nor without huge sacrifice.

    Therefore I don't take it kindly to someone who don't appreciate the positives we have here in the USA. It's very easy to sling mud based on what you read on the news. But the fact is, despite what you think, I know for a fact that your country is not immune to conflicting facts, and your system is not without failures, because none of all countries in this fallen world are.

    Rather than sling mud back towards you, I'll just say that I am proud of the USA... warts and all.

    NOTE: I am sorry for derailing this thread a bit. I like Europe and for the most part, the people from there are civilized, and reasonable.
    Last edited by penwash; August 21st, 2017 at 01:36 PM.
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  12. #29
    Senior Member Pterodactylus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Quote Originally Posted by adhoc View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Pterodactylus View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Farmboy View Post
    I'm from the US, which country is Europe again?
    Let me help you a litttle bit as I understand that this is a little bit difficult for a US guy.

    Europe is a Continent, part of the developed world consisting many countries which care about the world climate, have functioning education and health care systems, which are not led by an dumb egomaniac Neanderthal.

    But as said I understand that getting these informations is difficult in a country flooded with alternative facts and and a free falling education system.
    As a European, I hate this kind of smugness Europeans have versus Americans. They do things differently and for the above average performers, better.

    You just think socialism is better. That's an opinion, not a fact.

    And OP is quite on point, I miss EU members, also in for sale section. You know, the section that allows testing out pens at lower prices than full retail for new ones.
    Some maybe would call me a above average performer, and yes itˋs not fun to get only 50% of what you earn really into your hand.
    But this has nothing to do with socialism.
    I don't know how old you are, but I'm old enough to remember socialism in the former east block countries as in your county Yugoslavia.

    You may do not understand what it means for million US guys not to have a proper health care insurance or people which canˋt retire because they just canˋt afford it.
    I guess you are still young and donˋt know what it would mean for many people in the US when they or their kids get a serious illness like cancer, if you could not afford the treatment, OP ,..... because it would ruin you financially or you are condemned to dying because of that reason.
    And this has nothing to do with performers or not performers, everybody can come into such a situation (also top performers)

    And if you are old enough to have kids, I really appreciate that in Europe everybody has the possibility to get an excellent education (and become a above average performer) including university.

    I know enough people in the US (personally) to know that good education in the US is not a given thing.
    The public school system is rotten (and will degrade even more hearing from the plans from the current government).
    So if you do not have the privilege to have (relatively) rich parents you really have a problem.
    And good education is really expensive there, even for better performing people, to speak in your language.

    This will lead into huge social conflicts sooner than later, and this has nothing to do with socialism or not socialism.

    So finally, yes this is only my personal opinion, but I think I´m not the only one thinking like that.

    I really appreciate to live in Europe and even if it is not nice to give away about 50% of my earnings each month I prefer to do so that everybody has a good health care, access to excellent education and everybody is able to retire without starving.

    And you also should be grateful not to live in a socialism east block state anymore.
    If you think that the American system is that much better you should emigrate to the States, it should be no problem to get a green card as a top performer.

    I had the possibility to move to the States, but I did not used this opportunity (and Iˋm happy that I did not done it).... but this was also a personal subjective decision
    Last edited by Pterodactylus; August 21st, 2017 at 01:46 PM.

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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Having lived in Europe and the US AND the Middle East; and having traveled a large portion of the planet, I cannot agree with most of what is above.

    First Farmboy I think was being funny.

    Nevertheless, I do not find Europe to be better in any way to the USA. You have the same radial fascist wannabes we do. They even got close to being elected in a few nations.

    There is not perfect healthcare in any European country (nor in the US).

    What I can say is this-- other than the culture, it only takes a year to acclimate to wherever you live and it just becomes -- "the place where you live." The only reason I like the US better than Europe is because that is where family and friends are.. but I have lived in the UK for a year and I was in Italy for five last time I lived in Europe. All lovely places.

