dogster are you OK?
Feb 8th, 2009, 01:34 PM
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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
J
Feb 8th, 2009, 02:08 PM
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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.
Thinking of you Dogster, from Jaya.
Feb 8th, 2009, 02:33 PM
#5
Feb 8th, 2009, 05:13 PM
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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...
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...
Feb 8th, 2009, 05:33 PM
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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
Feb 8th, 2009, 06:22 PM
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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 $$ will vanish too - just like the measures a certain other ex-administration put in place in another land far,far away. I've been watching C-Span. Not pretty.
I think we often want to make a donation to palliate our frustration and rage at our inability to do anything else. It's such a wonderful impulse. I'm not sure it's required in this instance.
Remember, we have a very different system and society in Australia. Health care for all, a flourishing economy [till now], a nanny-society run by school-teachers and librarians - the very people you WANT to have running your country; safe, sound, secure - [dull as ditchwater to my eyes, but that's me]. A wall of love will follow the flames. Despite our gruff exterior, it's in our nature.
I just crept into the other Forum for a look. I don't like to talk in there - too vacuous and scary for me - but I did note the huge gush of concern. Very heart-warming. I do note a tendency for people to OWN the tragedy, something I'm trying to steer clear of here. Human nature, I guess, to want to personalise the event. I'm a little uncomfortable with that stance - but that's just me.
On matters of donation it occurs to me that our P.M. is about to release a $42 quadrillion stimulous package for the economy. Frankly, if he could be bothered, the money might be better spent on these poor burnt-out fire victims than hurled down the black hole in the pockets of his banking and businessman friends.
I'd assume those $$ 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.
Feb 8th, 2009, 06:38 PM
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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/
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/
