Author Topic: The Library (Read 2089053 times)

maryz · « **Reply #5400 on:** June 18, 2011, 08:35:25 AM »

The Library

Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out.
Do come in from daily chores and spend some time with us.

We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not).

Let the book talk begin here!

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*SeniorLearn's Archives

Carolyn, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. I know you will miss him terribly.

Babi · « **Reply #5401 on:** June 18, 2011, 09:11:47 AM »

Carolyn, I'm very sad to hear you have lost your father. It must be some comfort
to know he is no longer in distress. I love my father years ago, when I was in
my mid-40s. I can think of so many things that might be very different now if he
had lived a longer life.

Amazing, isn't it, how the defendents in a murder trial can make so much money off the publicity. A new opening for the desperate. Instead of 'accidentally' killing yourself to provide
the family with life insurance, kill someboy else and sell the book rights.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #5402 on:** June 18, 2011, 09:14:45 AM »

Carolyn - I am so sorry for your loss, and will be thinking of you.

Rosemary

LarryHanna · « **Reply #5403 on:** June 18, 2011, 09:48:15 AM »

Carolyn, I have followed your postings over the years concerning your father and his many health problems. We are never ready to give them up and I certainly extend my condolences to you and your family.

These fires out in Arizona are terribly frightening. I don't know whether we are having more of these types of events now than in the past or the news coverage and social networking is emphasizing them more. There seems to be disaster in so many places. Taking the animals in certainly is a humane thing to do.

ginny · « **Reply #5404 on:** June 18, 2011, 10:29:01 AM »

Carolyn, I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My sympathy in your great loss.

ANNIE · « **Reply #5405 on:** June 18, 2011, 11:07:55 AM »

Carolyn
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing but he is probably in a better place and can now breathe. I know you will miss him. You will be in my prayers and good thoughts.

We lost my mother to emphasema 15 yrs ago and it was a relief to see her go. She had faith that she would be in a better place.

CallieOK · « **Reply #5406 on:** June 18, 2011, 11:44:57 AM »

Carolyn, I'm so sorry to learn about your Father. I, too, have followed your postings about him. He is at peace and I hope you will be, too.

pedln · « **Reply #5407 on:** June 18, 2011, 12:59:11 PM »

Carolyn, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

MaryPage · « **Reply #5408 on:** June 18, 2011, 01:29:58 PM »

CAROLYN, my sincere sympathy on your losing your father. The loss of a parent never leaves us. My thoughts are hugging you tightly with affection and hurt.

The following from my daughter in Arizona late last night:

Amazing and terrifying day, but all is okay tonight.

Fire on mountain continues; firefighting efforts are good. In an
effort to build an earthen berm, a bulldozer working on the military
base threw a spark and ignited a 2,300 acre fire adjacent to town.
Massive and quick evac of biggest neighborhoods...the sky over the
entire town was black. It looked like the apocalypse. Fortunately it
was a grass fire in open space and air attack had it under control in
about 2 hours. We could see the massive black cloud from the animal
hospital. The sky cleared quickly and we were relieved to see blue sky
and mountains again.

The community...I cannot even begin to tell you. Amazing. Amazing.
Amazing. I am so glad I live here...even if it is on fire.

Heading home for a good nights sleep. Only had 2 hours last night so am physically and emotionally spent. Tomorrow is a
new day.

JoanP · « **Reply #5409 on:** June 18, 2011, 02:08:33 PM »

Carolyn, my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your father. There's nothing quite like the unconditional love of a father for his daughter. You grew up with that - it's difficult to think of your stage without your greatest fan cheering you on. May you find consolation in that you had him as long as you did. Many cannot count themselves so blessed.

Octavia · « **Reply #5410 on:** June 18, 2011, 06:37:09 PM »

So sorry to hear you have lost your father Carolyn. It's always hard to lose a parent at any age.

pedln · « **Reply #5411 on:** June 18, 2011, 11:12:16 PM »

From today’s Wall Street Journal – an opinion piece about what David McCullough and his thoughts about the historical literacy (or not) of our young people.

Quote

"I know how much these young people—even at the most esteemed institutions of higher learning—don't know." Slowly, he shakes his head in dismay. "It's shocking."

Mr. McCullough began worrying about the history gap some 20 years ago, when a college sophomore approached him after an appearance at "a very good university in the Midwest." She thanked him for coming and admitted, "Until I heard your talk this morning, I never realized the original 13 colonies were all on the East Coast." Remembering the incident, Mr. McCullough's snow-white eyebrows curl in pain. "I thought, 'What have we been doing so wrong that this obviously bright young woman could get this far and not know that?'"

