Author Topic: The Library (Read 2089490 times)

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #5720 on:** July 21, 2011, 01:20:16 PM »

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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We have the opposite here - this is the first so-called summer day we have had for weeks with no rain. Even then it is still overcast and cloudy. However, i am not good in heat at all, prefer the winter (though perhaps not the amount of snow we had last year). Edinburgh is half deserted at this time of year - many tourists but few locals. I have every sympathy with the visitors, I am sure I behave in just the same aimless way when I am overseas, but it is sometimes a bit trying when you need to get from A to B - this afternoon I actually walked into a wall trying to circumvent some extremely slow sightseers

.

And this morning, we saw a whole posse of language students from Italy wandering across a road with cars coming both ways - their either didn't know or didn't care, but cars in Edinburgh drive fast.

Rosemary

Jonathan · « **Reply #5721 on:** July 21, 2011, 02:07:04 PM »

'But once the heat sets in there's nothing to be done - except maybe read.'

Excellent suggestion, Gum. And I recommend The Worst Journey In The World, especially Chapte 7, The Winter Journey. Think cold, bitter cold, and your still not anywhere close to the cold that the author and his two companions suffered on their Antarctic expedition (1912) to collect some penguin eggs. This will leave you shivering. The author, of course, is Apsley Cherry-Garrard. I first heard about it in first year philosophy - it was on the reading list. Our professor described it as being all about the human spirit.

Gumtree · « **Reply #5722 on:** July 21, 2011, 03:07:21 PM »

Jonathan - Wasn't that book to do with Scott's ill fated expedition to the South Pole? - The penguin eggs were only part of it - I'd forgotten about it but read it back in the mists of time and am thinking it's here somewhere on my shelves. But yes, COLD COLD AND COLD. Thankfully the cold here is very mild compared with Antarctica or even what you get in Canada. I do love/hate it when SL posters stir my memory like that.

JoanK · « **Reply #5723 on:** July 21, 2011, 04:08:19 PM »

Sory, BABI, I meant to type BARB. I've ordered the book from Amazon.

I hate cold, and tolorate heat fairly well. Having lived with both dry heat and humid heat, there is a world of difference. The sprinkler cheme wouldn't work well in high humidity, you just swelter in the moisture. It is evaporation that cools you, and in high humidity, the water doesn't evaporate.

When I lived in the Negev in Israel, temperature over 100 most days in the summer, if I was walking alongand saw a sprinkler, I would go and stand in it til I was soaked: hair, clothes, shoes, everything. I'd keep on walking and by the time I'd gone a block, I'd be bone dry, even shoes. The dry air just sucked the moisture off me, and the resulting cooling effect left me cool as a cucumber.

If I'd tried that in Washington, DC, wqith their hot humid Summers, I'd just have been hot AND wet.

(If anyone cares about the physics, dry air can "absorb" the moisture, but in the process, it takes energy from your skin and air in the form of heat, leaving them cooler. Humid air already holds as much moisture as it can hold, so nothing happens.

Frybabe · « **Reply #5724 on:** July 22, 2011, 07:52:17 AM »

I just got two emails that say Borders is closing all its stores. In store sale until 7/31. The email's didn't mention the online store at all. I checked, and there doesn't appear to be any mention of an online discount. Perhaps they are keeping the online component??

Steph · « **Reply #5725 on:** July 22, 2011, 07:58:12 AM »

I have been trying to find inexpensive ebooks to load up my IPAD for my scottish trip.. Also loade in a guide book.. I will have to remember to take my converter plug to use with the IPAD connector..I want a variety of things to read.. I will only take maybe two paperbacks instead of my normal dozens..

