Since the deadline is coming soon I wanted to ask everyone how they felt about this legal tender. A friend of mine just got back from Germany and told me the exchange rate was almost 2.50 (D-mark). The dollar remains fairly strong, and will through this transition probably will also. But what about the Euro? Will we all end up having bar codes applied to us in the end?
I think that this will take away individualism of many countrys and dont like it. Is it true the Euro has religous symbolism on the face? Scary stuff.

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http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...les/portal.jpg Conan

To once and for all clear up a common misconception: we have already got the euro since January first 1999. That was the date the exchange rates between all the participating currencies was determined and "locked" and the responsibility for the monetary policy was bestowd upon the European Central Bank. The national currencies thus ceded to exist as independent entities: an one Mark coin is nothing more than a 51 Euro Cents coin. So that what will happen during the first three months of 2001, exchanging the old bills and coins for the new Euro ones is just a technicality. But psychologically that might be different as I think it is possible that the Euro becoming visibly part of daily life of the common people might make it more popular as everybody will get used to the fact that the Euro is the new currency.

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So long !

R³ - proud to be the official spokesman for the most noble Lady Bilqis, Desert Rose of Ironworks

Btw, the cow is queuing in the slaughterhouse right now !

[This message has been edited by Ramon de Ramon y Ramon (edited 07-10-2001).]

By deadline I meant the complete phase out Ramon..sorry. I lived in Karlsrue(spelling?)for 18 months while in the service. I love Germany! To be honest I did have sentimental value to the Mark and still do. I love the 5 Mark coin! A pocket full of change there and you have something! I guess I am looking for the psycological views and comments on this matter. Thanks Ramon de Ramon y Ramon!(I loved the Rhine River vineyards and castles!)

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http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...les/portal.jpg Conan

Glad you enjoyed your time in Germany, Conan. The old national currencies like the Mark still hold quite a sentimental value for many people here, too. But that will mostly pass quickly IMO once we have the Euro coins and bills in our daily life. Btw, which religious symbols did you refer to ?

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So long !

R³ - proud to be the official spokesman for the most noble Lady Bilqis, Desert Rose of Ironworks

Btw, the cow is queuing in the slaughterhouse right now !

I have not seen this but .its a woman riding a beast..?aka---> Revelations ? Is it true Ramon?

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http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...les/portal.jpg Conan

I am not sure if that is really one of the images on the Euro coins and bills, but I nevertheless think I got an idea what image you are referring to: its is the one of the princess "Europa" riding on a bull who is Zeus. That is nothing religious but rather stems from Greek mythology. Zeus, the highest god of Greek mythology, was deeply stricken with the beauty of the princess Europa from Phoenicia - roughly the Lebanon nowadays - and thus appeared in the shape of a white bull, kidnapped her, brought her to Crete and fathered three children with her. As Crete belongs to Europe and Phoenicia to Asia this legend is the mythological origin of the name "Europe" - the continent was named after that princess "Europa".

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So long !

R³ - proud to be the official spokesman for the most noble Lady Bilqis, Desert Rose of Ironworks

Btw, the cow is queuing in the slaughterhouse right now !

[This message has been edited by Ramon de Ramon y Ramon (edited 07-10-2001).]

I feel a trifle sorry for the Italians - the Lira is such a currency ! You get about 200 Liras for one FF ! http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif

I remember the first time I went to Italy - I went camping with my BF, we were 18 and not very rich to say the least, but when I changed the full extent of our money for the month, we were millionairs ! http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/noncgi/smiles/485.gif (We had about 5000 FF, like 700 $, for two for a month ... http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif

I also saw the biggest note I have ever seen at the Vatican Museum - a 1 million Liras note, about 1,5 feet long and 3/4 foot large ! http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif

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http://fc1ddq.free.fr/stan2.gif :ninja:

The world is my oyster !
And now I have the knives to open it ...

I'm guessing it isn't going to catch on here in America.

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"The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his."
-General George Patton (1885-1945)
http://www.asnsoup.com/milamberanim3.gif
Member of CLAN HADB

Some facts about the Euro (to clear up confusion and enlighten the masses http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...es/biggrin.gif)

I was fortunate enough to spend 4 weeks in Europe last summer studying the Economics of the European Union http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif

<font color=lightgreen>Euro notes and coins will be 'physically' issued on 1/1/2002 and a dual circulation period (with country currency and Euro currency each being accepted) until 28/2/2002. After this date country currencies will no longer be accepted as legal tender.

