This odd world ...

[mogster]

Two news pieces from my country, I've translated them thru google:

- Only criminals need cash
We use the card more and more. Professor Kai A. Olsen believe that we are moving toward a society that does not need the cash.
(...)
Finance Minister Kristin Halvorsen (SV) believe it is important to limit the use of cash. She does not rule out that the largest banknotes may disappear.

- It is important to limit the use of cash to prevent the black economy. Fortunately, more and more comfortable with using the card and banking, she said, according to NTB.

And:

CODE NAME "Peace Mission-2009". Russian parachute troops dropped over Taonan in China. 1,300 soldiers from China's "Peoples Liberation Army" and the 1300 Russian soldiers participate in a five-day joint anti-terror exercise.
From this article, titled 'World in pictures'
http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/uriks/verdenibilder/article3179016.ece

Freedom and peace ... all in the name of anti-terror

[psychopomp]

1. Japan is a mostly cash-only country

People use credit cards sparingly and personal checks are almost unheard of. I suppose it depends on where you live--cash is used less these days in the US, I understand.