I just had to comment to you. I am also a "stupid American" -- by that I mean I prefer to do things the "old way" where possible. I've worked production lines and construction, and have definite opinions that fall on deaf ears among those holding most of the resources (the business community.) -- I cringe at much -- no, MOST of what is taught in business schools, these days -- ie, go for the repeat sales, create a throw-away consumer base, and price according to what the market will allow.

Result: we have a "wellness" industry that keeps us sick, to keep selling us poisons that treat our symptoms rather than our illnesses; we have appliances and consumer goods imported from overseas, because they are no longer allowed to chain us to our workbenches -- when our toaster oven stops working we are expected to toss it and buy another one -- they leave us no alternative! I remember the "fixit" guy, who could get replacement switches, heating elements, you name it, for just about anything that broke.

If I long for the "good ole days", there's that, and the smell of pickling brine, braided onions and garlic and bunches of tied, dried herbs in the pantry -- even the sour milk smell of making cheese and yogurt if it please!

I hope it won't be lost, when we need it -- and, we WILL need it, believe me!

Wow, good comment indeed, keep it up.