Author Topic: The Library (Read 2084842 times)

Steph · « **Reply #680 on:** January 03, 2010, 07:37:31 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!

Everyone is welcome!

Suggestion Box for Future Discussions

I loved the Gurnsey book.. Even went out and bought a diary that was written by another inhabitant, but have not started that one yet. I am going to spend today sorting out all of the insurance bills, etc.. I am terribly confused and the insurance company seems to delight inmaking things more complicated. This is a no fault state, so our insurance will pay medical up to a certain point and then I would guess that medicare takes over and our medigap.. Just determining the point is interesting.. I discovered that every single time they checked my husbands breathing, they charged 22.00.. And they did it at least four times a day trying to determine if he could breath on his own. Never happened.. Oh well.

Babi · « **Reply #681 on:** January 03, 2010, 09:19:52 AM »

BELLE, I understand there are people who love to collect old-fashioned
garments. Something like a size 6 Persian lamb jacket sounds like it would appeal to a collector.

What a clever idea, SALLY. Do compliment your daughter for me on the
calendar idea. And thanks for mentioning that Springbok has a website.
I'll want to check that out.

Read "The Book Thief", "The Help" and "The Guernsey...etc." In fact, I
think I may have been the first to read "The Help" and recommend it to
our SeniorLearn book lovers.

STEPH, one really has to watch out for some of these hospital charges.
On one occasion housekeeping was going to bring in a fresh package of the same 'aids' every morning. One really doesn't need a whole box of kleenex and other such things daily. I objected, and the maid said she was required to leave them. I told her to inform the housekeeper that she could leave all she liked, but I absolutely would not pay for them. I heard no more about it.
It pays to request an itemized bill and check it. Sometimes mistakes are
made quite by accident. My favorite such finding in my job of checking
hospital records for Medicare, was finding the lady who had been
mistakenly charged for a penile implant. I'm sure she was happy to hear
of that correction to her bill!

pedln · « **Reply #682 on:** January 03, 2010, 10:24:49 AM »

Just a tidpit from the Seattle Times (which emails me their book comments)

Quote

Seattle regains title

of most literate city

Seattle has once again been named America's most literate city in a survey conducted by John Miller, president of Central Connecticut State University, who has been conducting this survey since 2003. Last year we had to share with Minneapolis for the top spot, but this year We're Number One! Meanwhile, Washington, D.C., has risen to the number two ranking, and Minneapolis is no. 3. Seattle was first in bookstores per 10,000 population; first in educational achievement (high school/college degrees held by adults); third in Internet usage; fourth in library usage and, er, 17th in newspaper readership. For the full story and the methodology of the survey go to www.ccsu.edu/page.cfm?p=5446.

Steph, just take your time in going through all that material, write questions as you go, get help from those you trust to be knowledgable. I've never been in your exact situation, but it helps to have another's input when making decisions. Even if you don't follow their advise.

Have been inside for the past two days, and now must go out and bravet the cold. Not something I really want to do.

bellemere · « **Reply #683 on:** January 03, 2010, 01:11:47 PM »

Thinking back on the books I read last year, I think one stands out: Arthur and George by Julian Barnes, a mystery-social commentary-romance, centering on two Englishmen. One was just an ordinary Englishman, one became very very famous; not telling which, that would spoil it. But Julian Barnes is a wonderful writer. This is a long, rich, dark, complex book. so don't start it if you have a huge list you want to get to. It was a "can't put it down" book for me.
Re: Peter O'Toole, as Lawrence of ARabia. He not onlhy did a good job of capturing the Arab, he did a good job of capturing me.

pedln · « **Reply #684 on:** January 03, 2010, 01:22:06 PM »

How to Train the Aging Brain

Quote

Teaching new facts should not be the focus of adult education, she says. Instead, continued brain development and a richer form of learning may require that you “bump up against people and ideas” that are different.

NY Times

Here’s a New Resolution – don’t just learn something, but try to learn from ideas that you don’t agree with. Oh, gad zooks, I hope that doesn’t mean I should read David Limbaugh’s daily column in our local rag. Rush’s brother is cut from the same cloth.

Actually, I think here at SeniorLearn many of us do that a lot.

joangrimes · « **Reply #685 on:** January 03, 2010, 01:22:52 PM »

Quote from: Babi on January 03, 2010, 09:19:52 AM

Read "The Book Thief", "The Help" and "The Guernsey...etc." In fact, I
think I may have been the first to read "The Help" and recommend it to
our SeniorLearn book lovers.

