The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion
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Croissants, Coffee & Tea -- Part the Eighth
MadgeUK wrote: "One good thing which can be said about the current flood disaster - the cleanup and reconstruction will create hundreds of jobs!"
But also billions of dollars of income have been lost.
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It is good to hear from you Rochelle and good that you are doing well despite the problems you cite. Loud cell phone conversations are a problem everywhere:(:( We have carriages on..."
I've used the quiet carriages on the train and loved them. I wish we had them here.
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And perhaps it will create a more positive approach in the US to de..."
Unfortunately it probably won't make a difference re US approach to climate change. There are still too many people here who truly don't believe it; no matter what the weather does to show them.
MadgeUK wrote: "perhaps it will create a more positive approach in the US to dealing with climate change. "
We can hope, but I doubt it.
As Deborah said, most people still don't believe it. The climate change skeptics are funded by extremely wealthy business people who have flooded the media market with anti-climate change ads. And since the people don't believe, our politicians are terrified of even saying those words: climate change.
And the vast majority of people who do believe it aren't willing to make the sacrifices that will really count. It will take a complete change of lifestyle in the U.S. - and Europe too. Europe is better, but they still aren't doing what it will take either to change the course we're headed on.
Well, lost power for about 24 hours. Not too bad. Fortunately no damage to the house.But just heartbroken seeing the pictures of New Jersey. I have spent many a happy summer on the Jersey Shore with both family and friends. The last three times, we had four generations together.
The part we go to - Wildwood Crest, near the southern tip of Jersey - fortunately was spared a lot of damage.
But northern Jersey is just horrible. I get tears in my eyes seeing the pictures. Jersey is Jersey, northern or southern.
(And for the record, the "reality" TV show Jersey Shore is nothing like Jersey. Such a shame that people around the country judge the state by such a tacky show that has nothing to do with what is the real reality.)
And feel sorry for NYC. Although knowing my beloved City as I do, New Yorkers will only be slowed down momentarily. ;)
I am happy that you have survived this massive ordeal virtually unscathed. It must have been a harrowing experience. And I am sure that NYC is resilient and will be back in no time.
My friend Barbara visited me today at rehab. She has no electricity, so is even without a means of cooking. She gets her cell phone recharged wherever she can, as the regular phone service in her town is gone too. I sent her to the cafeteria for a hot meal. I can take her in when I get home Friday, as she knows no one else with electricity. I wouldn't mind having someone helping out for a few days, but I hope it doesn't stretch to weeks.
Lynnm wrote: "Well, lost power for about 24 hours. Not too bad. Fortunately no damage to the house.But just heartbroken seeing the pictures of New Jersey. I have spent many a happy summer on the Jersey Shore..."
No news from Lily?
Yes, I have been worrying about Lily who I think lives in New Jersey?So pleased you are OK Rochelle and what a good idea to take in your friend for a few days. It will help you both, as you say.
Weeeeeeeeell, even good friends can get on each other's nerves living together. Think about it--we've both been living alone for many years; I have only one bedroom, and I live mostly in my living room/ office/TV room/. And it might not be a few days, but weeks. Shhh, jut between us.Lily is in NJ, which is a major mess. It's likely she has no electricity or has been evacuated..
Yes I can see the problem but if you could tie her down to, say, a week, until her electricity is sorted, it might be beneficial?Are your cell phones working? I think I have Lily's number somewhere.
Lily mentioned that her d-i-l worked in a hospital near East River and a couple of those have been evacuated, Belle Vue and this one:(:(http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/po...
People do the most remarkable things in times of crisis. If you ask them, they'll just say "We were doing our job." Many heads will roll after that generator failure.
Followed by lawsuits. Americans are very litigious.
Yes, we none of us know what we are capable of until we are tested by such a crisis. A generator can fail just by water infiltration. No heads should roll.http://news.yahoo.com/why-hospital-ge...
How is the knee? I've just sprained mine and had to put a bandage on it.
