Sudokuaholics Anonymous 9A

Do journalists really believe that they are exempt from basic human decencies like helping out in rescue work? While there are survivors trapped, every able bodied person should be out there working on rescuing them, instead of filming and interviewing survivors. There's plenty of time AFTER people are safe to ask them about their stories!!!!

I guess it's their job, they are sent there to get the stories and we, the consumers, are watching our tvs feeling helpless. However, they have studied journalism and I would have thought it would include psychology. If a distressed person is to be interviewed, why not say - 'We understand your distress, but can you tell us your story......' Some people want to tell what happened but there must be better ways of approaching them.

Well, I'm a farmer, but that doesn't mean that when there's an emergency to be dealt with, I should go shovel out calving barns instead of helping. There are times when it's more important to help people than to just do your job. They should be human first and reporter second.

Heidi, nobody but qualified personnel are allowed to do any rescuing at this point - it's too dangerous.

Journalists definitely have a place, look at how much time we are spending watching the coverage - it's the stupid questions that get me!

What to do? our taxes are done and we have cheques for nearly $5000 waiting to be picked up. It will cost us $340 to do that and the cheques will take up to 7 days to clear. Do we pay the money and pick up the cheques, or spend the money on the party and wait another week for the cheques???

Yesterday on TV, I saw Christchurch police take a man away as if he was arrested. He was wearing a high-visibility vest. After they took him away another policeman said that he was trying to help, desperate to help but was only endangering lives (I know gung-ho people like that). Yes, I agree, help if you can - it was amazing how many ordinary citizens turned up to assist in the flood clean-up here, but I agree that only trained people can attempt the rescue here in NZ.

Suzy - Get the cheques and ask for a special clearance - it will cost but be cleared faster. But since when does it take 7 tays to clear a tax cheque - it should clear in 2 days. Banks! They put charges on everything and then delay every process. Once upon a time you could take your tax cheque to the bank and they would cash it immediately - it's a government cheque, for goodness sake.

I got the shock of my life when I moved back to Oz and didn't get immediate clearance on government cheques Cyn. I think I'll take your advice! As long as the cost isn't too high...

There are plenty of ways to help without requiring others to rescue you. Several years ago some friends of ours had a fire in their new sow barn... there were 3 thousand sows trapped inside. Besides the 10 fire departments that showed up, 150 people in the neighborhood showed up to help. Not everybody was going into the burning building to rescue animals. But all 150 friends and neighbors worked hard. The 10 fire departments were busy putting out the flames, and going into the most dangerous areas, but others (including myself), were helping at the doorways getting the sows out of the barn and getting them to a safe place a half mile away (including seriously burned animals), getting the injured animals settled in new quarters, and treating injuries. Some people were assisting the fire fighters in operating equipment. Others were feeding and hydrating rescuers and workers. Nobody, not even the press, stood around and watched.

CynB.... Since when do governments operate in the black? I would question their checks, too.

They're just about to bring out the 'woman under the desk' - tense time!

Years ago, Heidi, I'm sure our Government operated in the back. Now, hmmmm, not sure - except that this is the TAX department. They suck us dry - they'll definately be in the black.

We made it a stipulation on our bank accounts that there was to be no hold on any of our cheques. We can cash them right away. Our previous bank would not cash a cheque unless we had at least that amount already in our account - we no longer use that bank.

Just got back from helping D with the girls. I have to go back in a little while to put them to bed. We were doing craft type stuff a little earlier and I heard the youngest tell her sister, "Mommy's doing fun stuff with us because she has to go to the hospital." For some reason I just wanted to cry. It has been about 9 months now since my daughter was able to properly play with her children. I might have to lie down with the oldest tonight until she falls asleep because she has been having a few problems sleeping alone. If so, it will be a good chance to have a heart to heart with her. Their dad is on his late week and doesn't get home until near midnight.

She's out but they stopped the video link!
Her name is Anne and she's in her 40's - her husband is there waiting.

Off to feed my Mum her lunch - then some shopping. Back later.

They think it may not be the same Anne - what are the odds? Two Anne's trapped under a desk in the same building??!!

Wish they'd hurry up and confirm that one.

Theresa, I think I probably would have cried! Ouch!!

Heidi, I always had immediate clearance on tax cheques in California.

I have immediate clearance on gummint checks here, too, but I can understand some banks not trusting 'em.

Brenda, I didn't get you a new roof as I know you have plenty. I bought a and instead. Enjoy your day.

Busy morning.
my friend is having the PET scan today, results on Monday when she will see the oncologist. Fingers crossed for a good result.

I have been making a few cakes as the funeral is tomorrow and I told her husband I would make a couple of cakes for 'after'.
We are also getting the solar panels put on the roof. Hubby procrastinated for 12 months and then missed the extra discount!! How are you going with your panels CynB?
I am not sure that I want to watch the news coverage on Christchurch.I just feel sick when I think of all those people and their suffering. We also have a friend who lives there.

Brenda, How would you like a couple of rolls of wall paper for your bedroom?

I hope the PET scan results are better than even hoped for, June. Your friend has been going through way too much, and deserves something good happening.

Another cup of coffee here, heavy gninaelc taking it out of me...

June, I knew it was on either my brother's or Dana's birthday, but couldn't remember which. I hope everything comes back clear - this must be a long day for you! {{{{hugs}}}}

I have the TV on, unusual for me during the day, and catch bits and pieces as I go in and out - I have been teary or crying several times, especially when I heard the 15 people they found alive, are no longer alive.

Happy Birthday Brenda. I am sending bolts of fabric for draperies and cushions for your bedroom. Hope you like it!

For the teachers here:

My kind of teacher

A good education story....

A former Sergeant, having served his time with the Marine Corps, took a new job as a school teacher, but just before the school year started he injured his back.