Babi · « **Reply #5726 on:** July 22, 2011, 09:20:20 AM »

They drive fast in Italy, too, ROSEMARY, and with a fine disregard for traffic law.
My daughter visited there, and says the traffic is hair raising. Pedestrians
are used to taking whatever break in traffic they can find, and hoping to
get across in one piece. And riding in an Italian taxi would probably take years off
your life.

ginny · « **Reply #5727 on:** July 22, 2011, 09:49:26 AM »

Ah well this is certainly an au courant topic as I came very close to actually being killed this morning crossing the street in Rome on a green pedestrian walk sign. This woman shot around the corner and I should be grateful to her reflexes thank God she slammed on the brakes. My hand was actually touching the hood of her car. She was saying something but I felt she hadn't a leg to stand on. I am embarrassed at my extremely uncivil reaction. I should have prostrAted myself in gratitude.

I'm going to look up just out of curiosity the number of pedestrians hit in Rome in any given year. I know one of the sisters at the Leo House in Nyc where we stayed in 2010 was seriously injured there also by a car as she walked and she lives there!

Put the fear back in me tho and this is my 24th trip. I had gotten complacent. Green does not guarantee you a safe passage.

Am sitting under the portico of St Peters writing this. Hopefully am safe here. Hahaha

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #5728 on:** July 22, 2011, 10:15:57 AM »

Well the Italian students I saw in Edinburgh were on a busy suburban street - they were not making any attempt to cross the road safely, just milling about all over it (and all over each other, being of that age

. Two cars stopped to avoid mowing them down.

I recall that in Canada drivers could still turn right when the pedestrians had a green light, they were just supposed to give way or something. Seemed to work OK in St John's, but I'm not sure it would have been so great in Montreal. I have not been to Rome, but the traffic in Sorrento was bad enough. And I have been in an Italian taxi going up the Amalfi coast at night - it was just a case of hope that the driver knew what he was doing!

Rosemary

LarryHanna · « **Reply #5729 on:** July 22, 2011, 11:11:20 AM »

Ginny, what a frightening experience. My best friend and his wife are going on a cruise and will have to get around in Rome. He is really dreading it and talked about it again this morning of getting from the airport to the hotel and then to the cruise ship and then having to reverse the process on the way home.

rosemaykaye, we are allowed to turn right here in Georgia as long as it is clear of pedestrians. Our traffic here in the Atlanta area and surrounding counties is so heavy they have to do all that can be done to keep the traffic moving.

I am about halfway through a Lee Child book called "Die Trying" and it is a page turner. I was able to download it on my Android phone Overdrive book reader from the library. Of course, when I got that one another book I had put on my request list became available so have to keep reading to get through them both before the time expires.

maryz · « **Reply #5730 on:** July 22, 2011, 11:38:12 AM »

We have "right turn on red, after stop" here, too. One of the local communities even has cameras at the traffic lights, and issues tickets for coasting through the turns. I thought it was universal.

Steph, be sure to take your charging cords, too.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #5731 on:** July 22, 2011, 12:00:23 PM »

Larry - a colleague who went to Rome with her husband last year - and who had a great time - said that they took taxis just about everywhere. Apparently some bus routes in Rome are notorious for pickpockets, although I imagine that any bus from the airport into the city centre will be well policed. We took a bus from Naples airport to Sorrento and it was more like a long distance coach - not lots of people getting on and off all the time, so really quite safe. But from the city to the ship it may be best just to take a taxi. If your friends are staying the night in Rome, they should maybe ask the hotel about the best options to get to the ship - the hotel could I am sure order them a reliable taxi.

Scary as these taxi rides are (we had one in Paris last year at the time of one of their general strikes - it was from the hotel to the airport, and the only way I got through it was to keep my head in my book. My children thought it was thrilling.) the drivers are locals who generally know what they are doing.

Rosemary

Jonathan · « **Reply #5732 on:** July 22, 2011, 03:30:32 PM »

What a dangerous world out there. Reading about Ginny's close call, and then about Larrys experience with a book! Crossing a street in Rome, or trying to get through a Lee Child book, you could die, trying! Where can one go, what can one do, to feel safe?

ginny · « **Reply #5733 on:** July 22, 2011, 03:41:38 PM »

Larry, cruise ships normally arrange transfers, what options is he considering? I don't cruise into Rome but Chittavecchia where the port is is a LONG way out. If he has a travel agent who arranged that cruise he or she should be able to arrange the transfer.

