You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
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Watcha' Doing - 2020
We kept our lights on, so did a few others on our street. But not many kids came by, only 6. We usually get lots (some make us laugh when they come back an hour later, as if we won't notice). My husband went for a walk this morning and saw a sign on a door that said "No candy tonight, come back next year". Sad but understandable. So, now I have all this candy to get rid of.
My cousin posted that they had over 75 kids at their house. After that, they left of bowl of candy enough for 75 more. it was cleaned out. Others on FB were reporting that they had record numbers of kids.
Wow, I can't believe that, Janice. :/
I know. I'm shocked. Are people in denial? Or is it Covid fatigue? I was in a conversation recently and my friend questioned how they could even do Halloween this year. The response was, "Well, they have to go to school, so that horse has already left the barn." Meaning that going halloweening is no different than going to school and getting exposed there. There's also the idea that they're outside. But they're coming into close contact with people at their doorways.
My husband rigged up a shoot. We slid candy through it to the kids. We only had four this year. We had 2 princesses 1 Lamb and one only his mother know what he was. LOL
We didn't have any thank god but fireworks were going off continuously from 5pm on. Our dog kept barking at them. Today he's hoarse!
Janice wrote: "I know. I'm shocked. Are people in denial? Or is it Covid fatigue? I was in a conversation recently and my friend questioned how they could even do Halloween this year. The response was, "Well, the..."I think it is Covid Fatigue, and also people is less scared of it, I'm not sure why because we are having more cases than ever worldwide. Half million new cases a day for the last days. Who understands people??
I brought my kids to the trunk or treat at school last week because it was a very small event, very controlled (I trust the school at this point because I've seen how well they are doing) and because that is the same people we are in contact every day anyways. I didn't think trick or treating was safe.
My kids are at school and my husband is teaching. That makes a lot of people we are in contact with already (even following the protocols) but that is not reason enough to then decide to visit my neighbors, see my friends, or having book club in a coffee shop. I guess.
Margo wrote: "We didn't have any thank god but fireworks were going off continuously from 5pm on. Our dog kept barking at them. Today he's hoarse!" I don't remember there being fireworks at Halloween in the past, but we had some here last night too.
I think a lot of it is Covid fatigue. People are just so tired of dealing with it. Plus, some people figure if kids can go to school, then they should be able to do this too. I think a lot of it has to do with holidays and traditions in general. People don't want their kids to miss out or be disappointed.
Rusalka wrote: "Hey Peggy, is this near you? Rotterdam commuter tram 'Saved by a Whale's Tale' after derailment"
Wow! That's something to see. lol
Wow! What an amazing save. The second picture really puts it in perspective.
Wow! It wasn't that driver's time!
Lol, it made world news! From an Australian perspective pretty near to me, from a Dutch perspective not so much (about 2 hours from here).
I know! I think the Australian press picked it up coz of the ironic name of the statue.For some reason I thought you were outside Rotterdam, Peggy. Close-ish then :D
Hi all American friends! Just a quick 4 yearly reminder to please all take the time to vote today if you haven't already. For those of us who can't voice our opinions for your election, please make yours count - no matter who you vote for.
Everyone stay safe *hug*
so for years now I go to vote as soon as it opens at 6. I'm one of first people, no line easy in easy out. I got there at 608 today and the line is out the door. Apparently everyone wanted to be early today. Ended up being voter #26 and it took an hour. I guess the ipads were giving them trouble that they sign you in with. The half hour I stood outside 7 people voted. Just glad i decided to put on a sweatshirt and socks since I wasn't expecting to stand outside and it snowed last night with 45 mph wind gusts it would have been a bit chilly out there.The deed is done. I don't even feel like my third party vote was a wasted vote. you know why? because settling for the lesser of 2 evils rather than picking the candidate you are most in line with is the whole reason we're stuck in this 2 party lesser of 2 evil mind set. Vote for who you are in line with folks and don't let anyone tell you its a wasted vote
There speech over lol
in other news I tested negative. and my quarantine ended yesterday so no I wasnt out trying to infect the polling place
Oh wow, Travis. Thanks for going out and voting :D Particularly at that time and in that weather! You definitely deserve a democracy sausage.But 7 people in 30 mins, or 26 people in an hour is horrifying!