Babi, I have to beg to differ with you there...I was the first person on SeniorLearn to read and recommend the help to readers here.

Joan Grimes

EvelynMC · « **Reply #686 on:** January 03, 2010, 04:36:12 PM »

Pedlin,

Thanks for the link to that interesting article on "The Aging Brain".

When I was in Latin, my mind was sharp as a tack, and I had very few "Senior moments". However since I have dropped out of Latin, I notice my mind is not as sharp and I am having trouble remembering things and my mind drifts. Sooo, I'm going to have to start learning something new again or I'm afraid my mind will soon be squash.

Evelyn

Frybabe · « **Reply #687 on:** January 03, 2010, 04:38:20 PM »

Pedln said:

Quote

Here’s a New Resolution – don’t just learn something, but try to learn from ideas that you don’t agree with.

I had a teacher a long time ago (probably my logic prof.) who told us that to properly debate, rebut, or contravene your opponent you need to read/listen to his argument, what he believes in. Well, something like that anyway. Makes sense, for how can you properly formulate a counter, a defense, or even an offense without having some idea of the actions and reactions your opponent might take. What you learn by studying your opponent strengthens your own beliefs and judgments and lessens the possibility of a response that cannot be properly defended.

Well, that is my psychobabble bit for today.

Steph · « **Reply #688 on:** January 04, 2010, 07:22:19 AM »

Oh me.. simply will not do Glen Beck or Rush.. as for Sarah.. Hmm. Hockey Mom indeed.. Moose shooter Mom would be more appropriate. I love to read some op ed stuff and try to each week.. I also have been trying to keep better track of the medical fix.
Did already find on the bills that Geico sent me, that I am being charged for three days on December 3.. By that time, I was at my sons, so need to mention that to them today.

Babi · « **Reply #689 on:** January 04, 2010, 09:16:47 AM »

If you say so, JOAN. It's been many months ago since I read the book and I can't say exactly when.

And my 'psycho'observation, FRYBABE, has been that interminable arguments, constantly going over the same ground, are invariably between two peoplewho aren't listening to a word the other is saying.

Did you say charged for three days, on Dec. 3rd?? How did they manage that? An accounting key stuck,maybe? And that triple charge was on a day you weren't even there. Good thing you decided to go over that bill carefully, STEPH.

Steph · « **Reply #690 on:** January 05, 2010, 06:26:52 AM »

Ah the joys of accidents, hospitals and insurance. There are different departments in the insurance saying different things to me. Turns out that the small part of the insurance was used up, but the great majority is still there, but I must consult with their attorney on exactly who and what to pay first.. They have something called medical liens ( the hospital and medicare) to insure the insurance pays them all first and it just cannot be done.. Amazing.. I also realized that the insurance has not corrected the current policy to indicate the car that was totaled and putting only my name on the policy. Sigh..

Babi · « **Reply #691 on:** January 05, 2010, 08:33:46 AM »

You have my sympathy, STEPH. I fear you can always count on the
insurance companies to look to their own profit, first and foremost. I
would recommend getting the name of everyone who tells you something, if you aren't already. When they start contradicting each
other, you can refer them to one another.

jane · « **Reply #692 on:** January 05, 2010, 08:59:56 AM »

Steph...

When my husband was hit on his motor scooter by a woman who pulled out in front of him, we had her insurance, Medicare, etc. also to deal with. We kept close track of the bills, and the insurance company payments. Medicare wanted to be sure, of course, that the insurance paid for all they should have. We had to pay upfront, and then listed all those items when the insurance company came to "settle" with us. I went back and sent checks to those hospitals/docs that Medicare had paid since that's what the hospital office/doc's office insisted upon. I kept close track of those checks, too....and when Medicare wrote later about one bill, I sent a copy of the letter I'd sent with the check to the doc's office, noting this was payment for what Medicare had paid, date, etc. and that the doc's office should reimburse Medicare. We never heard another word from Medicare, so assume they took it up with the doc's office...or whatever.

