dogster are you OK?
 

The raging fires around Melbourne concern fodorites since that's where you're headquartered. Are you OK?

I think the raging fire is around that cruise trip thread, lmao.

I have been emailing relatives & friends in & around Melb all day. It is just awful. I know 4 people who have lost homes but they are safe thank goodnes. For some reason I imagine the Dog living close to the city so I hope I am right and that he wasn't somewhere close to these devistating fires.
J

There are a couple of threads running in the Lounge about the fires too. Dogster doesn't go to the Lounge (he's a smart dog) but he should see your message here.

Thinking of you Dogster, from Jaya.

For those wanting to donate to the fire victims of Victoria:

http://www.redcross.org.au/default.asp

But seriously, I hope the dogster is fine.

Bless you all.

Yes, I'm fine. Like all of these things, to watch CNN. etc. you'd think Melbourne was burning too - but, alas, not a cloud of smoke in my sky. I live in dead centre of Melbourne, right in the heart of the CBD.

We have different terrors to live with; combustible youth, the weekend fire-storm of drink, drugs and thick-headed violence...

Up the road it's been a different matter. Once, as a lad, I went out fighting fires. I saw what they are talking about, felt that wall of power. A bushfire is a vicious, ugly thing. Can't do anything but run or submit. So send your prayers - they're needed.

But not by me. Not for bushfires, anyway. Prayers, in general, are always gratefully received.

Now, I'll just head back to the cruising board - I have some unfinished business... heh...

Glda to hear my instinct about you living in the city were right. I have come to find out 3 of my friends have lost their homes but at least they are OK. Very tough day in Vic to say the least. Heartbreaking. J

I'm glad to hear you are ok, dogster.

The fires do look just terrible. Melnq8, I agree, giving to the relief effort is a good idea.

The day of 46.4 heat was very extraordinary - we'd had a run of 44,45 but 46 was a new world record. Everything was dry. Vroooomph. Scary stuff.

I just crept into the other Forum for a look. I don't like to talk in there - too vacuous and scary for me - but I did note the huge gush of concern. Very heart-warming. I do note a tendency for people to OWN the tragedy, something I'm trying to steer clear of here. Human nature, I guess, to want to personalise the event. I'm a little uncomfortable with that stance - but that's just me.

On matters of donation it occurs to me that our P.M. is about to release a $42 quadrillion stimulous package for the economy. Frankly, if he could be bothered, the money might be better spent on these poor burnt-out fire victims than hurled down the black hole in the pockets of his banking and businessman friends.

I'd assume those $$ will vanish too - just like the measures a certain other ex-administration put in place in another land far,far away. I've been watching C-Span. Not pretty.

I think we often want to make a donation to palliate our frustration and rage at our inability to do anything else. It's such a wonderful impulse. I'm not sure it's required in this instance.

Remember, we have a very different system and society in Australia. Health care for all, a flourishing economy [till now], a nanny-society run by school-teachers and librarians - the very people you WANT to have running your country; safe, sound, secure - [dull as ditchwater to my eyes, but that's me]. A wall of love will follow the flames. Despite our gruff exterior, it's in our nature.

The death toll has just been revised - 128 now. If you do need to donate then here's the most direct route:

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...018723,00.html

these links give you the local paper's breaking news and all the journalism you need.

www.news.com.au/heraldsun/
www.theage.com.au/

128? That sounds so high. Glad to hear you're OK, like jules I figured you were probably a city dog, but I did wonder.

Also glad you're safe and assume your dog house is air conditioned to the max.

Its sure a bad season - half the east is on fire and the other is under water - just can't win!

dogster
Glad to hear that you are safe. Keep us informed, if you can.
Carol

Happy to hear that you are well, dogster, and so very sorry for all those who have suffered terribly from these extraordinary fires. The charges of "arson" deepen the sadness.

Dogster -- Relieved to hear you are ok, stay safe!