He was required to wear a plaster cast around the upper part of his body. Fortunately, the cast fit under his shirt and wasn't noticeable. On the first day of class, he found himself assigned to the toughest students in the school.

The smart aleck punks, having already heard the new teacher was a former Marine, were leery of him and decided to see how tough he really was, before trying any pranks. Walking confidently into the rowdy classroom, the new teacher opened the window wide and sat down at his desk.

When a strong breeze made his tie flap, he picked up a stapler and promptly stapled the tie to his chest.

.....Dead silence... He had no trouble with discipline that year.

SEMPER FI!!

Trivia for the day: I just checked because I was watching connection to make sure that went through and it took 70KB download data and 110KB upload data to refresh the page... did you enjoy your trivia?

The news from New Zealand keeps getting sadder. This does show how much of a miracle the rescue of the Chilean miners really was.

I LOVE it, MizT!!!! Never heard that one.

Love it MizT!!

Hi all, have only glanced at the posts so can't really comment except to say, Tami...what'd I do this time!!!

June, sending huge best wishes for your friend's results xoxo

Off to do a cow check. Then to go to bed relatively early. I have to leave for the Pain Management Clinic just after 8am. I'm not going to have an epidural for 2 reasons... 1) I don't think that I really need it, and 2) I can't afford to be bedridden for 24 hours and taking it easy for several more days, in the beginning of calving season. I'm going to try to reschedule it for a month from now.

Hubby and I have just got home after going to a Transplant info morning...nothing really we didn't know but a few things have put hubby's mind to rest. He will still wait for a cadaver donor rather than me, but he has said that if he becomes critical and dialysis no longer helps, he will not say no anymore.

I'm sitting here listening to Alie and her singing teacher singing their duet. I hope to be able to post it tomorrow - but it will all depend on how much I get done today...

Gail, that is good news! You probably wish it was dealt with before it became critical, but at least you know it will be dealt with.

I hate to ask this, Gail, but can any organs be salvaged from New Zealand? I understand that the only usable ones would be from people who died in hospital after being rescued. Something good needs to come from this horror.

No official results till Monday. Friend took the disc home and looked at it and she is upset with what she thinks she can see. I pray she is wrong. No comments please, just keep us in your thoughts.

Gekko and good evening! Just checking in now and will take a few minutes to read (page 566, so I have a ways to go).

Hi, Suzy, Broni, Gail, CynB, Rolanda, Vivacious Viv, Theresa, June, Brenda, Tami and Heidi!

Suzy, I was already nervous with you about the party, but became more so when you mentioned friends inviting friends. Gail, Rolanda, V Viv, Broni and Cyn have all offered good advice. Could Ebob put together a list of those she's invited. It would be a start to check them off as they come in - kind of a way to take attendance if there is any question as to who is there. Now, I will keep my mouth shut. You have been forewarned, and now you will be forearmed. A phone in hand is a good touch! Tami's suggestion of a friend who is a body builder - or at least quite large - is a good one, also. Positive thoughts for you, sweetie!

V Viv, your posts did indeed go through! We were all delighted to see you! However, we don't mind having you check back periodically to see if we've read them! Take care of yourself, young lady!

June, so sorry to hear about your friend from the bowls club! RIP! {{{HUGS}}}

Brenda, enjoy celebrating your birthday with the bedroom designer - sort of an unconscious present to yourself. I'm sure you want to get under way on the decorating!

Gail ♥♥♥♥♥

June ♥♥♥♥♥

Just got back from staying with oldest grandie till she fell asleep. I think I fell asleep before she did. She thrashed around a bit, so I think an arm across the side of my head is what woke me up. She didn't really want to talk about her mom except to say that she didn't want her mom to go to the hospital. I explained that once the operation was over and mommy did her therapy, she would be as good as new and could play with them the way she used to, and take them places like she used to. It is hard on them.

Off to bed, will have to read more tomorrow. Hugs to all who need them. You are in my thoughts.

Theresa, I think you're going to have BIG problems with the eldest while her mum is in hospital. {{{hugs in advance}}}

On to page 567 and trying out a different avatar. (I decided to stick with a heart theme just because, even though Valentine's Day was last week.

HI, Heidi, Theresa, June, Suzy, Gail, Vicki, MizTricia and CynB!

Theresa, I hope it has been warmer today! How are you, your D and your grandie feeling! I hope you are all recovering! Take care and get as much sleep as you can!

June, It's a relief to know that your bowling friend went quickly and her passing didn't come as a complete surprise! Thinking of you!

Suzy, good for you for making progress on the party plans! Will be thinking of you!

Heidi, I hope all is continuing to go well with the calving! I also hope you find a couple of "just-right" girls to add to your breeding population! Why should IH care? Sounds like a good plan to take Robert as another pair of eyes (and hands, for when it's time to come home)!

Gail, I can see why something glandular is preferable for your brother than what you first imagined! What a relief that he is responding well to meds! Maybe this will be a good "kick-start" to hi quitting smoking!

Thinking of quitting smoking, just want to say that we're thinking of you, Nola, and hope your progress continues! I hope all is well in your world!

Heidi, I hope the rain quite before making a lot of new mud!

Suzy, the Pride girls seem to have made a mature decision in not pursuing recording yet. The time may come, but they are young and have high school and college ahead of them! It would NOT be an easy life!

MizT, it's too bad you and Al have to deal with some really long days away from home. Hopefully it was better today! Hoping all is going well and progress is being made in removing the "intruder." {{{{HUGS}}}} to both of you and positive thoughts and prayers! Hang in there!

While I'm at it, sending positive thoughts and prayers for the people in New Zealand, especially around Christchurch! I hope there will be no more fatalities!