Bonk....Bonk....Bonk....Bonk....

(Sound of head hitting computer monitor screen)

Why, oh why do I do this to myself? Didn't I learn my lesson months ago? Wandered over to Freedom to catch up on the kids in Idaho story, read a few other posts and things started getting ugly over there. Went over to CS and clicked on the Stocking Up thread and the last several posts are all folks waitin' for the rapture and wanting Jesus to take them now, or folks wanting the religious stuff to be deleted and some poor guy got sent a virus.....deja vu II! I've been happy and mellow all day and now I'm feeling bummed.

Well, that's it - I swear it - I'm done!! I'll just putter around here and over at thealmanack.com. I know I'm going to miss some interesting and entertaining stuff, but man - my psyche just cain't handle no mo!! If anyone knows of any pleasant forum sites, please let me know - farming, gardening, sewing, canning, cooking, critters, wild birds - just about anything. I'm not much of a surfer, so can't seem to find them on my own.

I really appreciate you folks being here - feels like comin' home!

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001

Answers

Polly, just click your ruby slippers together three times, take a deep breath, and repeat after me: "There's no place like Beyond the Sidewalks, There's no place like Beyond the Sidewalks"

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001

Good one, Sherri!

Do you know about the Garden Web forums, Polly? http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/

It IS nice to be among friends. Much easier on the nerves!

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Polly, now, just take this glass of ice tea, and sit down here on the comfy chair and put this wet washcloth on the back of your neck for a while. Don't DO that -- you've gotta look after your mental health y'know.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Now,tigger,honey,you all just stay right here at home.You don't need to be going to them there foreign lands.Why,they don't talk so good,and have awful funny customs.What you need that for?

So Sherri,who apparently lives in Oz,Indiana,is right-there's no place like Beyond. OK Jim,guess we have to thank you again.REALLY BIG KISS.

Haven't been to Freedom since diane made me look.I check out CS from time to time to see if any good advice had been offered, but don't linger.Yeah I looked at the stocking up thread a few days back. Same old same old. Still the same wizards there,too. Too bad. Ruined a perfectly good forum.

And Polly,ask and you shall receive...on wanting other forums. Check out Seeds of Change one too.Good bunch of organics there,except for the the pretender that now follows me around, compliments of CS. But they don't put up with much politics or bs on my other forums. So,not the problem it was over on CS.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Polly, I'm sorry you thought that things were getting ugly over on the Freedom forum on the thread about the situation in Idaho. I went back and re-read it. I didn't see anything ugly about it. It is a discussion about current events where people are trying very hard to make sense of and find the truth in a very contradictory series of news reports. This situation could easily happen to others. It already has so many times. Texas and Louisiana are both often very happy to confiscate children now, and look for reasons later. It just depends on the notion and mood of the Child Protective Services agent that responds to a complaint. The complaint can be from any "public servant" (teacher, medical professional, etc.) without fear of being held responsible for their actions. Private citizens that are believed to have made a false report for reasons of harassment or revenge are subject to prosecution.

I know that you are not much on politics on this forum. That is why there are two forums that left Countryside, not just one. I am sorry some of you don't want to know what it going on outside of your immediate world. And now, I apologize to the rest of the people on this forum for bringing politics into it. I just cannot stand by and let the charge of "ugliness" go unanswered. Seems we have much less in common than I ever dreamed.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Green, I love to argue politics, just can't find too many interested folks since the major election is over for the next few years, boy, I sure do despise Dubya, and his anti-enviromental bush-wacking, no pun intended. For shame so many otherwise sound minded folk voted for him just because of isolated view points, like his choice of no choice for womwn who find themselves pregnant and don't want to be, and no, I don't approve of abortion for women beyond three months, but, before that time period, they SHOULD have a choice! To base your choice on a world leader solely on his viewpoints on ONE thing is stupid, and truly sticking your head in the sand, like Polly refered to earlier!

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Green...to everything there is a season..and a time and a place. The politics and religion on what was set up as a homesteading forum are what caused all the trouble over on CS. And as you said,that is why these two forums now exist.

I don't mind either politics or religion,in their place.I don't even occasionally mind arguing,although I prefer a calm and rational discussion.There are forums to go to for people, like my better half, who love to argue. All forums don't have to be all things.

