What are you doing right now? Part 2 Showing 1,551-1,600 of 2,414

[Karin]

I am procrastinating watching a film I know I'll hate so I can proofread my son's review (he is dyslexic--he can decode words well and can read out loud quite well--it's a different dyslexic cluster. When he writes essays he frequently accidentally obfuscates things; if I don't know anything at all about the subject I can't help him edit it so that it says when he means and is also clear--we often have lengthy conversations about his drafts!

[Esther]

Karin wrote: "I am procrastinating watching a film I know I'll hate so I can proofread my son's review (he is dyslexic--he can decode words well and can read out loud quite well--it's a different dyslexic cluste..."

Sounds like a good way to spend quality time with your son (except when you hate the film!!)
I was avoiding Zombieland until I realised my son really wanted me to watch with him. We ending up having great fun and it has become a family event.
Which film is it?

[Gavin]

I'm reading Rising Sun

[Karin]

Esther wrote: "Karin wrote: "I am procrastinating watching a film I know I'll hate so I can proofread my son's review (he is dyslexic--he can decode words well and can read out loud quite well--it's a different d..."

It's called Embrace of the Serpent. It's filmed in black and white and while I appreciate some of the history, it tells it focusing on three main fictional characters--a shaman, a German interested in the peoples and the plants, etc, for informational purposes and the German's guide. But the idea is to show the exploitation of the Amazon jungle early in the 20th century (not a new topic for me). I am just not interested in Shamanism.

Call me skeptical, but while I totally understand that there were MANY abuses done by people trying to make big money (there are frequently few good people ethics by people lusting for power and money most of the time and this is a worldwide problem), I just don't think that any indigenous peoples were all pure, ethical, honest people who always got along with their neighbours although in the Amazon they did live more in harmony with the physical environment. Also, they were overpowered by guns, etc, which is horrible.

[Esther]

Karin wrote: "Esther wrote: "Karin wrote: "I am procrastinating watching a film I know I'll hate so I can proofread my son's review (he is dyslexic--he can decode words well and can read out loud quite well--it'..."

I have heard about that film - critics loved it!
And I agree with you about indigenous peoples. The fact that they didn't deserve to suffer the abuses and exploitation of colonalism doesn't mean they were all peaceful and saintly.
The world is probably better without cannibalism but you don't have to kill/abuse all the cannibals to achieve that goal.

[Karin]

Esther wrote: "Karin wrote: "Esther wrote: "Karin wrote: "I am procrastinating watching a film I know I'll hate so I can proofread my son's review (he is dyslexic--he can decode words well and can read out loud q..."

Correct!

I am not surprised that critics loved it, but I wasn't that impressed with the acting, the black and white and many other things--art is not just skill but is also very subjective.

[Joan]

I just watched a 2015 BBC production of “An Inspector Calls” by J.B. Priestly. Awesome!

[Leslie]

Joan wrote: "I just watched a 2015 BBC production of “An Inspector Calls” by J.B. Priestly. Awesome!"

Ooh, that is a great story! And a good one for Halloween.

I am sipping some red wind and listening to The Talking Heads while I check in here. I have been lurking for a while (almost a year!) but never completely losing touch with the group. I hope that all of my friends here are doing well.

[Joan]

Welcome back to the world of binge readers!

[Pam]

I had a terrific week visiting and hanging out with my aunt. We found a very interesting museum in Santa Fe - the International Folk Art Museum! Sometimes, it takes having company to get me out to find new places! Now, I have to get caught up on a week’s worth of housework and my library books plus an ARC (non-fiction about the Seine river) that I just received. And, I have a couple of pounds to take off! Too much eating out at Mexican restaurants. 🙄

[B the BookAddict]

Great to hear from you, Leslie:)

[Leslie]

B the BookAddict wrote: "Great to hear from you, Leslie:)"

waving back!

[Karin]

Pam wrote: "I had a terrific week visiting and hanging out with my aunt. We found a very interesting museum in Santa Fe - the International Folk Art Museum! Sometimes, it takes having company to get me out to ..."

I'm glad it was so wonderful :)!

[LauraT]

Leslie wrote: "I am sipping some red wind and listening to The Talking Heads while I check in here. I have been lurking for a while (almost a year!) but never completely losing touch with the group. I hope that all of my friends here are doing well."