MadgeUK wrote: "Yes I can see the problem but if you could tie her down to, say, a week, until her electricity is sorted, it might be beneficial?Are your cell phones working? I think I have Lily's number somewh..."
I have a pay-as-you-go plan. I suspect I forgot to turn it off after making a call, and I ran out of minutes a week ago, didn't have my credit card to buy more. But hey, I knew they had rare free phone service at Burke.... Many of the cell towers, which run on electricity, are also down, so I don't know if I have service.
A free phone service must be a boon in such a situation. I thought most mobile phones ran via satellite these days and didn't need electricity. Not that I understand these things!!
MadgeUK wrote: "Yes, we none of us know what we are capable of until we are tested by such a crisis. A generator can fail just by water infiltration. No heads should roll.http://news.yahoo.com/why-hospital-gener..."
Heads might roll because they have to blame someone for the failed generators.
My leg resembles a long eggplant with toes, with a little tomato sauce and lots of grape juice here and there. Ice packs are plentiful here.
Today my occupational therapist thinks she's giving me a big thrill by taking me out to Dunkin' Donuts and a few other stores. She's going to "teach" me how to handle my cane in public, but I've been using one on and off for years. Hey, it gets me out of this place for a while. :-)
Speaking of phone service, my friends all over the country are surprised that most hospitals here charge for TV and phone service. Hey, it's NY.
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http://news.yahoo.com/wh..."
Once you're out you can go to a health food store and get arnica tablets that you put under your tongue. It will help heal the bruising.
Thanks - have just come back. Got drenched in a stormy downpour and am now in bed with my knee up:O
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Yes, I have done that thankyou Deborah:)Enjoy your walk Rochelle! I have used folding walking sticks for several years because my arthritic left ankle sometimes lets me down. I have assorted colours to match different outfits and a couple which convert into seats:)
Am okay. Have no power, so it is cold. May try to find a place with heat. If do, will text from there. Have access for just a few minutes right now. Hope others faring okay. Kids participated in evacuation at hospitals, one as principal, other as support to her. Prayers to all.
So pleased to see you checking in Lily - have been worrying about you all day! If you have access to a camping shop you could perhaps get a small gas heater? But I guess they have all been snapped up.... I feel so helpless and unable to help anyone but I made a point of donating to the American Red Cross this afternoon.
Good! And he seems to be making a hit with the Republican Mayor of New Jersey too.
BunWat wrote: "The Mayor of NY (a former republican who became an independent awhile back) has just endorsed President Obama, citing among his reasons, that Obama has recognized the necessity to address the clima..."I saw that as well. Good for Bloomberg.
He's an excellent leader. I usually vote Democrat, but if I were still living in the City, I would be voting for Bloomberg. There are some issues that I disagree with him on, but for the most part, I think he's doing a great job in the City.
MadgeUK wrote: "Good! And he seems to be making a hit with the Republican Mayor of New Jersey too."Governor. :-)
Yes, very strange seeing photos of Obama and Christie, especially since Christie has been blasting Obama since day 1.
But nice to see politics take a backseat when people are suffering so much. They are both working together, and that's what is needed right now.
It all seems a lot different from when Bush was dealing with the Katrina disaster, or rather not dealing with it.
I believe that during one of the GOP debates, Romney stated that he would eliminate FEMA (he thought the states should have that responsibility), and that he has been dodging questions about that stance since the hurricane.
MadgeUK wrote: "I feel so helpless and unable to help anyone but I made a point of donating to the American Red Cross this afternoon. "
That's so nice of you - you don't even live here.
BunWat wrote: "Well come on, it's a ridiculous stance. The place that just got hit by a disaster should be responsible for dealing with it without help from the rest of the country?"It is ridiculous. I understand the people who want a smaller federal government, but there are certain things that the federal government can do better than each state individually.
A disaster aid is one of them.
Romney's a jerk. He's totally out of it.
You're possessed by the devil and going to hell. Worse even for Madge and me--we're atheists.