We have much in common,IMO.We choose to live in the country,we love gardening and raising animals and we all have what I consider pretty darn good morals and values,even tho our particular way we choose to show our spirituality may differ slightly. How many other people do you know that you can say this of.I never saw alot of differences, except in politics,and that's to be expected.

So accentuate the positive.But stay or go,your choice.

And I do stay away from Freedom bc some of the politics there is too much for me,plus,given people's unwarrented suspicions of me there,and my subsequent hacking experience,I definitely doubt I'd be welcomed.I doubt that I am incorrect.And,I don't go where I'm not wanted.

Polly and I(and others) have every right to feel as we do.After you've been cyberattacked, bc your husband used to work for the government and you dared express an opinion, come talk to me.Freedom lovers, my ass. Only your own!

Sorry,I got bitter there,for a moment.I apologize.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Sharon, so far as I know everyone that uses Beyond the Sidewalks and has posted on the Freedom forum has been welcomed. In fact, I can think of only one person that has been "disinvited" to post there. JC Survivor came over and wanted information about construction, then wanted to get rude and critical and even hateful when someone tried to help him. He did the same on CS and maybe here too. I'm not sure. For the most part, the people that post on Freedom are the ones that state their opinion and let others state theirs. They may argue, but they are not vindictive. Arguments and discussions are similar. It just depends on the viewpoint of the individuals involved. I do not understand how or why the discussions on Freedom keep being labeled as "ugly" and other such terms. That is why we differ so much I guess.

And for some of the others, yes, there are people on both CS and Freedom that are convinced the Rapture is about to happen. I just let those folks go. If that is what they believe, more power to 'em. I was raised in the Baptist church and have never seen anything in the Bible that even makes me think there could possibly be a Rapture as they describe it, and I've never seen anyone who was pressed for the scripture reference be able to find it. Still, if that is what they choose to believe I'll just let them. I don't believe it.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Oh Green, it wasn't the kids in Idaho post - I appreciated that one, especially the time the William took, and Grace, and Chamiosee. I really don't remember the name of the thread where things got ugly, but I did get upset - guess I REALLY am touchy-feely, huh ;o).

Y'see folks, I have this horrible addiction. It started when I was three years old and I've never been able to break it. Lordy,if I had the money that I've spent and all those hours back.....

Guess maybe I ought to start my own 12 step group?! Readers Anonymous - yep, that's it - I have an overwhelming addiction to the printed (or on screen) word! I fall asleep with a book in my hand, I reach for a book (or turn on 'puter) when I wake, I read in the car - not while driving! I read at half time at ball games, while I'm cooking, in the tub and on the pot. I read mysteries, contemperary fiction, autobiographies, newspapers, cereal boxes anything and everything except pornography and hysterica....ooops, I mean historical romance. (Those both lead to unrealistic expectations, in my book!)

So now you know my awful secret, and why I've been slipping away from "home" and visiting those other places....

Sherri, I've tried and tried, but the best I can do out of my closet is a pair of pink polka dot sneakers - d'ya think they'll work....There's no place like home..there's no place like home..there's no place like home....

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

The world is a better place where there are both dung beetles and honey bees. They both serve a very useful purpose. I have found dead dung beetles in bee hives and dead honey bees in dung heaps.

It appears to me that both are becoming rather extinct. Now what could be the problem??? For the honey bees to blame the dung beetles and the dung beetles to blame the honey bees really misses the issue.

For honey bees to form a healthy colony together and dung beetles to do the same is not a problem as far as I see. The mites that go from one species to the other carrying disease and discontent seem to be the real problem. Now mind you I am not labeling here, just like in alcoholism only an individual can "label" themselves. For me I am finding that when I visit the freedom forum my spirit feels all out of kilter for hours until I can refocus on a more positive force.

Sunday I went to the retirement party and goodbye mass of a very dear friend who happens to be a Catholic priest. He, IMHO is a true man of God, rather rare as far as I am concerned in any denomination. The bishop spoke of him as someone who went through life believing that everyone was just as good as him and capable of being just as nice. I chose to try and pattern myself after him and those like him.

If that is "head in the sand" and being like sheep.....so be it. My savior is a shepard.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Green: I checked the Idaho thread out after reading Pollys post and I have to agree with you. I didn't see anything too inflammatory there either. I also agree with your point about staying informed but theres another side to the issue and that is who or what does one believe? There are at least two very different stories there. Which is true and who's lying? How is one to know and who is one to believe?