I'm off today to explore the library branch here (we're in S. Texas now until the first of March), and it's always fun to explore a new Library. They're great about having the latest and most popular, of course. For $5.00 they give us "Winter Texans" a library card good for 5 years. That's such a bargain, I also make a donation to their Friends program. I keep telling "Marge"...the gal in charge of this "branch" that they should double or triple, at least that price, but she says they want people to use the place...and they do! For that they get free internet for those condos/RV parks that don't offer that, though I suppose most do now.

jane

rich7 · « **Reply #693 on:** January 05, 2010, 11:04:06 AM »

Ginny, glad to hear that someone else enjoys the sensual experience of picking up a real book, turning the pages and, joy of joys, reading it!

Just finished "The Peasant Prince" by Alex Storozynsky. It's the story of Tadeusz Kosciusko, the Polish patriot who came to America during the American revolution and volunteered his services to George Washington.

I like true stories about remarkable real people, and Kosciusko certainly was remarkable. Some of his adventures are almost beyond belief, if we didn't remind ourselves that this is non- fiction. His encounters with Benedict Arnold were particularly interesting.

After the American revolution, he went back to Poland to lead the fight for Polish autonomy. That didn't work out. At the time, Poland was just an minor state that the European superpowers needed to cross to wage war with other. Nothing that Kosciusko did could change Poland's weak strategic status.

Need a new non-fiction book.

Rich

maryz · « **Reply #694 on:** January 05, 2010, 12:58:54 PM »

I'm reading an interesting nonfiction - The Race Beat: The Press, The Civil Rights Struggle, and the Awakening of a Nation by Gene Roberts and Hank Klibanoff. It's an interesting look at a pivotal era from a different viewpoint.

marjifay · « **Reply #695 on:** January 05, 2010, 01:07:19 PM »

Sounds lika a very nice library, Jane. Except I didn't know public libraries charged for a library card. Ours doesn't even charge late fees--at least I haven't been charged any and I've had books overdue for a week or more.

Just found out our library has quite an extensive bunch of movie DVDs available for watching. (no charge). They seem to get new movies as soon or sooner than most rental stores. A great service.

Marj

maryz · « **Reply #696 on:** January 05, 2010, 01:14:48 PM »

Marj, I got here before jane did, so I'll answer. I assume that's because jane and Ray aren't residents of the city or county. Our municipal library doesn't charge county residents, but nonresidents can get a card for a fee.

These films are shown in a "theater" setting with conversation and coffee. DVDs for check-out are free (unless you get one of the newest ones that they have for rent).

mabel1015j · « **Reply #697 on:** January 05, 2010, 02:18:09 PM »

Mary - that sounds like a book worth reading. The Civil Rts bill of 1964 would never have been passed at that time w/out the press showing all the rest of the country what the reality was in the South. Tv was especially important. I lived in south central Pa, very close to the Maryland border and attitudes were very bigoted against Blacks. An acquaintance of mine who i had known to use the "n" word was appalled by the visions of the dogs being sicced on people in the demonstratioins. Those pictures and the ones of people having fire hoses turned on them changed his mind about what the fed'l gov't should be doing to change things. ..........jean

maryz · « **Reply #698 on:** January 05, 2010, 03:07:45 PM »

jean, I haven't gotten as far as 1964 yet - still dealing with the repercussions from Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. It's interesting how the northern papers were, to a large extent, not reporting a lot of information. A few of the Southern white papers were supportive of a moderate acceptance, but many others were rabidly against integrating the schools. Also there was a very active Negro press which I didn't know anything about.

I'm white, and was a freshman in college in Houston in 1954, so remember some of this, but not a lot. We moved to Tennessee in 1962, so have more memories and awareness after that time.

marjifay · « **Reply #699 on:** January 05, 2010, 06:30:16 PM »

That sounds like a great idea, Mary, for the library to show the DVDs in a theator setting. (Of course you wouldn't be able to put it on pause while you to for a bathroom break, or a snacky-poo. LOL)

We stopped going to movie theaters unless we go to the first morning showing on a week day when no one is there. We got tired of people talking during the film and laughing snidely and ignoring you when you ask them politely to please be quiet. There is one theater in Los Angeles (The Landmark) which costs a bit more, but they have ushers who sit in plain view during the film, and no one talks. Love to go there.

Marj

serenesheila · « **Reply #700 on:** January 05, 2010, 08:11:10 PM »

WOW, ushers in movie theaters. What a concept. I have given up going to see a movie, in a theater. Netflix gives me the movie, without talking, rattleing papers on snacks, etc. I am a bit hard of hearing, and the movie's sound isn't as clear as I would like. Talking people make it impossible.