That's why you've got a bad knee Rochelle and why mine is giving way! And of course why the Eastern seaboard, where all those terrible liberals live, was struck by a hurricane:)
BunWat wrote: "I think he just doesn't see the world the way I do. He's a member of the Mormon Church, if there was a disaster that affected a bunch of Mormons, the Church probably would swoop in and deal with i..."My experience is that the Mormon Church, like the Salvation Army, is pretty good at disaster relief and sends volunteers in to assist with the clean up after natural disasters, helping the community generally and not just church members. That's certainly been the case when they've been cyclones, floods and bushfires in this country. No doubt it's good PR for the church, but at least people who need help get it.
However, I'm sure you're right, Bun, that Romney would see this as a proper role for community organisations and churches rather than for governments. He's wrong, of course, and it would be really scary if the role of government in coordinating disaster relief was reduced in any way.
MadgeUK wrote: "That's why you've got a bad knee Rochelle and why mine is giving way! And of course why the Eastern seaboard, where all those terrible liberals live, was struck by a hurricane:)"Ah, I'm enlightened.
Just got home, everything in household is fine, and Coconut and I took a nap together.
Kim wrote: "BunWat wrote: "I think he just doesn't see the world the way I do. He's a member of the Mormon Church, if there was a disaster that affected a bunch of Mormons, the Church probably would swoop in ..."There's also a good reason why the LDS does all that genealogy work all over the world, maintaining huge libraries and databases. They baptize everyone after they're dead. Even you, Madge.
Glad to hear you're back at home, safe and sound, Rochelle! Is your friend still coming to stay with you?
Welcome Home Rochelle! I guess Coconut was very pleased and purry to see Mama back:)
Romney also wants to cut back on firefighters, policemen, and teachers. In June, he said, “he [Obama] wants another stimulus, he wants to hire more government workers. He says we need more firemen, more policemen, more teachers. Did he not get the message of Wisconsin? The American people did. It’s time for us to cut back on government and help the American people.”I guess that the firemen, policemen, and teachers don't qualify as "American people" who need jobs.
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Gosh Deborah, that was risky! I thought the marathon would be cancelled which is a pity for all the runners who have trained so hard but inevitable in the circumstances. The devastation must be doing a lot of harm to both the people and to the economy so spend lots!! I wonder if Lily's power is back on yet?
Where is Madison? And Rochelle, where did Coconut go whilst you were in rehab?
MadgeUK wrote: "Gosh Deborah, that was risky! I thought the marathon would be cancelled which is a pity for all the runners who have trained so hard but inevitable in the circumstances. The devastation must be d..."A friend, the same who who took me back and forth, also took care of Coconut at my place. Her's a cat person too. Last night I was thoroughly licked and nuzzled all over.
Bloomberg was sharply criticized for not canceling the marathon 3 days earlier. It wasn't the right time for celebrations, when so many were without the basics and major efforts have to go into recovery.
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Madison is home in mass. One of her favorite friends, Emily, is taking good care of her. We were supposed to stay until fri but leaving on thurs. hubby never gives up a marathon!
Doawtown Abbey fans may be interested in this, even though they get the name of the part wrong!http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/...
How interesting that her possible absence from DA is the focus of the article. Shows you where that series is situated in our lives!!OT: Note the next story on the right: "Man sues wife for being ugly." Is this possibly a Murdoch paper?/end OT
No it isn't Murdoch, just a horrible independently owned tabloid.
So how do we know there's any truth in the story?
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The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910
Books mentioned in this topic
The Madwoman in the Attic: The Woman Writer and the Nineteenth-Century Literary Imagination (other topics)House of Bush, House of Saud: The Secret Relationship Between the World's Two Most Powerful Dynasties (other topics)
Don Quixote (other topics)
The Rifle in America (other topics)
The Buccaneers (other topics)
More...
And perhaps it will create a more positive approach in the US to dealing with climate change.