If you subscribe t the online Journal, here’s the link:

David McCullough

Babi · « **Reply #5412 on:** June 19, 2011, 09:39:32 AM »

I like your daughter, MARYPAGE. Reading her post, I feel as though I
have met her. Her post is so descriptive, too; I could see the scene
clearly. And I had to smile at "I am so glad I live here...even if it
is on fire."

ouch! PEDLN, I share Mr. McCullough's pain. That young lady should
have been taught American history in junior high, at the very least. Even
the elementary level kids got some American history when you and I were in school.
Hypothesis: maybe her family moved frequently and she missed a course of study between school shifts. That happened to me when I
reached high school, took physics, and discovered I had missed some
basic science somewhere along the way.

Frybabe · « **Reply #5413 on:** June 19, 2011, 10:09:51 AM »

I am constantly amazed at the number of people who know so very little about history, but can tell you exactly who's who and what's what with sports figures and actors. It disturbed me, years ago, to discover that Pennsylvania no longer requires (last I heard) Pennsylvania Civics. So, now they not only don't know about history in general, but they have no clue as to how their state and local governments function. Not a pretty picture.

MaryPage · « **Reply #5414 on:** June 19, 2011, 11:50:08 AM »

I think we need to get back to rhyming and memorization at a very early age. I can still, and I know you can too, remember little poems and folktales that set certain presidents and events in my head forever.

My First Grade teacher daughter tried something new in her classroom this past year, to great effect. She had the kids stand behind their chairs and hold on to those chairbacks and dance any which way they wanted while they went through their addition and subtraction tables. Worked like magic, and her kids got the highest scores. They exercised, used self-expression, sang out the numbers until they were set routine, and enjoyed every minute of it!

Bible History picture books have been in proliferation in this country since I was an infant, but you see very few about any other type of history. I think this is a mistake. Start them early, I say! Give them picture books about each president, each war, each state and so on.

pedln · « **Reply #5415 on:** June 19, 2011, 02:09:27 PM »

My grandkids for years used placemats that had presidents, maps, that sort of thing. And the youngest at the time learned to read early, mainly because he had speech therapy EVERY DAY that tied perfectly into phonics.

So, during a family game of some form of charades he drew Garfield the Cat. He could talk to give clues, but the rules wouldn't allow him to say Garfield or meow. So what does this five-year-old say -- "It's two presidents down from so-and-so" Of course none of the adults playing knew the name of the presidents who succeeded Garfield, and neither do I.

Picture books about presidents and other is a good idea, MaryPage, but also INTERESTING chapter books. I remember some of the wonderful story biographies by the likes of Clara Ingram JUdson, James Daugherty, Jean Lee Lathem and others whose names escape me. What I remember from my librarian days is that so many of the newer biographies were in series, and dry as a bone

PatH · « **Reply #5416 on:** June 19, 2011, 02:14:34 PM »

Carolyn, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. It is truly a blessing to have a close, loving relationship with a father, especially for so long. It must leave a big hole in your life. {{{{hugs}}}}

MaryPage · « **Reply #5417 on:** June 19, 2011, 02:19:56 PM »

When I was young, I learned a lot about our country from reading every single one of the Elsie Dinsmore series (about 23, I think) and all of Louisa Mae Alcott, Lucy Fitch Perkins, James Fenimore Cooper, Gene Stratton Porter, and so on and on. I do not believe today's children are reading as much, which is why I suggest grabbing them early with some of the data in picture books. I was horrified to see on the televised news last week that MOST children could not identify a well-known photo of Abe Lincoln; they didn't have a clue who it was! Picture books from the git go might help?

PatH · « **Reply #5418 on:** June 19, 2011, 02:23:10 PM »

Carolyn, even if you can't figure out how to get in touch with Anna's family, you can read her poem at the funeral with a clear conscience. Even if it's copyrighted, which I doubt, you can read it aloud at a private gathering.

More importantly, Anna wrote her poems to express in words her beautiful way of looking at the world, and to share this with others. If you read the poem, you will be doing exactly what she intended by writing it, and it will also be a tribute to her, as well as your father.

MaryPage · « **Reply #5419 on:** June 19, 2011, 05:10:43 PM »

From my daughter this evening:

Still alive, still worried, still stressed.

Very high winds today, so no air assault on the fire. If we can get thru
today, tomorrow's weather predicted to be more conducive to fire
fighting. We have two off-site facilities set up and have moved all but sick or difficult animals out of the hospital, so we are feeling a bit less chaotic here. At this point we are caring for over 300 animals. The volunteers have a good system in place and are really doing a great job so we can focus on medical needs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAMzN1Smnsk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M14V85yw624

News has it that the powers that be have put this Monument Fire as #1 priority in the entire nation, so hope that means even more resources will be available over the next few days.