I'm glad to hear that you tested negative, Travis!
Me too!! Sorry, forgot a sentence. That's brilliant news!!
Glad to hear you are negative, Travis.We'll have loooong November 3rd...
Thanks JaniceThe sun is out now and it's going to be a really nice day and actually it just continues to warm all week
A couple months ago I got sick of seeing like 5 trump signs in everyone's yard. Very heavily republican area I live in. Very much straight ticket republicans who care more about the R than who the people are. I bought 2 libertarian signs and put out front. My aunt and uncle share a driveway and as my wife was taking one to the road. We put one at the road and one in front of our house. My aunt opens the door and asks who are you voting for. My wife shows her the Jorgensen sign. My aunt says oh so you don't actually care who wins.
What?
No currently we vote against the establishment until someone will finally become an official 3rd party. We don't like trump or Biden. Please don't confuse it with third party oh you don't care
Since that sign my wife has a friend and she has been a devote Catholic republican. Well maybe it was the sign maybe it a random conversation but she opened up to my wife that she is questioning both being a Catholic and a republican. My wife explained her view on spiritualism rather than organized religion. Her friend is still trying to make her mind up religiously but on politics my wife said I think you should look at all the candidates because given what you believe in and what you care about I think you're in line with the Green party. Woman went and researched it and is in fact voting green party today.
It wasn't just our sign. She and my wife and friends went to a blm rally and her friends family attacked her hard. In fact her family and the attitude of local Catholics is what made her start wondering after about ,40 years in this planet why do I believe these things when these people are so hateful to what I believe in.
Anyway. We're just down here encouraging people to follow what they believe and the fact we know one person who decided to go 3rd party we consider that a win. Actually I know 2 of my in-laws also went 3rs party. One of them comes from a strict Christian family and I think it was them supporting trump because Kamala Harris with Biden will put the lives of Christian's in danger that made him say wait a minute. What is this flavor Kool aid you guys are drinking.
That's why I am willing to put a sign on my yard and be open about who I vote for. It's for the people on the fence being told you're wasting your vote that need to see that there's people out here not buying into the establishment.
Now, in my area many people are very much believing in trump. His cult following is strong around here so there are a lot of people I know who aren't voting lesser of 2 evils they truly believe in the maga and all that trump preaches on. And while we may disagree politically I actually have a lot of respect for the fervent trump supporters. At least they are voting for what they believe in
That ended up quite a ramble
Im sure if you live especially in a heavy republican area you are surrounded or believe that today's election will end covid for us. It's all been a coup to oust trump. My area is exploding with new cases to the point it's on the edge of being a state red zone having schools and businesses close down. My wife's hospital got a call from a bigger hospital 2 hours a way saying they are full of any more cases need a bed can they send them to her hospital. And even with all of this. Most of the people I know still believe the pandemic will be over in 2 weeks we just have to get past today.I don't get it. The numbers are posted daily how is election day ending anything. It's just bonkers to me
I am so glad that you tested negative Travis 🎉 and glad that you got results in time to vote 🎉 I didn’t vote in our last election, and still feel really guilty about it, but there really no options that I could feel good about putting my mark on - not even a Harry the Humpback Whale, or Barry the Beaver (we get creative with our independent candidates up here lol).
Let me add I am friends with people voting trump, Biden, Jorgensen, the green guy or otherwise. I don't care who anyone votes for at the end of the day. It's your vote.
Travis wrote: "It's your vote."Hear hear!! As someone who comes from a place with anonymous voting, and compulsory turn out to vote, it's your vote to do what you wish with. We call it Donkey Voting here, where you put in a blank ballot, or write an essay, or draw a picture, or misnumber the boxes.
But it's YOURS. It's your right and your responsibility, and no one should take away your ability to vote for whomever you wish, or to draw a giant penis.
I'm always in favour for you choosing someone as close to you as you can get (no politician is ever going to be perfect) or voting down someone you dislike. But once you get in that box, do whatever you wish.
Jenn wrote: "I am so glad that you tested negative Travis 🎉 and glad that you got results in time to vote 🎉 I didn’t vote in our last election, and still feel really guilty about it, but there really no optio..."
LOL! Barry the Beaver. Here in Grande Prairie, I guess it could be Sean the Swan.
