No Shorts Allowed !!!

Heather, it is not that bad in Moscow in winter.As a matter of fact, living in Minneapolis I see just about the same winter temperatures, it is beautiful there in winter, actually, a lot of snow usually.And overall a huge and gorgeous city.I suggest that you visit it:-)And once there, try St.Petersburg, too,itn is not far, you'll be impressed.I should be going to Moscow soon to visit my folks.Want to come with?:-)

Originally posted by SwiminONandON As for the Iraqis, last time I checked they were pretty pissed we went over there. I also firmly believe that it takes a brutal dictator to run a country with three very diverse and radical groups like Iraq has. Do I like the idea of brutal dictators? No, but I also think my grandkids (and no, I don't even have kids yet) will be talking abou the continuing instability in Iraq. We have a whoooooole lot of diverse groups here in the US and work fine with no brutal dictator. Of course, there is not nearly the radical level as in Iraq.

Wow, go away from my computer for the day and look what I missed! I may as well throw my 2 cents worth in. Is the US the greatest country in the world? I certainly think so. Am I biased? Certainly. But I know one thing for sure..... more people are moving in than moving out. That tells me something. Do we have problems - yes. Unfortunately, I think the partisan politics in this country prevents a lot of things from being fixed. Too many politicians refuse to work with those on the other side of the fence. And the Democrats and Republicans are both guilty. Sometimes I think they automatically disagree with each other out of habit. (For the record, that's coming from someone who voted for George Bush - all four times!)

Here it is the best places to live in the world. 1 Norway 2 Sweden 3 Canada 4 Belgium 5 Australia 6 United States 7 Iceland 8 Netherlands 9 Japan 10 Finland 11 Switzerland 12 France 13 UK 14 Denmark 15 Austria George

I guess Mexico is may be number 47 or so, but I am happy.

I guess because I swim every day.

Mexico for me is #1. George

George, Obviously what may be best for you may not be best for me may not be best for someone else.... Out of curiosity, what about Norway would make it the best country to live in? I'm not trying to be a smart a** - you will know when I am trying. I'm curious though. I really don't know much about Norway. Here are the things I value about living in the US (not in any particular order). 1. Economic opportunity 2. Ability to travel over a large area without leaving the country (beaches to mountains - hot to cold) 3. Freedom to criticize and question the government without ending up in a mass grave (I do pass my opinions on to our elected officials) 4. Right to vote 5. Right to bear arms (I realize I may be starting a fire storm with that one) 6. The large number of options for entertainment/hobbies/etc. Things that concern me about the US 1. Partisan politics 2. Lack of control over our borders 3. We are not tough enough on crime and drugs 4. Our confusing tax code This is by no means a complete list - just some stuff off the top of my head.

I have never been to Norway or Sweden but have been in all of the rest. I know how the U.S. does not like the U.N. but the list is provided by the U.N. and rates the living conditoions in all nations. Up until 2 years ago Canada was rated #1. George

Sorry about the "wait," I was talking to some one else & not really paying attention to what I ws writing. Swimming with shorts, especially cut-offs, is somewhat dangerous. However, If you are trying to stay afloat after a ship wreck, having pockets in/on your clothing can help save your life.