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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Hey guys, OP here. Calm down everyone please. This thread was not intended to decide whether USA or Europe are the better place. Okay, one arrogant guy came around and insulted all EU chaps, but did not return since - still, you are resonating around this battle.
    I believe we all are part of the happiest part of all humans since we can afford to debate pens, inks, papers and the such. I am thankful for this, even though I am convinced that I do NOT live in the most comfortable country on Earth.
    Thank you for all guys who contributed with ideas where else to find meaningful forums and communities. THIS was the question.

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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Oh I fully remember Yugoslavia under communism (socialism and communism are not the same! One is a political term, the other describes societal forms). I live right across the border to Austria. I remember how we had NO coffee to buy, only a substitute which tasted like dirt. I remember how we had Čunga Lunga, but 10kms away you had a million different varieties of chewing gum available. It was like going from a toilet to Disneyland. I remember we had to hide money a few kilometers from our home, because border patrol checked that not too much money left the country.

    All european countries are socialistic countries, this isn't even a debate. If USA education is so bad, then why are all top universities from the US? If their healthcare is so bad, then why do almost all important medical breakthroughs come from the US?

    Slovenia now is one of the best countries in the world, last time I checked hovering around 10th in the world by quality of life. But comparing small countries like Slovenia or Austria to USA and thinking it would translate easily is, sorry, naive.

    Yes, USA isn't fair to everyone, but neither is life. They're the dominant super force in the world, something Austria will never be again. They're sure as hell doing something right. And they aren't doing socialism.

    Now, stop dissing americans as if they're the toilet of the world because you're European, because at the end of the day we're going home with our puny little 1.0 liter bycicle on four wheels maybe to an appartment (which is a honestly a luxury already for almost all young folks here), while they can drive around with their trucks at 1/10th of the gas price and their house on an average.

    I would never move to USA, I love my country and I'm doing pretty well. But I wouldn't call americans what you'd call them, because that was an opinion and your personal opinion does not make you superior to others. People have different opinions, that doesn't make them worse than you.

    And don't get me wrong, I don't dislike you or hate you now, I still enjoy and will enjoy your posts in the future, but please think about your smugness towards americans and consider if it's truly justified.

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    Senior Member RocketRyan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Wow that escalated quick. Shame.

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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Quote Originally Posted by RocketRyan View Post
    Wow that escalated quick. Shame.
    Yup... time to go to the pub

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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Eh it's fine, it's only off topic section that doesn't even count to posts. Besides, I thought Brits liked bants. Or was it the Australians?
    Last edited by adhoc; August 21st, 2017 at 03:54 PM.

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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    I wish there was an Ignore button for whole threads
    wasting time on tapatalk

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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    When asked what my super power would be had I one, I always answer that it would be to understand all languages. It is also fun imaging what would be the equivalent of kryptonite to such a super power.
    Fortibus es in ero

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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Ok... that got really sucky, really quickly! This whole thread made me very depressed.

    I have lived in three continents and all of them have their pros and cons. To be honest it all depends on where you live in each country that matters much more. Every continent and country has some run down, deprived areas that are being left to rot. I lived in the UK for 28 years (born and raised); I lived in the US (Michigan) for 9 years and I currently live in Japan. I have visited countless European, American and Japanese cities and I have had fun, fear, disappointment and exasperation in all of them... so cool down, get a fresh drink, and lets start again. All countries are great and all countries suck, that's just life.

    Back on track please...

    So I'm English by birth, American by acceptance and Japanese by marriage. So I'm (currently still) European, living in Asia. During this time I have purchased nice pens from all over the world
    Sam O

    "A fountain pen with a bad nib is like a Ferrari with a flat tyre..." - Brian Gray, Edison pens

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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    OP - getting back on topic, the German forum mentioned earlier has some English-language content here. You can also check out these French and Italian forums. I found the latter helpful (via Google Translate) when I was researching the new Aurora Duocart.

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    Default Re: Where are the Europeans?

    Quote Originally Posted by adhoc View Post
    Eh it's fine, it's only off topic section that doesn't even count to posts. Besides, I thought Brits liked bants. Or was it the Australians?
    Ah yes bants, a word used by those who don't really understand it. Like Yolo, because they are too dim to say carpe diem.
    Try YouTube and look for love island 2017. You'll never here words like respect and honest used more by people who have no idea what they mean

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