Steph, please take care of yourself. When my husband died, I, too, had to deal with Medicare, and other insurance. He was retired military, and a wonderful man in Personnal led me through the things I needed to do, to get his surviver benefits. It took me several months, to get everything done. Don't forget to file for Social Security's death benefit.

Sheila

pedln · « **Reply #701 on:** January 05, 2010, 08:21:39 PM »

Over the holidays I became totally engrossed in Kathryn Stockett's novel The Help, set in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960's. This is a first novel for Stockett, telling about two black domestics and a young white woman who wants to write about their lives and the people they serve. Very illuminating. As a Northerner in high school and college during the 1950's I wasn't paying a lot of attention to what was going on in the South. That came later. But some of the things in this book shocked me even now. Particularly the level of fear that was always there.

joangrimes · « **Reply #702 on:** January 05, 2010, 09:00:55 PM »

The Help is one of the best books that I have ever read. It enlightened me on many things that I had never heard of and I have lived in Alabama all my life.

Joan Grimes

JoanK · « **Reply #703 on:** January 05, 2010, 09:43:04 PM »

Margefay: a theater in L.A. with ushers? Where? Do you live near LA? I thought I was the only Seniorlearner there.

Frybabe · « **Reply #704 on:** January 05, 2010, 10:30:00 PM »

Ushers! Now that drags up memories. When I was old enough, Mom would let me go to the Sat. Matinee with my friends. The theater owner, Mr. Fox, would roam the isles during the movie with his flash light making sure we all behaved. If we got to loud and rowdy, he would shut down the projector and would threaten not to continue if we didn't settle down. When we moved and I went to another movie house matinee, there was no such person patrolling. The floors were sticky with gum and popcorn, the seats were torn, and the kids were such a noisy bunch I can't believe anyone was or could watch the movie let alone hear it. That was the last time I went there. In fact, that may have been the last time I went to a Sat. matinee.

maryz · « **Reply #705 on:** January 05, 2010, 11:15:54 PM »

There's a new 12-screen theater in downtown Chattanooga that has a section with ushers, recliners, and servers for popcorn, etc. Of course, there's an additional charge for that section.

Steph · « **Reply #706 on:** January 06, 2010, 04:50:28 PM »

Ushers.. wow.. I spent today doing everything twice. Went on line for some title rearrangements. Did exactly what they asked and in person, the girl said...NO<NO>>> you must bring me the will.. I said and pointed out that it did not say that anywhere and she simply did not care.Sigh.. Then had to fill out an annuity form for our brokerage.. Want the money to go directly so it is not taxable until redeemed. Then the insurance company attorney called. They want to make me do everything and my point thus far is that they are the ones who have all the bills and medical liens, not me.. I suspect I am going to get a real mess sooner or later. I got angry and cried since I am grieving and working on all of this and the man who caused the accident has yet to even get a ticket.. He did not stop for a stop sign.. Something surely should happen. A man died as a direct result.. Oh me.. I must stop now.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #707 on:** January 06, 2010, 05:07:51 PM »

Oh, Steph. Ain't it a bitch.

JoanR · « **Reply #708 on:** January 06, 2010, 05:26:55 PM »

Dear Steph - I'm just catching up on all the posts. I'm so very sorry for your loss and so very upset that you're being put through this grinder of paperwork. There must be help out there for someone in your situation. You shouldn't be doing this all alone - right now your mind can't be working at its best. A senior center would have a list of names of people who could help out. I don't know what sort of government agencies are in your area. Friends? Relatives? At last resort, a lawyer - that would be best but costly. My daughter was widowed with 3 little children 10 years ago and received help and advice from all quarters. Thank goodness!
You're very much in all our thoughts right now.

marjifay · « **Reply #709 on:** January 06, 2010, 06:56:41 PM »

Joan K asked:
Margefay: a theater in L.A. with ushers? Where? Do you live near LA? I thought I was the only Seniorlearner there.

Yes, Joan. There are more than one, I believe. You can google "Landmark Theaters, Los Angeles. The one we've gone to is:

Landmark Theater
10850 West Pico at Westwood Blvd.
(Next door to Barnes & Noble)
Enter their parking building (free parking) on Westwood Blvd. or Pico
Showtimes (310) 281-8233
Information: (310) 470-0492

Very nice clean theater, comfortable seats. We usually go in the morning or early afternoon on weekdays when there are very few people there.