The 12 countries participating in the single currency are: Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland, and Greece

Coins will be denominated in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 & 50 cents and 1 & 2 Euro
The coins will have a common 'European' face and each member state will decorate their own reverse side motif (this was agreed upon to preserve some national symbolism)
http://www.irlgov.ie/ecbi-euro/pics/c2euro.gif

Notes will be denominated in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 & 500 Euro
The notes will have no national side. The fronts show windows and gateways, to represent a spirit of openess. The backside features a bridge (from different ages) which is a metaphor for communication http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif
http://www.irlgov.ie/ecbi-euro/pics/n5f.gif
http://www.irlgov.ie/ecbi-euro/pics/n5b.gif

There were students from 9 of the participating countries and 3 of the non participating countries (Norway, England, Switzerland) in my classes last summer, and it was very interesting to hear the views from all these students as to why or why not their countries should/did join the single currency. My friend from Switzerland didn't quite get it IMHO when he said in the middle of class one day "Why should we join? We are rich!"

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http://www.bestanimations.com/fantas.../dragon-04.gif
Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and it annoys the pig

[This message has been edited by Moridin (edited 07-11-2001).]

Very instructive post, Moridin, you presented it in very much better structured way than I did. http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif

Milamber, what do you mean by "the Euro won't catch on in the USA" ? http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...miles/eek7.gif

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So long !

R³ - proud to be the official spokesman for the most noble Lady Bilqis, Desert Rose of Ironworks

Btw, the cow is queuing in the slaughterhouse right now !

and then we have Denmark who voted no to the Euro (due to the Edinburg traktat we could vote)

i personally (as i'm english) refuse to use the euro until i know how much tea and crumpets are on the euro (also something about it being confusing and such).

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http://members.aol.com/lasttrueprinc...ages/bruce.gif

Milamber, must admit I agree with you. But, only because it's called the Euro for the simple fact that is to be used in Europe, not America! Personally I would like to see Britain continue to stay out of the Euro as well. We've always had stronger ties with the Americans than we've had with any of the European countries and being an island nation we've remained fairly independent from the rest of the mainland. Also, when I see the French truckers blocking British ports everytime they have some internal working dispute and the way that the Germans refused to sell British Beef when the European Commission ordered them it was safe to do so it seems that the whole idea of a "European Union" is only adhered to by the big four countries when it is in their best interests whereas our great and benevolent Prime Minister only ever seems to get involved in Europe when he wnats the rest of the continent to walk all over us! The Euro as a currency has done nothing but flounder against both the dollar and pound since it's launch and I disagree with Britains strong sterling being used to prop up a week currency, our chancellor has already propped it up once with a high percentage of Britains gold deposits. In short, as a patriot and someone working in the financial environment I think Britain is better off out of it.

Milamber, must admit I agree with you. But, only because it's called the Euro for the simple fact that is to be used in Europe, not America! Personally I would like to see Britain continue to stay out of the Euro as well. We've always had stronger ties with the Americans than we've had with any of the European countries and being an island nation we've remained fairly independent from the rest of the mainland. Also, when I see the French truckers blocking British ports everytime they have some internal working dispute and the way that the Germans refused to sell British Beef when the European Commission ordered them it was safe to do so it seems that the whole idea of a "European Union" is only adhered to by the big four countries when it is in their best interests whereas our great and benevolent Prime Minister only ever seems to get involved in Europe when he wnats the rest of the continent to walk all over us! The Euro as a currency has done nothing but flounder against both the dollar and pound since it's launch and I disagree with Britains strong sterling being used to prop up a week currency, our chancellor has already propped it up once with a high percentage of Britains gold deposits. In short, as a patriot and someone working in the financial environment I think Britain is better off out of it.

Milamber, must admit I agree with you. But, only because it's called the Euro for the simple fact that is to be used in Europe, not America! Personally I would like to see Britain continue to stay out of the Euro as well. We've always had stronger ties with the Americans than we've had with any of the European countries and being an island nation we've remained fairly independent from the rest of the mainland. Also, when I see the French truckers blocking British ports everytime they have some internal working dispute and the way that the Germans refused to sell British Beef when the European Commission ordered them it was safe to do so it seems that the whole idea of a "European Union" is only adhered to by the big four countries when it is in their best interests whereas our great and benevolent Prime Minister only ever seems to get involved in Europe when he wants the rest of the continent to walk all over us! The Euro as a currency has done nothing but flounder against both the dollar and pound since it's launch and I disagree with Britains strong sterling being used to prop up a week currency, our chancellor has already propped it up once with a high percentage of Britains gold deposits. In short, as a patriot and someone working in the financial environment I think Britain is better off out of it.