As Rosemary says many hotels can arrange for a driver to the airport and back. The one i stay in does anyway. That will cost him about 60 Euros plus tip one way for a meet and greet (sign with his name on it). He could take the train from the airport to the Termini central Rome station but added to that cost would be the taxi. Depending on where he is staying, probably arranged by the travel agent or cruise line too, that could get expensive and might be a hassle on the Italian high step trains. I do a lot of train travel in Italy and it can be somewhat strenuous with the baggage too. I don't know the cost for Chittavecchia.

I think personally he'd be happier with a transfer from the cruise line if it can be arranged and suits him of course. Travel is such an individual thing and everybody is so different.

JoanK · « **Reply #5734 on:** July 22, 2011, 03:45:25 PM »

Wow, I'm so glad GINNY is safe! I remember decades ago seeing statistics about what country had the worst drivers. Italy, Japan, and Israel were the top three, but I don't remember the order. I remember driving on the Amalfi Drive as one of the scariest things I've done: couldn't even enjoy the beautiful scenery.

ginny · « **Reply #5735 on:** July 22, 2011, 03:51:30 PM »

. Thank you Joan. That Amalfi coast ride has turned many a hair white throughout the world. Hahaha. But the infamous 1000 steps has given me nightmares for years.

Jonathan · « **Reply #5736 on:** July 22, 2011, 03:53:17 PM »

I've left the sprinkler out for you, Joan. Comonamyplace. No dress code.

MaryPage · « **Reply #5737 on:** July 22, 2011, 04:16:52 PM »

Ueeeeuh! Ginny's story made my stomach travel down to my toes as though in an express elevator; most unnerving.

Whew! Glad she is alive to tell it. Wish she would head right for the airport and come home.

Speaking of Rome and Italy, in PBS Mystery and in Mystery we have been discussing Michael Dibdin's books about an Italian detective named Aurelio Zen. His book Vendetta was on Masterpiece Mystery last Sunday, and his book Cabal will be on this coming Sunday, with Ratking the following Sunday. I adore the late Michael Dibdin and all of his books; especially the Zen ones. He tells a lot about the corruption that runs throughout business and government in Italy. Fascinating.

THE AURELIO ZEN MYSTERY SERIES BY MICHAEL DIBDIN

TITLE     YEAR     SET IN

Ratking     1989     Perugia
Vendetta     1991     Rome & Sardinia
Cabal     1992 Rome & Milan
Dead Lagoon     1994     Venice
Cosi Fan Tutti     1996     Naples
A Long Finish     1998     Piemonte
Blood Rain     1999     Sicily, Malta & Rome
And Then You Die     2002 Tuscany & Iceland
Medusa     2003     Italian Alps
Back to Bologna     2005       Bologna
End Games     2007      Calabria
This next is not Zen
A Rich Full Death     1986     Florence of 1855

HaroldArnold · « **Reply #5738 on:** July 22, 2011, 04:39:06 PM »

Ella and I are planning a discussion of “Berlin, 1961” by Frederick Kempe Beginning September 1st. This Book is about one of the 4 or 5 major East/West cold war confrontations that kept the world on pins and needles during the several decades following the end of WW II. This may be the first SeniorNet/Seniorlearn discussion of a Cold war event.

All of you are invited to participate in this dissuasion that will begin September 1st and continue through the month of September. Ella and I hope you will be here. We will need 6 or more active participants. Click the following to join. http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=2389.0

For more information on the book Click : http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/berlin-1961-frederick-kempe/1100055244?ean=9780399157295&itm=2&usri=berlin%2b1961

pedln · « **Reply #5739 on:** July 22, 2011, 05:05:57 PM »

Ginny, it's good to hear from you. Glad to know you're alive and kicking.

I arrived Seattle last night. Delightful fresh air here. Almost cold. Slept under a blanket for almost 12 hours. Plan to spend the afternoon in the pleasant cool air, reading -- Mortal Shield, by Thomas Taylor, a novel about those who protect our elected officials. Taylor has been involed in protective operations for several years.