We all missed you bitterly Leslie, but are happy now you're back!
I'm more or less ok; Marta is not doing very well, but I still hope things can mend... sooner or later

[Leslie]

Hi there Laura! I saw that you had passed me in reading Louise Penny's Gamache series and went straight to my library website to get Kingdom of the Blind :-)

[B the BookAddict]

Laura, that is not good news about Marta. I am sorry.

[LauraT]

Leslie wrote: "Hi there Laura! I saw that you had passed me in reading Louise Penny's Gamache series and went straight to my library website to get Kingdom of the Blind :-)"

Loved it!!! And I still have one more to go!!!!

[LauraT]

B the BookAddict wrote: "Laura, that is not good news about Marta. I am sorry."

Thanks; I'm trying to learn to live by the day ... one step at a time...

[Marina]

I'm sorry to hear that, Laura. Don't lose hope, ever.

[LauraT]

Thanks ...

[dely]

Laura, huge hugs! Never give up hoping and fighting!

[LauraT]

Thanks again to all of you!

[B the BookAddict]

It's mid-Spring here (Australia) but yesterday it rained all day and last night was a chilly 6C/42F. I look longingly at our salt water pool every day and wish it was warm enough to dive in.

[Esther]

B the BookAddict wrote: "It's mid-Spring here (Australia) but yesterday it rained all day and last night was a chilly 6C/42F. I look longingly at our salt water pool every day and wish it was warm enough to dive in."

Are you far away from the areas with the horrendous fires?

[B the BookAddict]

Oh yes, I am in the southern mainland state of Victoria. I can't bear to watch the news and see what's happening with the fires. It is prime koala habitat area and I worry for them.

[Alannah]

Hi everyone!
I just have a quick question for you all and would love your opinions.
When would you like me to start setting up the group challenge and 2020 personal book lists?

I was thinking towards the end of November, so maybe in a couple of weeks time or would you like me to wait until December?

[B the BookAddict]

I think end of November because some people like to be organised ad get things ready for the new year.

[Joan]

I agree with B. but whatever works best for you is fine. Thanks for being a moderator.

[Karin]

B the BookAddict wrote: "Oh yes, I am in the southern mainland state of Victoria. I can't bear to watch the news and see what's happening with the fires. It is prime koala habitat area and I worry for them."

Apparently it is much worse than the normal bush cycles that are part of your ecosystem, and I hope that they can be put out in time to save as much wildlife as possible! Forest fires (we call our forest the bush where I grew up, but the fires are forest fires) are also a normal part of where I grew up, but in a bad year when there has been drought like Australia has had (at least where the fires are they can be devastating.

[Esther]

We are in the middle of a record breaking heatwave. Last time November was this hot and dry was 2010 when a terrible fire broke out in the Carmel Mountains.
In additional to being irritable from the heat everyone is anxious and on high alert.

[Pam]

Alannah - I vote for November! I already have my list for a different group and like to plan ahead, despite never sticking to my plan. I’ve decided to read one big classic chunkster to end the year. 7 weeks should be enough time, if I read a bit every day, to finish Vanity Fair.

Sorry to hear about those heat waves and fires in other areas! We had a beautiful weekend but it’s starting to get cold this week. I have my little grandson all day today so we will see what kind of trouble we can get into... indoors. We do have to venture outside to walk the dog, though. Hope everyone has a good week!

[B the BookAddict]

Karin wrote: "Apparently it is much worse than the normal bush cycles that are part of your ecosystem, and I hope that they can be put out in time to save as much wildlife as possible! Forest fires (we call our forest the bush where I grew up, but the fires are forest fires) are also a normal part of where I grew up, but in a bad year when there has been drought like Australia has had (at least where the fires are they can be devastating. ."

The fires have claimed 3 lives, over 150 homes and left 350 koala dead as at Saturday. Karin, although we do back-burning, we do not do enough. We need to take heed from the Aboriginal Australians who have an effective system of back-burning every year and do not suffer bushfires.

[Pam]

Oh wow! That’s so sad Bette! That breaks my heart.

[Karin]

B the BookAddict wrote: "Karin wrote: "Apparently it is much worse than the normal bush cycles that are part of your ecosystem, and I hope that they can be put out in time to save as much wildlife as possible! Forest fires..."

Back-burning would be VERY wise in that ecosystem. It would provide enough to provide the benefits but save so very many lives, human and animal!

It's tragic!

This has been a serious problem in California in recent years as well. In British Columbia, the province where Ispent most of my growing up years, has had some devastating times as well. In 2018 by August 29, before the fire season was over, just in this one province alone nearly 13,000 square km had burned! (5,019.3280617 square miles)

[Joan]

The devastation is nearly incomprehensible for me - and such fires seem to happen all over-the world.