My area is predominantly conservative (yours too I imagine). There wasn't even a liberal candidate on the ballet in my constituency for the last federal election. It's rather shocking that of the two main parties in Canada, this area didn't even have one of them running. I felt voiceless and disenfranchised.
Here in Canada, we don't vote for the prime minister. The prime minister candidates don't appear on the ballet. You vote for your local representative. The prime minister is determined by the number of seats that win. It was a foregone conclusion that my area's seats were going to be conservative. Fortunately, the conservatives didn't win enough seats to form a government.
Janice wrote: "There wasn't even a liberal candidate on the ballet in my constituency for the last federal election. It's rather shocking that of the two main parties in Canada, this area didn't even have one of them running. I felt voiceless and disenfranchised."That's appalling! Not even one?
Glad you tested negative, Travis. Around in Glen Cove I heard the lines were long at 6 am. I voted by mail-in a while ago. I checked and saw that it was received. I'm still waiting for the day that popular vote decides presidential elections rather than the electoral college. At least that way everyone's vote will really count equally. NY is predominantly Democrat so actually voting anything else doesn't count (at least not for president). Yes you get to have your say and feel good about that, but really there's no real impact on the outcome. I'm not saying "don't bother voting" unless you plan on going along with the crowd, just that I would prefer that my vote, whatever it may be, counts and has an impact the same as anyone else's regardless of my party / candidate of choice. Perhaps that way, if all votes were truly equal, more people would vote feeling that they really do have a say in the outcome and their voice is hear. In the last election, Trump did not win the popular vote, but got in by virtue of the electoral college. Just doesn't seem right.
Now I've had my rant.
I have a friend who writes in his father for the last 3 if not 4 elections. If he doesn't like any choices he writes in Pa Schell. Says he can't in good faith vote for someone he can't support so he just keeps patiently waiting 4 more years
I did a lot of reading on the electoral college thing last election, for obvious reasons. I still can't quite get my head around it.
I can't remember ifnits a house seat or a Senate but whatever it is there's 2 women going for the spot. And I believe they've run against each other before. Neither one campaigns for themselves. It's just all smear ads against the other person. I checked to see if there was a 3rd option. There wasn't. Had to leave that line blank. If your entire campaign is just trash talking the other person I'm not voting for you.The one woman sent out a text asking for feedback in her campaign. My wife responded with a whole thing about how awful it was and she should be ashamed of herself and how she never actually says what she brings to the table. Anyway they'd sent my wife several before she responded and then she never heard from them again. She actually kept texting the number back asking them for feedback to her feedback. Asking them to send her more things to respond to. They clearly deleted her from their list lol
There is actually a place for the electoral college. You have a huge land mass of a state. Then most of the population concentrates in one or Two cities rural people will always have different needs than city people. That's why there's voting districts. The electoral college is supposed to look at who won in each area vs just a number count. Basically for a president the rural voter has no voice with our small populations . I mean if you're in the city you will probably think it's a bad idea but if you're rural you appreciate the electoral college mElectoral college is kind of confusing, but does make sense. Not to say it's the best way. The rural urban divide is real and I really don't know how you govern to make the right choices for each group
Rusalka wrote: "That's appalling! Not even one?.."The candidates on the ballet were Conservative, NDP, Peoples Party (new party that's very far right), and there may have been a Green Party candidate. I voted NDP even though I knew it was a burner vote. We don't have write-ins on our ballets.
Travis, my husband has tried for years to explain the electoral college to me, the historical aspects and what you just noted. He thinks I don't understand because I wasn't born in the US. Nonsense! I understand the disparity between areas in any given state. But at the end of the day, I still think that all votes should have equal weight in any election. The outcome (President) has an impact on me the same as everyone else in the country. The voice of all of the people should be heard, regardless of where one lives.
Rusalka wrote: "Hi all American friends! Just a quick 4 yearly reminder to please all take the time to vote today if you haven't already. For those of us who can't voice our opinions for your election, please make yours count - no matter who you vote for.
Everyone stay safe *hug*"
Thanks for the support and reminder to all, Rusalka. I have heard from a lot of friends that there have been long lines this year and that is so good. We had record turn out for early & mail in voting, so if there are still long lines that means a lot of people are voting. I really do hope more people get involved and make their opinions known through their votes.