Another daughter has sent me photos of the hail they had in the wee hours of this morning: almost as big as TENNIS BALLS! Platte City, Missouri; a suburb of Kansas City.

serenesheila · « **Reply #5420 on:** June 19, 2011, 06:11:50 PM »

CAROLYN, it is sad that your father has died. I know that you will miss him. Please take extra good care of yourself. Be kind, gentle and patient with yourself.

Sheila

serenesheila · « **Reply #5421 on:** June 19, 2011, 06:15:05 PM »

MARYPAGE, thank you for sharing your daughter's comments about the fire in Arizona. It must be frightening for you, and for your daughter. Sounds as if the neighbors are all helping each other.

Sheila

MaryPage · « **Reply #5422 on:** June 19, 2011, 07:33:48 PM »

The latest short and scary bulletin from my Arizona daughter:

evacuating animal hospital. my home still safe.

CallieOK · « **Reply #5423 on:** June 19, 2011, 07:52:04 PM »

Please remind me where your daughter is in AZ.

The pictures on the evening news were scary-amazing, especially the satellite images from space.

ginny · « **Reply #5424 on:** June 19, 2011, 07:53:45 PM »

MaryPage, I have been reading your daughter's reports with avid interest, they are more interesting than a book.

I am hoping, along with everybody here, that she will be OK. It's a fine and noble thing she's done, caring for 300 animals.

Do keep us posted?

MaryPage · « **Reply #5425 on:** June 19, 2011, 08:00:45 PM »

My daughter lives on a horse ranch, nearest town Bisbee about 30 miles north of the border and in a direction that is south from Tucson. Her actual post office address for their P.O. box is Hereford.

She is a vet and her clinic is in Sierra Vista. This is where hundreds of evacuated and rescued pets have been taken in, and they are now having to move out.

At her ranch, her husband has been taking in cattle and horses.

Both have been getting very little sleep the last few days. Despite all of her protestations, I am getting a little frantic.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #5426 on:** June 19, 2011, 08:45:41 PM »

I posted this on another site where we were having a similar discussion........

"But first they must be given the opportunity to come in contact w/ history. K-12 Schools are so focused on math and science and English - bcs that's what's on the " no child left behind" test - that students don't have a history course every year of school, as you and i did. And for college students who are not liberal arts students, they may not have ANY history courses at that level.

So people have fewer and fewer opportunities to learn about history and the media rants about how dumb we are about history. Yes, there are boring history teachers who teach only dates and wars, but i found when i talked about "people's stories" and why particular descions were made by particular people, or what their personal lives were like that students did identify and were apt to say "if my high school teachers had taught us this way about history, i would have liked it."

History books are enormously popular right now bcs some adults have discovered the personal stories of historical figures and find they can identify and learn from historical stories. Our public schools are more and more denying our children the opportunity to have that gift presented to rhem..... Jean

mabel1015j · « **Reply #5427 on:** June 19, 2011, 08:52:55 PM »

And if you want a book to make you think about who you are, or what you would do if you were in the situation of historical figures.......here's a post i made in "fiction" .......

"Finished the " Harriet and Isabella" book by Patricia O'Brien. It's a fictional account of the Henry Beecher sex scandal and it's effect on his family and those two sisters in particular. This is my second O'Brien book and i like her writing quite a bit.

If you have an interest in Harriet Beecher Stowe, Victoria Woodhull, the suffrage movement, hypocrisy, loyalty, or the difficulty of determining how much/long you stand on your virtues, you may enjoy this book. O'Brien personalizes these events and really makes you wonder about what you would do under these circumstances. I felt the emotions of each character and their responses to the events.

It is au courant, as Ginny would say. What is it about powerful men that gets them into these messes? An arrogance that they are untouchable? Where does that come from? Is lust the most powerful motivator for some men? If you are their friend or family, do you support them? For how long? .......... What a puzzlement!".......... Jean

Steph · « **Reply #5428 on:** June 19, 2011, 09:09:41 PM »

Yes, the mitigation expenses are horrible and I dont understand how they can spend that kind of money, when she has not been judged guilty. Seems such a waste of money in advance. The female lawyer who is always comforting her is a strange person. An extrmely skilled attorney, who h as married a conviced killer on death row.. She left a husband and I think some children for him.. Hows that for a strange relationship.

Babi · « **Reply #5429 on:** June 20, 2011, 08:16:22 AM »

JEAN, I think it's plain that powerful and/or wealthy men are prime targets for female predators.
And they come to the assault at the male's most vulnerable points. Sex, ego, and more sex.
And yes, too much power and money does tend to make its possessors feel they can't be
touched. I fear it's a rare man who has the insight and strength of character to avoid the lures and traps.

pedln · « **Reply #5430 on:** June 20, 2011, 11:15:16 AM »

Quote

An extrmely skilled attorney, who h as married a conviced killer on death row.. She left a husband and I think some children for him.. Hows that for a strange relationship.