MaryPage, thanks for the Zen listing.

Frybabe · « **Reply #5740 on:** July 22, 2011, 05:08:14 PM »

Ginny, that was scary! Glad you are alright.

MaryPage · « **Reply #5741 on:** July 22, 2011, 05:30:13 PM »

Pedln, almost cold last night . . . . . .

I think I hate you just now

unbearably hot here.

roshanarose · « **Reply #5742 on:** July 23, 2011, 12:33:22 AM »

What a marvellous night for a Moondance + sprinkler!!

Steph · « **Reply #5743 on:** July 23, 2011, 07:57:55 AM »

Last time we were inRome we stayed out by the airport at a large international type hotel.They had a small bus that took you downtown to Rome, let you off at various places and did this all day. You asked the driver and he would show you where he would pick you up and the rough time.. Worked perfectly for the last few days on our own after a tour.. There was also a bus to the airport from the hotel. All in all, a bit more than some hotels, but worth it for the convenience.

Babi · « **Reply #5744 on:** July 23, 2011, 09:07:21 AM »

Someone recommended an author new to me,.. C. J. Sansom. I'm just starting the first of his
books, Dissolution. This series is set in Tudor England and it's off to a good start. I'm
so pleased when I learn of a new author that I like.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #5745 on:** July 23, 2011, 01:09:28 PM »

We've just come back from the most wonderful walk in the Pentland Hills, just south of Edinburgh, starting from the Flotterstone Inn. The views from the top were amazing - it's been a glorious day, blue skies, sun, but a fair breeze so not too hot. We saw birds of prey - probably sparrowhawks - hovering, wagtails darting in and out, lots of sheep. We then descended to the Reservoir and walked around it - there were lots of people fishing from little boats, the sun was shimmering on the water - perfect. The verges were swaying with rosebay willowherb and cow parsley. Here is a view (I hope it works):

http://www.pentlandhillsphotos.co.uk/gallery_76907.html#photos_id=1582033

To keep vaguely on topic, here is what Sir Walter Scott said about these beautiful hills:

"I think I never saw anything more beautiful than the ridge of Carnethy against a clear frosty sky, with its peaks and varied slopes. The hills glowed like purple amethyst; the sky glowed topaz and vermillion colours."

Rosemary

MaryPage · « **Reply #5746 on:** July 23, 2011, 01:31:01 PM »

I agree there is nothing more beautiful than Scotland, and very little as beautiful.

Here in Maryland, a walk outside would be enough to cook me through. Seriously. It is worse than hot, worse than torrid. It is an OVEN out there and no one is even attempting to enter it.

maryz · « **Reply #5747 on:** July 23, 2011, 02:25:25 PM »

Gorgeous scenery, Rosemary - thanks for posting the link. We loved our time in the Highlands and the Orkneys.

marjifay · « **Reply #5748 on:** July 23, 2011, 03:01:54 PM »

What a gorgeous view, Rosemary!

I thought Scotland had such breathtaking scenery when I visited there years ago.

I will have to read something by Sir Walter Scott one of these days.

Marj

marjifay · « **Reply #5749 on:** July 23, 2011, 03:07:20 PM »

I feel so sorry for those of you in the states where the weather has been so horribly hot and humid. That's one of the reasons I left Iowa years ago for Southern California. It's been in the high 70s and low 80s here this month, and that's high enough for me. Luckily it's been fairly dry heat.

Marj

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #5750 on:** July 24, 2011, 02:09:39 AM »

Yes - our newspapers are telling us about your heat wave, it sounds horrible. I don't function well even when it's hot here, and our version of hot would be a mild autumnal day to many of you. My friend used to live near Toulouse in France, and in the summer she got everything done by 10am then sat in the pool all day just to cool down - but I think the heat there is drier, your humidity must be particularly trying. I hope it breaks soon.

Rosemary

ginny · « **Reply #5751 on:** July 24, 2011, 04:30:39 AM »

Thank you all who expressed thoughts for my safety, considering the alternatives I am especially glad to be here.