I voted early a couple of weeks ago and still had to stand in a long line, but it moved quickly. I don't even know how long we were there. I was just happy to have it done. Now to wait for the results... I wonder when we'll know.
I hope there aren't the riots some people are expecting after the election. Scary...
Travis wrote: "If your entire campaign is just trash talking the other person I'm not voting for you."This is 100% me.
I can't argue with that Roz. Personally I want to get rid of primary elections. Whoever has the support and the money to keep their campaign going should be able to keep going and debate.Well there'll be too many candidates. Maybe but I don't think the money will let there be too many in the end
The primary elections drive me nuts. There are always so many they can't even all be on stage to debate at once. And it's true whoever can manage to finance a campaign the longest is the last one standing even though he/she may not be the best candidate. I can't remember a time when I really liked any candidate. The whole process is just a long job application where candidates will say whatever they think will appeal to the greatest audience no matter how outrageous that may be, even putting on fake accents at times. Who really knows who these people really are? Honest politician is an oxymoron but it's what I'm looking for. No, I'm rethinking that. This president is acting true to himself, I just don't like it. If I've insulted some of his supporters out there, sorry, but I can't tolerate 4 more years of his venom.
He's definitely himself. That's trueI also don't like the ticket is for president and vice president. Either have them separate or make it the winner is president and runner up is vice but stop making me vote 1 time for 2 people. I never like both of them. Ever
Oh yes, election day for you guys in the US. I will be watching closely over the days couple of days.I have a cough and chest discomfort. Feeling mildly unwell. Probably just a chest infection due to my asthma but was qdvised to get tested so had that done this afternoon. Now we self isolate until my results come back.
Travis wrote: "He's definitely himself. That's trueI also don't like the ticket is for president and vice president. Either have them separate or make it the winner is president and runner up is vice but stop m..."
Haha, don't think the "winner = pres, runner up (loser) = vice pres" strategy would work out well. They'd kill each other. Can you imagine these 2 together in the WH?!
Oh no, that’s no good Sarah 😞 I hope that it is nothing serious, and that you are feeling better soon 🥰
Sarah wrote: "Oh yes, election day for you guys in the US. I will be watching closely over the days couple of days.I have a cough and chest discomfort. Feeling mildly unwell. Probably just a chest infection du..."
Fingers crossed Sarah. Hope you feel better soon.
Sarah, I hope the result comes back fast and negative. Fell well soon, no matter what it is.
Rusalka wrote: "Travis wrote: "It's your vote."Hear hear!! As someone who comes from a place with anonymous voting, and compulsory turn out to vote, it's your vote to do what you wish with. We call it Donkey Vot..."
Hear! Hear! Our State election over again for another four years. The result was never in doubt. Yours was recently held too? We don’t hear much about ACT unless it’s politicians squabbling (otherwise known as Parliament) or bushfires. Hope you’re staying safe down there in the Capital.
Travis wrote: "There is actually a place for the electoral college. You have a huge land mass of a state. Then most of the population concentrates in one or Two cities rural people will always have different need..."No system is perfect I guess. Hard to make it fair. Here in Queensland, we have a similar situation. Most of the population is in the South East around the capital and on the coast. Outback is very sparsely populated, but has some very lucrative industries (cattle stations, mines, tourism). Many years ago, there was a thing called Gerrymandering where electorates with fewer people had the same representation in Parliament which meant a rural vote counted more than a city vote. There was a backlash from city voters. Now it’s the opposite - rural voters often feel they are not heard even though their contributions to the economy are significant. I can see both sides but I’m Libra😁
Sarah wrote: "Oh yes, election day for you guys in the US. I will be watching closely over the days couple of days.I have a cough and chest discomfort. Feeling mildly unwell. Probably just a chest infection du..."
Best to be safe, Sarah. I have a friend who has had four tests since March. One time she only had a headache and felt achy.
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You'll love this one...!! A book club & more
Books mentioned in this topic
The Lost Man (other topics)The Glass Woman (other topics)
The Survivors (other topics)
The Survivors (other topics)
The Glass Woman (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Roberto Bolaño (other topics)Dervla McTiernan (other topics)
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Tan France (other topics)
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Sandra - My Overdrive seems to be ok on my Kindle today. It's strange that some will support it and some won't.