Exceedingly strange, Steph. I usually ignore strange, it's just someone beating their own drum, but that is quite unbelievable. Would you want to buy a used car from her?

Jean, you makes excellent points, as usual. The kids have to meet history somewhere. And it abounds in so many places. Just thinking now about Vreeland's Clara and Mr. Tiffany, recently discussed here -- not only about Tiffany and Driscoll creations, but about the problems women had in the workforce, with the unions, etc., and the hard times of new immigrants.

I'm going to look for Patricia O'brien's books now.

kiwilady · « **Reply #5431 on:** June 20, 2011, 09:46:24 PM »

Just read a great book. A Cup of Friendship by Deborah Rodriguez.

Its about a coffee house in Kabul in war torn Afghanistan. It is owned by an American ex pat and run with the help of three Afghanis.

All I will say is that its a very good read and offers a fascinating insight into two cultures and two ways of looking at the Afghan problem.

It is a novel in case you were wondering. I enjoyed this book immensely.

Carolyn

maryz · « **Reply #5432 on:** June 20, 2011, 10:03:27 PM »

I've just finished reading Wading Home: A Novel of New Orleans by Rosalyn Story, a nice story in the time following Katrina.

pedln · « **Reply #5433 on:** June 20, 2011, 10:17:53 PM »

I've just finished Pete Hamill's Tabloid City. There's a murder, but the story is really about a newspaper and the people who work there. Lots of vingettes about people in specific NY places, but it all comes together in the end. Very nostalgic. I read it mostly from the recliner or in bed, so didn't have a map handily nearby. Wish I'd had one.

Steph · « **Reply #5434 on:** June 21, 2011, 06:11:06 AM »

M aryZ.. will look for Wading Home. I find it sounds good...
Explosions yesterday. Trial was postponed until today. Judge furious.. Baez whiny.. and the prosecuter says he is preparing sanctions.. Baez seems to feel he only gets to follow the rules he wants to, not the one the judge tells him to.. Amazing.. They are desperately trying to avoid a mistrial.

Babi · « **Reply #5435 on:** June 21, 2011, 08:36:57 AM »

Do you suppose a mistrial might be what this lawyer has been after all along? I mean, what
other hope did he have? The court costs must be astronimical; can you imagine having to do
it all over again?

Frybabe · « **Reply #5436 on:** June 21, 2011, 11:31:58 AM »

A little excitement at the Township Building this morning where my branch library is located. While I was talking to the librarian the fire alarm went off. At first no one paid much attention. In fact, I thought it was a odd sounding phone ring. After about 30 seconds someone said, "What is that?". I listened more carefully and said it was the fire alarm. Sure enough, but do you think everyone was in a hurry to evacuate? Oh, no. The library rooms themselves have no alarms. The one out in the hall and around the corner from the library entrance is hearable, but not loudly. Not good. Even worse, the library person closest to the door (I was in the back room) didn't know what it was. Very not good. I was happy to see that the senior citizen center people did find their way to the back door and were either outside or just at the door entrance. Not too many others came out.

I think I will send an email to the Township suggesting that they seriously need to a) think about installing an additional alarm in the library itself and b) that they need to refresh township employees about evacuation procedures when an alarm goes off. It doesn't matter if it is a false alarm, in a public building evacuation procedures should be initiated. Especially if it is a multi-floor building.

marjifay · « **Reply #5437 on:** June 21, 2011, 04:39:15 PM »

Frybabe said, "I think I will send an email to the Township suggesting that they seriously need to a) think about installing an additional alarm in the library itself and b) that they need to refresh township employees about evacuation procedures when an alarm goes off. It doesn't matter if it is a false alarm, in a public building evacuation procedures should be initiated. Especially if it is a multi-floor building."

Very good idea, Frybabe! Good heavens, not being that concerned or knowledgeable about a fire alarm in of all places a library. I think I will check my library and see what they say. When I was employed in a large manufacturing company, we used to have periodic fire drills where everyone evacuated the buildings.

Marj

Frybabe · « **Reply #5438 on:** June 21, 2011, 04:48:33 PM »

Oh yes, Marj. And where I used to work they made sure everyone was all out too. We had a specific area out in the parking log to assemble. I bet you had a similar set up so that they could account for everyone just in case. The assisted living place my Mom was at has regular fire drills and they are timed.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #5439 on:** June 21, 2011, 04:51:05 PM »

And where I used to work, they had regular scheduled fire drills, and each department had a "fire captain" that made sure all in their group got out, and gathered in the parking lot across the street. Our building was 20 stories or so, and fire drill meant you "walked down the stairways". We were luckier than most, on the 6th or 7th floor!

News:

Author Topic: The Library (Read 2089053 times)