[This message has been edited by Kinslayer (edited 07-11-2001).]

<font color=lightgreen>Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't the 'No' vote in Denmark fueled by immigration fears? The Danish People's Party put on a campaign stating that a vote of yes would lead to a huge inflow of immigrants and that this would destroy Danish heritage.

The fact that about 80% of the Danish Parliment, 95% of the countries newspapers, and most of the trade unions and employer orginizations supported a vote to join the Euro, shows that in reality a 'Yes' vote was favored by those that 'knew' what the actual consequences would be.

This was not a vote on facts, it was a vote on fears. 1/3 of the 'No' votes were cast because of "a concern about Danish identity" another 1/3 were cast because of "a lack of trust and confidence in the European Union" and the other 1/3 were cast because "a fear of further integration with the rest of Europe".



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http://www.bestanimations.com/fantas.../dragon-04.gif
Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and it annoys the pig

I dont know what why it was a no overall, what I can tell you is why I voted No, and it certainly wasnt of fear of the danish heritage (someone shoot that partie) I voted No, because I do not believe in the Euro, with the economic difference and with Polen and some other eastern europe countries to join. (I do know about the minimum requirements to be a part of the Euro)

Since the countries still have different ways of dealing with economic situations I dont think that the Euro is a good idea. Maybe in 50 years, who knows

As I've said before in Britain because of the channel, we are a separated market so we wont do well out of the Euro, prices here won't come in line with the rest of Europe. This is because IMHO companies can use the fact that shipping to the UK justifies higher postage/handling to charge higher rates in the UK. E.g. if an item costs 10 Euros in Germany, and 3 to ship to the UK, it will be cost 15 off the shop shelves here as there is the delay of shipping it and so people will have to pay the extra 2 for the convenience of immediate purchase. However this means that they will have paid 5 extra in total, and since air fares and using the Channel Tunnel are so extortionate in Britain we are left with few options http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...iles/frown.gif To emphasise this Euro Tunnel tickets are cheaper in Fance than in the UK for the same journey - I can ring up the Gare du Nord in Paris and order my tickets TO France (in English) cheaper than I can buy them at Waterloo Station!!!

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http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...les/knight.gif Holy Avenger of the OHF and part time Pinguindiebjäger

But that's one of the beauties of being British everyone in the world treats us like a bunch of mugs. That's why we're dealing with all the Eastern European immigrants at the tax payers expense and everyone else in Europe kicks them straight out of their borders. I believe strongly in humanitarian aid but I'm sick of England being the flogging horse for the rest of Europe. Don't even tell the American guy's on this forum what we pay for petrol(gas) over here, I'd die of embarrassment!

The title of the thread was "How popular will the Euro be". I was just speculating that it will not be that popular in America, thats all.


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"The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his."
-General George Patton (1885-1945)
http://www.asnsoup.com/milamberanim3.gif
Member of CLAN HADB

Once again, humbled at the helm everyone. This is a change that effects everyone somehow. The IMF is coming to DC in the fall. A recruitment of 3,600 extra officers are in the works. A large amount of protestors are expected. The last week in September will definitely be wild on the mall.
What would be the topics of conversation I wonder... Hey, pass me the wine, and I want my steak medium well.??

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http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...les/portal.jpg Conan

What's the IMF? I'm only asking because I don't understand Conan's post above so I assume it's some American phrase.

IMF = International Monetary Fund I think... Translating it from Dutch, perhaps it's not completely right, but that's the main idea.

[This message has been edited by Grojlach (edited 07-12-2001).]

Kinslayer, here is a web site for you and all to read up a little on the IMF. http://www.imfsite.org/default.htm
They have not called out this many extra police since the protesting of the Vietnam War.

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http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...les/portal.jpg Conan

Yes IMF = International Monetary Fund (BTW what is it in Dutch?)
Basically it is an International Bank. Doing all the things that a regular bank does (deposits, lending...)

The big beef right now with the IMF is the repayment of loans made to third world countries! I WILL NOT get into that discussion http://www.tgeweb.com/cgi-bin/ubb/no...iles/smile.gif

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http://www.bestanimations.com/fantas.../dragon-04.gif
Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and it annoys the pig