“Everybody loves money. That’s why it’s called “money”.

Danny DeVito, Heist

January 1, 2007 was an especially momentous day for the former Soviet nations of Bulgaria and Romania. They joined the European Union (EU) which now has 27 nation members. The official currency of 13 of the members is the Euro, replacing their own currency with Euros. Many of the other member nations’ currencies are pegged to the value of the Euro. The original members of the EU are not obligated to adopt the Euro, but newer members are required to eventually switch over. Oddly enough, there are several non-EU nations which have chosen the Euro as their currency. I was surprised to learn that only 13 members use the Euro. I understood that Great Britain and Denmark retained their own currency, but I thought use of the Euro was more widespread. I’ve always liked that countries have their own currency, stamps, dances, food, and music. I fear that globalization will eventually destroy all of those heritages.

Consumed the word, not the currency. Never been to Europe…