[LauraT]

B the BookAddict wrote: "Karin wrote: "Apparently it is much worse than the normal bush cycles that are part of your ecosystem, and I hope that they can be put out in time to save as much wildlife as possible! Forest fires..."

I've heard it this morning at the radio and I was wondering how thigs were. Terrible news ....

[Esther]

B the BookAddict wrote: "Karin wrote: "Apparently it is much worse than the normal bush cycles that are part of your ecosystem, and I hope that they can be put out in time to save as much wildlife as possible! Forest fires..."

That is so sad. It is incredible that the Aboriginals have devised and effective prevention system yet they are the only people putting it to good use.

[Esther]

Our little country will probably be on your evening news again. The Southern part of the country is being fired on so there is no school and no non-essential work. Everyone is staying the the shelters.
Here up North we are not effected (yet?) but I work in shipping and one of our major ports is in the South.
And through it all the heatwave continues!

[LauraT]

Heard about it as well on this morning news. But it was said that it was your army firing against Hamas, and having killed its leader, in a preventive measure. Hope things will get better soon ...

[Esther]

LauraT wrote: "Heard about it as well on this morning news. But it was said that it was your army firing against Hamas, and having killed its leader, in a preventive measure. Hope things will get better soon ..."

It was a targeted killing of a known and active terrorist commander who has been the force behind several recent terror incidents.
In response hundreds of missles are being fired at civilian targets in Israeli cities.

[LauraT]

Esther wrote: "LauraT wrote: "Heard about it as well on this morning news. But it was said that it was your army firing against Hamas, and having killed its leader, in a preventive measure. Hope things will get b..."

Exactly as we've been said today on the news; not the second part of what you are saying ...

I've been looking around and now I've see that theres' an escalation on both sides. And civil targets both in Israel and Gaza. I don't see a way out after all these years. So sad that such a beautiful land is so dammed by such wars,,,

[Alannah]

I have opened up the 2020 reads and personal challenges, if you want to start setting up challenges. Go ahead

[Leslie]

Argh - it's 4:30 pm on a Friday and I am sitting here at my computer trying to find a book that looks appealing that isn't a reread! I guess I will go watch last week's Grey's Anatomy online and come back to this dilemma afterwards...

[Pam]

I saw on our local (Albuquerque) news a few days ago that we just sent a crew to Australia to fight the fires. I didn’t know that we sent crews overseas but glad we are able to help! Is the fire situation getting better??

[Esther]

I am watching Halloween with my husband and wondering whether I will make it. I don't really like horror films.
We went to a Bar Mitzvah today which was lovely and last night it finally rained so the temperatures are down to normal levels - in the low 20s (Celsius).

[B the BookAddict]

Pam, it is not looking good. I do not watch the news but gather from the headlines that all is not well. Here's one of our newspapers to read; https://www.theguardian.com/australia...

[Karin]

Esther wrote: "Our little country will probably be on your evening news again. The Southern part of the country is being fired on so there is no school and no non-essential work. Everyone is staying the the shelt..."

That is very hard! I thought of you recently when I met a cello graduate student from Belgium--his parents are Israeli and so he speaks Hebrew as well as French and English.

I hope you are safe!

[Karin]

Pam wrote: "I saw on our local (Albuquerque) news a few days ago that we just sent a crew to Australia to fight the fires. I didn’t know that we sent crews overseas but glad we are able to help! Is the fire si..."

I hope they are able to quell this unusual fire activity!

FYI there are trees and plants that require fire in order to release seeds, and/or activate seeds and/or sprout, and there are a number of Australian plants that fall into this category, so the Australian aboriginal people not only protected themselves, they helped this process.

Plants like this exist in many areas in the world--even in North American the Jack Pine is not the only tree that falls into this category.

[Pam]

I went to the annual Western Music Association convention this morning. I was having a nice time listening to the yodeling contest and the youth show until receiving a text from my daughter, who lives with us, that her car was stolen last night from in front of our house! She just bought it last month. She is devastated! We live in the US’s #1 car theft city and nothing is done to prosecute the thieves. Even the cop told her that if they found the thief, the judge would just let him off. Really depressing. 😔

[Esther]

Karin wrote: "Esther wrote: "Our little country will probably be on your evening news again. The Southern part of the country is being fired on so there is no school and no non-essential work. Everyone is stayin..."

It seems the ceasefire is holding so things have calmed down, thankfully.