wordsgood

Well if it's any comfort you have my sympathies. I don't know how we could have managed if not for the awesome caregivers at Hospice when Mom died. It is definitely a vocation and not just a job! I thank you on behalf the families who's loved ones you care for every day! I know it is safe to do so because I was one of those people not too long ago, and people like you made it bearable!

Poppyshake, I forgot to mention that I used to do the whole save the draft thing as a temporary Word document until I was satisfied with the result before opening a post as a matter of course. But after being offline for around a year, I got sloppy when returning. I am starting to do that again, but like I mentioned when I was finally able to return here a couple months ago, things are still a bit too chaotic around my house so I tend to get frazzled and skip important steps. That and it's been a very unlucky year with my computer having acquired a few very nasty viruses that involved many headaches trying to deal with the folks I paid to protect me, but ended up having to take in to the shop - twice - for repairs. But I'm working on not being so impatient, short-tempered and slowing learning to demand folks let me have ME time and solve their simple issues like the adults they are supposed to be. Well, that and trying very hard to keep my screamer cat happy so she doesn't wander around wailing her lungs out for hours on end. (She's old, and I think, getting a touch senile. Or just more neurotic. Really hard to tell with a Siamese, they are already born neurotic! ) Agreed! Nah, chickened out! I've only read a few of the stories and poems so far. I've never really read much of Poe before but I'm getting more into classics lately and it was sitting there all pretty and shiny, with even prettier price tag on the bargain tables... I don't think this really is a "complete" collection of Poe's work despite the title because some of the stuff referenced in the intro is not in book itself. Also, I have found some glaring typos in the intro by a professor, so appearances aside, I think I ended up with a poorly done edition. I can't really say that any of the ones I've read so far are all that scary, but then I really haven't read that much yet. If and when I get into this book, I will surely post my opinions. Thank you for stopping by. Guess I'll have leave the worms alone for another day! Don't worry, I'll even tell them it was Poppy to the rescue!

Warning/Alert: This post is about a very politically sensitive book and topic. It covers religious and cultural conflict and is currently all too often in the media. I mean NO disrespect to ANYONE, so please do not take it in anything other spirit than that in which I am posting it. Which is, specifically, about subject matter that interests me and I only want to share it. I even went so far as to run this one by Admin team and held off posting for several days to ensure it got the green light. Comments are welcome but please folks, play nice! Okay, here we go... I'd been waiting for this one for months and snapped up a copy the first day it came out. If you are interested/worried about the worldwide religious tensions that seem to frequently erupt into some kind of violence (especially of late), be it protests, riots, or radical religious extremists committing terrorism in the name of their faith - or are just a champion of free speech, then you might want to check this one out. In 1989, Salman Rushdie, a English citizen born in 1947, in Bombay, into a surprisingly irreligious family (given the region and political times). Rushdie attended a English prep boarding school before moving on to obtain a degree of history at Cambridge University. He chose to make England his home and dreamt of writing novels for a living. Story telling and the study of all religions, and the cultures they were found in, was a passion shared by both father and son. After finishing his degree, Rushdie married and worked for years as a copyright, so near yet so far from his dream of writing novels for a living. Fast forward several years and some adventurous trips in both India and Pakistan, Rushdie has a young son, is once divorced, and in a new marriage that is quickly crumbling. But all was not dark, Rushdie now had a few successful novels under his belt. But the one...the one he had felt driven to write for twenty years but couldn't find quite the right way, was finally published the year before. It had had taken 4 years to finish, and was garnering international acclaim. And then one day the world has he knew it, ended, and he found himself thrust into a new and nightmarish reality. That was the day, Valentines Day, 1989, a reporter called and told him that he had been "sentenced to death" by the Ayatollah Khomeini, who himself was on his deathbed, in his official Fatwa about the matter. His first thought? "I'm dead." (Fatwa - A ruling on a point of Islamic law given by a recognized authority. Source: Wikipedia) In what Rushdie now calls his [Khomeini's] last desperate move to give the people, and the revolution he'd led for so long, something or someone to focus on. Khomeini had been a ruthless leader, targeting, and eliminating even his own top lieutenants if he felt at all threatened. And Rushdie's "crime?" A novel that had be published the year before called the Satanic Verses. This "Fatwa" declared by Iran's highest spiritual leader, incited violent protests all over the world, with crowds burning Rushdie in effigy, demanding his death, and causing injuries, mayhem, property damage, and in end left dozens dead. Sentenced to die by the spiritual and revolutionary leader of a country he had never been to, whom he knew had no jurisdiction authority over him, yet he was terrified. And so began the 9 years of living under the assumed name of "Joseph Anton," with 24/7 police & special agent protection, never staying in anyone place for long, forced to communicated with his son via "code." This is Rushdie's story, told in 3rd person. But this isn't a book just about his 9 years in spend in hiding, in it he also talks about many parts of life before the Fatwa, about the many people who rallied not to just his cause, but to that one freedom we all hold so dear. The Freedom of Speech. The freedom to think, speak and express whatever we want, however we want, without fear of persecution. Title: Joseph Anton: A Memoir Author: Salman Rushdie Genre(s): Autobiography/Politics/Current Events/World Affairs/Religion Copyright/Publishing Date: September 18, 2009 ISBN: 9780307401366 Blurb (from Amazon): On February 14, 1989, Valentine’s Day, Salman Rushdie was telephoned by a BBC journalist and told that he had been "sentenced to death" by the Ayatollah Khomeini. For the first time he heard the word fatwa. His crime? To have written a novel called The Satanic Verses, which was accused of being "against Islam, the Prophet and the Quran." So begins the extraordinary story of how a writer was forced underground, moving from house to house, with the constant presence of an armed police protection team. He was asked to choose an alias that the police could call him by. He thought of writers he loved and combinations of their names; then it came to him: Conrad and Chekhov—Joseph Anton. How do a writer and his family live with the threat of murder for more than nine years? How does he go on working? How does he fall in and out of love? How does despair shape his thoughts and actions, how and why does he stumble, how does he learn to fight back? In this remarkable memoir Rushdie tells that story for the first time; the story of one of the crucial battles, in our time, for freedom of speech. He talks about the sometimes grim, sometimes comic realities of living with armed policemen, and of the close bonds he formed with his protectors; of his struggle for support and understanding from governments, intelligence chiefs, publishers, journalists, and fellow writers; and of how he regained his freedom. It is a book of exceptional frankness and honesty, compelling, provocative, moving, and of vital importance. Because what happened to Salman Rushdie was the first act of a drama that is still unfolding somewhere in the world every day.