I live in north Orange County in Buena Park.

Marj

marjifay · « **Reply #710 on:** January 06, 2010, 06:59:18 PM »

I'm surprised that I have not received my state of federal income tax forms in the mail. We usually get them before the end of the year? Has anyone gotten theirs yet?

Marj

maryz · « **Reply #711 on:** January 06, 2010, 07:29:52 PM »

We haven't either, but I think they go directly to our accountant.

Frybabe · « **Reply #712 on:** January 06, 2010, 07:48:54 PM »

My state form came in, but not the Fed. The state sent me a telefile form instead of the regular for the 2nd year in a row. I downloaded the regular form and used it last year. I am not fond of this electronic filing. Maybe if I actually try it I might like it better.

CubFan · « **Reply #713 on:** January 06, 2010, 07:51:13 PM »

Steph -

So sorry about the problems you're now having with "institutions". If you are not able to get a contact person to help through the Senior Center - call a minister as they also have contacts within their parish or through other sources. There may also be some type of lawyer assistance available to help seniors in your area for free or reduced rates.

I know this sounds cynical - but I feel very strongly that some health care facilities, insurance companies and funeral homes come out financially way ahead because they are dealing with people when they can't think clearly and are dealing with issues they've never encountered before. We don't know what questions to ask, what kind of timelines are reasonable, and how to prioritize. I hope you are able to find help soon. Just having someone deal with/or make the phone calls can help. Sometimes the people on the other end of the phone line back down real fast when they realize that the person they are talking to is not emotionally involved and vulnerable.

Whatever you do don't let anyone pressure you into making a decision about anything you don't understand. Everything can wait another day. Take things slow and easy and deal with them as you can.

We're here for you.

Mary

Frybabe · « **Reply #714 on:** January 06, 2010, 07:54:42 PM »

Doesn't the AARP also offer help, at least with the tax forms?

bellemere · « **Reply #715 on:** January 06, 2010, 08:56:16 PM »

Our Senior Center has a social worker who serves as the health insurance conselor. I think somebody like that would have contacts that could help you. Keep tryingh .
For those who would like to read some South American adventures of my other granddaugher, her New Years Eve in Buenos Aires is at alionthefarm.blogspot.com

JoanK · « **Reply #716 on:** January 06, 2010, 09:16:57 PM »

I've gotten a Federal form, not state. Haven't checked to see if it's e-file. I always print out forms, no problem, but the instructions are too bulky to print, I hope I got them.

Margefay: I'm in South LA county, in Torrance.

marcie · « **Reply #717 on:** January 06, 2010, 09:45:44 PM »

Steph, I'm so sorry for the hassles. I wish I knew enough to help you.

Bellemere, what a bright, courageous granddaughter, to be traveling alone and learning about organic gardening. She writes a very interesting blog.

marjifay · « **Reply #718 on:** January 07, 2010, 11:25:22 AM »

Joan, the first job I had in California, way back when, was at Union Oil not far from Torrance. Loved it. It's now some other company.

And there's an arboratum near there we used to visit. And my favorite Thai Restaurant (SoHo) is in Lomita. (My friend and I visit a different ethnic restaurant each month. Today, we're driving to Colton near San Bernardino to my favorite Philippino restaurant.)

Small world. I love California, even if it takes forever anymore to drive through L.A.

Marj

pedln · « **Reply #719 on:** January 07, 2010, 12:32:26 PM »

Steph, the folks here are right. You need to have someone to lean on during this decision making time, even if just to have a sounding board. People want to help, they like to be asked, and are sometimes afraid to offer themselves for fear of intruding. So please do call upon your family, your friends and even your friends of friends. You can do it. You're a good networker.

Re: Tax forms. I haven't received any in the mail for a number of years, and assume it's because I go to AARP and let them file my taxes electronically. I used to be one of their tax volunteers, and know they are well-trained. I do a rough draft at home and then take it to them so they have all the numbers. The library has forms and instructions and supposedly you can download the forms you need from the IRS web site. I wanted a schedule L (needed for standard deduction if you want to deduct real estate taxes) and found it easier to search for it on Google. It's something new this year -- to reduce paperwork

.

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Author Topic: The Library (Read 2084842 times)