I do want to say also, in aid of encouraging face to facE meetings among our Senior Learners that I did enjoy two glorious days before Rome visiting with two of our many UK Latin students: in Oxford with Keith and his wife Iris, (I barely recognized Oxford. The crowds!!) And in Somorset (sp) with Gay whom many of you know from
Our 2010 Soirée in NYC.

What a place she lives in!! Cheddar Gorge, Wells Cathedral, Weston Sur Mare, we started at Bath and literally laughed our way thru an unforgettable day.

It's always a joy to meet the fine people participating here. I recommend the experience highly even for only lunch if you get the chance. It adds so much to the experience here.

Steph · « **Reply #5752 on:** July 24, 2011, 07:58:54 AM »

Yes, I have only been to one meet, but adored it.. My schedule gets complicated, but hopefully if we meet this fall, it will not be in September since I will be in Scotland,, October would be perfect.

Frybabe · « **Reply #5753 on:** July 24, 2011, 08:29:52 AM »

Ginny, it's wonderful that you got to meet Keith and to see Gay again. I miss Latin class. If I don't get a job soon, I will put in for early retirement. Then I know I will have time for Latin. In the meantime, I am still trying to find a job and will be starting back to school on Aug. 22.

Babi · « **Reply #5754 on:** July 24, 2011, 08:49:23 AM »

Beautiful, ROSEMARY. Can you tell me what a 'law' is, as in Scald Law?

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #5755 on:** July 24, 2011, 10:05:49 AM »

Babi - a "law" is a sort of upside down cone shaped hill - one that sort of rises up suddenly out of flat land. The most famous one around here is Berwick Law at North Berwick, East Lothian. It can be seen for miles around because the rest of the landscape is more or less flat. The N Berwick one was an old volcanic plug, but there are others - such as Trapain Law, also in East Lothian, that were not volcanic - some were ancient burial grounds, and I think Trapain was some sort of hill fort or settlement.

Catriona McPherson makes use of various "laws" in Fife in one of her Dandy Gilver mystery books, "Bury Her Deep". The main one she writes about, Luckenlaw, is fictitious, but the others she mentions do exist.

Here is a photo of Trapain Law:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Traprain_Law_4.jpg

Scald Law is a bit different in that it is part of the Pentlands - I think it's the highest peak. It is also of volcanic origin.

Rosemary

LarryHanna · « **Reply #5756 on:** July 24, 2011, 10:26:38 AM »

Speaking of the beauty of Scotland, did any of you see the TV series called Monarch of the Glen. It was a great story, although we lost interest about the 6th season as they kept changing characters. The scenery was magnificent. We got in DVD from Netflix and couldn't wait for the next series of shows to arrive.

maryz · « **Reply #5757 on:** July 24, 2011, 11:01:27 AM »

Ginny - glad you are surviving in Rome.

Isn't Wells Cathedral spectacular!?! We'd never heard of it before it was recommended to us by the lady at the small B&B where we were overnighting last year. One of those terrific things you find when you're just wandering.

MaryPage · « **Reply #5758 on:** July 24, 2011, 11:41:59 AM »

I liked Wells Cathedral, as well and all. Especially remember them feeding the lovely swans by ringing a dinner bell hung down at the edge of the pond by the Bishop's Palace. We were there early one morning, and it was just lovely.

Yes, I enjoyed The Monarch of the Glen, and yes, it changed just too much at the end and my interest waned considerably.

Jonathan · « **Reply #5759 on:** July 24, 2011, 12:14:23 PM »

Those lovely pictures of Scotland's Pentland Hills make it just too inviting. What a cool scene. All that beautiful snow. I've dug out my skis and I'm on my way. You think I'm kidding? We always get visitors to Canada in July, who arrive at the border, their cars festooned with skis, asking where's the snow? Considering what hellish temperatures they may be trying to escape, is it any wonder? Alas, all we can offer them is a cool drink.

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Author Topic: The Library (Read 2089490 times)