Well here's to hoping you get it soon! You did say worked in the care-giving part of the health care field right? One the most under-paid and under-appreciated professions out there, in my opinion.

Maybe I'm just a freak then...'cause I like these kind of stories. Even when they leave me shocked, apalled and crying.

If it's a storyline that I really enjoy, then I prefer a series over standalone books. I do agree that sometimes really successful series have their ups and downs, but unless it's really gone very badly downhill, I will generally feel the need to purchase and read the entire series. Also, I prefer series that have multiple story arcs and characters. As long as they all get properly tied up in the end, that is. Personally speaking, I've found that how much I enjoy any particular book or series, depends in large part to how I'm feeling about life in general. Like if something really negative or upsetting is happening in my real life, I likely to go one of two ways in terms of my reading habits. I'll either read, obsessively, about anything remotely related to my situation, or avoid anything that might even remotely encompass the subject matter. And if we're talking non-fiction, I have tendency to gorge myself reading up on a topic that interests me. Kinda like eating so much of something you love until it reaches the point that you can't stand it anymore! Oh lordy, I hope this make sense and doesn't make me sound like a total nutbar. Or a hormonal teenager. (Was a long time ago, but fresh enough to remember that once in a lifetime is enough!)

Hi Ruby! Nice to see a fellow Canuck join us! You might want to start your own introduction thread so folks know you're here. I'm sure you'll find something here to enjoy. There's a ton of stuff for readers of anything and everything.

You're welcome! Glad to hear Jasper is feeling better. Yup, when mine feels the "urge" it doesn't seem to matter where he is, he just let's it rip. Even tried it on my bed the other day and I only had time to push him off. I know what you mean never hitting non-carpeted areas. I've seen mine actually dash from the bathroom or kitchen floors so he can land on the carpet. I've tried the whole following him with a dish and trying to quickly stuff it under the chin in time...amazing how they can hold it back and give you filthy looks all at the same time. No, I don't think you're over-reacting at all. Sounds like the owner is more poorly trained than her dog.T he exact same thing happened with both my labs. Twice with the first one and one with the current one. All three times it was German Shepherds. Personally love the breed, but maybe it's something about those who have them? The worst occasion with my previous lab. We were at a park for her first outing after major surgery and we saw both the Shepard and the owner as he slipped the leash off when they arrived. I went so far as to go up the owner, explain that ours has just had major surgery and was nervous around other large dogs having been mostly around little ones all her life. "Oh, not to worry he's quite friendly and well mannered," he tells me. "Yes, but this is not an off-leash park and I can clearly see that he has not been neutered." Before either of us can say another word and before my husband, who was sitting with her and had hold of her leash, his dog bolted over and mounted her! All three of us put an end to matters but fast before it went any further. But man, was I ticked off! Poor Katie was scared silly and just wanted to bolt for the car. Grrr. And this after she'd been attacked by two Shepherds a few years earlier in yet another off leash park. Actually attacked in that case, though thankfully had only minor bite wounds. I actually had a Shepard many, many years ago and know from experience that they are a very sweet and loving breed. But they are also large, muscular and exuberant. Being a responsible owner is essential in all cases, but if you have a large breed and take them anywhere outside your own fenced yard, it's crucial. I mean look, we all know labs are sweet, cuddly wimps that would befriend a stick, but even so they are large with big teeth and lots of muscle power. Ergo, we don't allow them to run free and just bound up to other animals and people! Irresponsible owners are, pardon the pun, a huge pet peeve of mine!

