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Random Stuff Happening in the World Right Now
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I agree. Well said Rusalka. There have been several recent situations around the world in the last couple of months, but the one in France is terrifying.
Well said, Rusalka :-) I feel the same :-)
Me too.I was also really touched by the spontaneous (silent) peaceful protests all over Europe where thousands of people, moslim and non-moslim gathered to show they were not divided and would not accept this.
Often when large groups of people gather there are people in there seeking for trouble, and I think especially with this event that was a possibility (certain people are blaming Islam in general), but it was beautiful to see how it turned out.
I agree completely, Rusalka. And I know is only a group in GR, but I think it means a lot for us, and it's great we can make things work like this in here.
Well said Rusalka and I totally agree. I've been away for the past few days and completely missed everything that happened - just read up on it. Definitely a scary situation.
You have a way with words, Rusalka. I agree 100%!
This thread again. Hope everyone in Paris and Beirut are okay. And if you're in that either of those parts of the world, hope you and yours continue to be safe.
It's so shocking. I'm at a loss for words. My heart goes out to those who have lost family and friends in these attacks.
And Japan in under a tsunami alert. The world has a bad day today.
I saw that the tsunami alert had been cancelled, Sandra. But you may have more up to date info than me.
Rusalka wrote: "I saw that the tsunami alert had been cancelled, Sandra. But you may have more up to date info than me."Just checked and you are right, Rusalka.
Just one little thing less to worry about. But your point is still very true.
A lot been going on with countries.Not sure which part to worry about !
Syria? Yaman? Palestine? France?
God save us all from those who tend to hurt us and from those who tend to destroy our homes. Amen.
Rusalka wrote: "This thread again. Hope everyone in Paris and Beirut are okay. And if you're in that either of those parts of the world, hope you and yours continue to be safe."It's terrible what happened. My thoughts are with everyone involved and those that have lost someone close to them. Just devastating. The world is a scary place to be in right now. When will it all end?
My heart is hurting for Paris. Prayers for the victims and their families. Why does there have to be so much hate in our world?!? Why can't we all just get along :(
It's horrible to hear about the events in Beirut and Paris. Social media seems to be showing we all have selective grief - solidarity for Paris but no mention of Beirut. And our patron saint, St George, apparently originated from Lebanon! My thoughts go out to the people and families affected. A sad day. Gatwick airport was evacuated earlier due to a suspect package. Let's hope nothing comes of it.
I was thinking about this earlier in the day. As horrible as it is, I think us in the West assume these things happen all the time in the Middle East, so they aren't necessarily "newsworthy" (so completely untrue though). However, something like this happens in a like country to us, it's over the top coverage.I saw that about Gatwick. Hope is all okay.
Parisian info is getting slowly released over here. I found out earlier today, that the theatre is one I walked past down the road from my flat when I was there in 2012 for a holiday during a work trip. Found out about 20 mins ago, that 5 people were gunned down in the cafe across the road from that flat. Pretty horrible to know the 4 squared blocks I know in Paris is the 4 squared blocks 120+ people died. But not nearly half as bad as I expect any Parisian or French person is feeling today.
I didn't know about the other places, Sarah :( it seems the news doesn't report everything :( Praying for our world.
The world has become a very dangerous place. It's no longer armies versus armies battling out the ideologies of their respective nations. Now more and more it's the innocent civilians going about their lives, going to concerts, eating in restaurants, flying to vacation sites, that are being attacked. How do you combat that? It just makes me angry to think I need to look over my shoulder all the time or second guess whether or not I should get on the plane.
Sarah wrote: "It's horrible to hear about the events in Beirut and Paris. Social media seems to be showing we all have selective grief - solidarity for Paris but no mention of Beirut. And our patron saint, St Ge..."The latest from Gatwick airport is that the police have arrested a man in connection with what happened there. Apparently he approached an Easyjet check-in desk carrying two guns (!) and was chased by police into an airport car park and threw one of the guns into a bin so they called in an explosives removal squad and evacuated the North terminal as a precaution. I think flights are still going but there are long delays and roads around the airport have been closed. I bet it's absolute chaos!
"Warning! Irresponsible people working."
It's hard to know what to say. And hard to find the right words.But one thing I can say correctly and succinctly is, this isn't the world that most of us want, you douche bags terrorists!
Most of us want to live peacefully together, celebrating our differences and our commonalities.
Thank you for your post Rusalka. After the fear at hearing the news, and knowing my friends in France are safe, I did think of our small international community here on GR, and felt grateful for it, and worried for those who might be directly affected by these acts of terror. Here in the US, it seems hate overtook our Social Media, and our insane Politicians, overshadowing the actual loss of life, and the impact that this will have on life in Paris and Beirut. However, I think it's communities such as this one, that prove that terror is only a temporary weapon and that people need people, and will come together, united over their commonalities, and learning from their differences.
No worries! I do find it heartbreaking that that post is so relevant, down to the location, 11 months on. But I still mean every single word of it.And I agree. Communities like ours shows that no matter where we are, what we believe, or what we look like that people find things to connect about and over. And that's what should be celebrated, instead of focusing on the fear of the unknown.
Anyone in Istanbul in our group? There was a bombing there..we have a few family members there (they are ok!) I'm so scared for them being there though. I don't understand why people have to hurt other people :( sorry for the ramble. I'm just sad for our world.
Oh Stephanie, I'm so sorry to hear your family is in Istanbul at the moment, but so so so so SO glad they are safe.Hope they manage to enjoy the rest of their holiday.
I don't get it either :(
I am really sorry to hear about your family, Stephanie. It must be a really worrying time for you all. Thank goodness they are all safe!I don't understand why people hurt each other either. It's very, very sad :( The worrying question is, when is it all going to end?
Thanks Rusalka and Lisa :) I just want everyone in the world to get along :) Sigh
I guess how unsettling this is for you and your family, Stephanie. Good to know that you were able to contact them and know they are fine. This remember me of my grandma desperately calling to Chile, were his oldest son has lived all his life, after an earthquake to know if they were fine. I'm talking specially when I was a child, and communications weren't what they are today.
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To ALL Europeans, but particularly our French friends. Look after you, and I hope you and yours are okay.
I can go on a diatribe about what people should be allowed to say, and what laws should protect all of us from hatred, and what not. But screw all that.
The biggest way to beat hatred is to embrace diversity, and I am so grateful for all of you to do that every day you interact here. Whether it's ignoring my personal rant about coffee or spelling, or just happy to talk to all of us not matter where we come from, what we believe and who we are.
Look after you all, because I am honoured to know you all, and am happy you all make me realise there is a world outside my little bubble.