Historical precedent for Dubai is difficult, as it is a relatively young city, beginning as a regional trading center, and becoming a global one today.

  Ibn Buttata

Therefore, before your trip next week, it is critical that you read all of the 14th century travel writings of Ibn Battuta, who traveled for 29 years straight throughout the entire Arab world.  After completing his works, to absorb Dubai’s role in world trade, we suggest that you visit Trader Vic’s, because of its international theming and music, its location in a souk-based shopping mall, and its name. 

  Trader Vic

We, however, prefer Alpha, because its ancient Greek statues make us feel cozy and at home.

—Shallow Sage

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Many scholars believe that the Duke boys represent an Appalachian-foothill continuation of cultural ways begun in the 18th century Scottish Highlands, where fast driving and acrobatic stunts made it necessary for John McAdam to invent a new road surface, the water-based forerunner of today’s “tarmac”.

  John McAdam

While a “kit car” approach to a flashy vehicle such as the General may not be out of character for this culture, you must inform your sister that this is simply not feasible.  Just like the roads in McAdam’s English-Scottish border country, the dirt tracks and hay-bale ramps of Hazzard County require a Dodge 440 Magnum V8.

  440 Magnum

—Shallow Sage

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