Oh Pontable, I’m so very sorry to hear that. It’s bloody awful news. There are no words that can truly comfort that poor family. I just hope they don’t blame themselves as survivors are want to do. And you, even if you didn’t know that girl personally, it’s still a devastating thing to happen, especially within your circle of friends. :empathy: I agree with Emelee that the cracks in our different medical systems are still unacceptably huge. Trying to get help in a timely manner, for yourself if you are fortunate enough to recognize that you need such help, or for a loved one you if you see the signs they don’t. And even if you can get help, the funds are never enough to provide for individual needs, or research the expand the knowledge needed to provide it. Plus, despite living in the “information age” when things like mental illness should be treated with the same respect by both the medical community and society as you would treat any other illness of disease, and not be such a social stigma, people are still treated like social pariahs. Heaven forbid if you should tell people that you suffer from depression or any of the other myriad of conditions. It can affect your ability to get and keep a job, be welcome in by your so-called friends. Doctors are all too often ready to drown the problem with a cocktail of drugs, then blame any other medical issues on the psychological issue(s). A shame is right, to put it mildly! Chaliepud, sorry to hear the sad news about your friend and the other friend’s dog. And of course about your own doggy. It is so sad when we realize one of our furry kids is nearing the end of the lives. I am so pleased that my elderly kitty saw her 18th birthday this past Mother’s Day, but it’s still up in the air whether she will see her next one. Let’s just hang onto the ones we have and try not to dwell too much on days we won’t. I know, easier said than done. Muggle not, wow! Great speech. Go ahead and brag, you’re certainly entitled to! Raven, enjoy your week off! Talisman, 7 days in a row? And FIVE weeks between paydays? Yikes, don’t know how you do it! Glad you at least go a lunch and movie in.

Thought you'd enjoy that! And old he might be (pushing 77 next week), but he eats like a horse. Not that you'd know it because he never gains a single pound and never has. Don't think he likes plastic, but with the amount he can cram in his face, I do wonder sometimes... Emelee and Bobblybear: Some people, not most mind you, but some people do get lucky when it comes to teething puppies. In that they don't always leave a trail of destruction behind them I mean. Keeping them very busy and providing tons of yummy chew toys helps a lot, of course, but some, like my current and previous lab, weren't happy until they had chewed through everything that could even remotely fit in their yaps! Bobblybear, yup yours is at the "teenage rebellion" age, but keep in mind that it can last for a few years, so you may or may not be nearing the end of this phase in his life. Plus I've been told by a number of vets over the years that labs "grow-up" as far as they are going to in terms of mental maturity, at around age two, or age 5. And sure enough, my first lab was about 2, and this one was about 5 - after she started showing some grey around the muzzle! Personality wise though, I don't think any of the retriever breeds ever completely grow up. That's what makes them so lovable! As for being nervous around other dogs, I do agree that they need to be socialized very young, but have also had instances where irresponsible dog owners have their dogs off-leash where they shouldn't be and have come after my dogs. My best advice is that for dogs you want yours to meet, talk to the owner first - tell them yours is a nervous nellie just as a way to start the conversation - have them introduce you to their dog and go be your gut feeling if you think it wise to proceed with letting the dogs themselves meet. If anything seems at all off and you don't want them to meet, then make an excuse and move on. If you do allow them to meet and the other dog starts to get aggressive, pull yours away, smile, say "sorry, it looks like he's not quite ready yet" and get away.

Chesilbeach, I didn't even know there was a "Paste Special" function! I've used several different versions of Word over the years and yet I'd never noticed that particular function. Of course I've never really used it for more than basic word processing before either. Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention! Just checked in Word and it is indeed there. I played around with it for a few minutes and I'm not yet sure if its going to work for a Word table, but it's closer than anything I've tried so far. Will have to spend some time playing around with it to be sure. I have a feeling though, that a database type software is what I might end of up needing. The problem is locating one that both fits the bill (of what I need) and is actually affordable. So if you or anyone else here can think of one that might, please do let me know! Again, any and all help/suggestions would be most gratefully appreciated!

Ooh, I'm jealous. Those are about the only type of shopping trips I actually enjoy. Provided of course that my mule, er husband, is following quietly along to carry my haul. Hope you find lots of great buys. Good luck!

Thanks Bree. I keep forgetting that function and it seems like everytime I've almost finished something, someone walks in to bug me with a really important question, like "where's my shirt" or other such life threatening crisis's, or cats bolting across my keyboard during a turf war. Edit and save, edit and save, it's a mantra I used to live by and really must start doing so again!

Okay this is a long post and for that you have my apologies. (And also if I've put this under the wrong topic.) But I do hope you keep reading because I’m really stuck on this project and would really appreciate any and all suggestions! I've been hopping all over the internet for weeks trying to find a solution, but am not having any luck. I have all several notebooks with handwritten vocabulary lists and a couple of portable electronic dictionaries with full personal vocabulary lists. I would like to amalgamate all of my assorted lists into an electronic list I can manipulate, make changes, sort and cross-reference. Basically I’m trying to build a custom dictionary, but not just in simple word list format. Because I have the memory of a flea and much of what I read uses words that I wouldn’t otherwise run across, I like to keep a written record of them, complete with the most comprehensive definition I can locate. I want to also include any other etymology info I think might be useful, such as the word origins, and sample usage phrases or sentences. And I want to have tag words that trigger the topics I associate with a particular word. So basically I’m thinking a very basic, word oriented database (or any type of program). I’ve been looking for free, or at least remotely affordable software that would do the trick. Unfortunately everything I’ve come across that might work is either several hundred dollars and/or way too complicated for me. Usually both. I have Windows Home and Student Premium, with Word and Excel 2007. I do know about the Word “Custom Dictionary” function, but it is nothing more than a glorified word list. You can’t add definitions or organize it to your preference. And believe me I’ve checked, having trolled extensively through the Microsoft help pages and support forums. Everyone keeps pointing me to the “Custom Dictionary” function even after confirming that it is simply a word list. I’ve also asked at several free techy sites and still get the same answers wherever I go. My purpose is not so much on spell checking as remembering and understanding the words, in the various forms they can be used in. My ideal goal would be something that would allow me to list a word, then set it to search the internet at pre-determined free dictionary sites for the most comprehensive definitions and other etymology info. Like book cataloguing software, but more basic. Failing that, I tried to create a simple word table with three columns: First column would have the Word Second column would have the definition and whatever other etymology info I might want to include Third column would have the Tag Words that signify what topics I associate the word with Unfortunately, copying the information (from an online dictionary page) for the 2nd column into a Word document, or even as a basic text one, keeps getting so garbled up that the time it takes to reformat it is longer than takes to just type it out. I also tried Excel, but aside from it being way too complicated (for me), it seems to have a character restriction per cell. I hope this is all makes sense. I’ve attached a mock-up Word table to give a better idea of what I mean. Can’t seem to copy it directly into this post. Just to be sure you could open at least one copy, I’ve attached it as both a Word 97 to 2003 document and as a .jpeg picture. Again, any and all suggestions would be most appreciated! Thank folks. dictionary mock-up table.doc

Apparently my thread is extra boring. Woe is me, no-one has commented... Poor little me is gonna go out and eat worms now. Ick! Where did that saying come from anyway? I've acquired a few new books since my last post here but the only one I can remember at the moment is the newest. Yet another bargain buy I couldn't walk away from! The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe, with Intro by Wilbur S. Scott Hardcover ISBN: 9780785814535 Coypright: 2001

Just read your blog. Sounds like you're definitely on the road to happiness and personal fulfillment. Keep up the great work!

Oops, another one I missed first time around. A belated but sincere Welcome to BCF!

I'm a bit behind here, but welcome aboard! There's a lot of stuff here so you are bound to run into more recommendations than you could possibly read!

Hi Ritu! Welcome to BCF.

Hi Emmy! You'll fit in just fine here, so welcome and enjoy!

Sounds like a pretty good introduction to me. Welcome aboard!

There's certainly tons here to explore, so have fun and welcome to forum!

Hello Ellen! There's a lot of people here with a ton of interests, so I'm sure you'll find plenty you can relate to.

Yup, we know what you mean. Books are the best of pals!

Greetings!