I found myself getting pissed as I was reading about the plight of that family as reported by one of the papers quoted and have no problem believing in principle that agencies of the Gov. could do that.

But overall I guess I have a fatalistic view of the whole thing. The Gov. can and will do any damned thing they want, when they want and there ain't squat any of us can do about it. A friend of mine has been battling the IRS for years. He's not one of the so called "patriot" tax protesters, just a businessman thats getting screwed over. He's actually prevailing in the courts, very, very slowly but the way it looks the Gov. will eventually win by default because my buddy is almost 70yrs old. Is it right?----hell no! Does it happen? Yes. Is there anything we can do about it? Probably not.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

I guess to me it kinda boils down to what kind of topics do we even want to discuss. CS and Freedom apparently devoted a lot of space to the Idaho issue. We didn't talk about it very much here. Neither do we seem to have discussed gun control, abortion (until now), or even politics too much.

One could conclude that we 1) don't care about these issues; 2) are too busy to discuss them right now, as most folks here seem to be pretty busy (I was going to write: "have a life" but realize that's too strong) or 3) recognize that folks have different opinions and with that in mind, don't try to make big statements. Any or all of the above.

Anyway, we seem to enjoy just being conversational and sharing ideas. I see Beyond the Sidewalks incorporating some old time values of friendliness, thoughtfulness, and respect. Something most of us *have* discussed a lot because we *do* value it.

I like talking to folks here just like I would talk to my neighbors in real life. I don't go shouting, proselytizing, arguing, and generally bitching about everything each time I talk to the folks next door. Sometimes I ask for help/advice and sometimes they ask me. Mostly, though, I'm just glad to share the neighborhood with people I like.

Thanks, Jim, once again.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

I read that stocking up thread on CS and came away from it feeling yucky. All that doom and gloom stuff does seem ugly. There seems to be a wagon load of religious stuff on CS, so much so that I don't read much over there and only in extreme boredom do I check out the Freedom Forum. I like to know whats going on in the world and also like to discuss it, but to the point of being consumed by it. I just don't like to be around such negativity.

This forum is great, thanks Jim, even when folks disagree they are polite and respectful about it unless it some rable rouser that drops in to try to cause discontent.

I feel like stocking up and staying stocked up because of the economic turn down, in case of unemployment, hurricanes, and just because it makes me feel more secure.

Namaste,

I feel like stock

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

I'm certainly not opposed to political discussions on this forum. But I haven't done anything to promote those discussions, either. I'm simply burned out on the whole matter. I was heavily involved with people (like-minded libertarians and anarchists) in the past who would - on a daily basis - post and discuss the latest and greatest government outrage. But that's pretty much ALL we did - I got really sick of the constant bitching and moaning with no solutions.

Like many of you, I also am worried over the direction this country is headed. I think we're well on our way to a fascist type of government but I just don't have a clue on how to change the direction. And please don't tell me to write my congress-critter or vote for third-party candidates - been there, done that. That's worked about as well as tits on a boar hog, IMO. Harry Browne (Libertarian cadidate) did *worse* in the 2000 election than he did in the 1996 election. If he - one of the best representatives that the Libs have had to offer in their *entire* existence - can't get the votes, then I sure as hell don't know who will...

I'm at the point now where I'm pretty much in agreement with a buddy of mine who once wrote that "America is at an awkward stage, it's too late to work within the system but too early to shoot the bastards". I believe we are heading toward something mighty unpleasant but don't have a clue on how to prevent it. It almost has an air of inevitability to it.

I'm not advocating that people just give up or god forbid, start shooting government workers. I would just like to see some worthwile solutions offered and not just bitching and moaning on the subject. It seems like there are a lot of arm-chair warriors out there who like to puff up their chests and talk big through their keyboards but really don't have much in the way of solutions. Until I start seeing some feasible solutions I think I'll just sit this one out.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

I love to talk politics; guess you'd call me a political junkie. Its very much a part of my life to follow what's going on, but yes, political discussions have to be done in a respectful manner.There are certain individuals on the CS, Freedom Forums who are so opinionated and close-minded that they cant say anything without putting down those who hold another view.

I enjoyed reading the Idaho threads; I think its vital for us to be informed,even when the information is confusing and infuriating. As far as government intervention in peoples' lives, and crooked local politics, I would venture to guess many of us here feel strongly about it as do the FSL folks. The difference would proabably be that were we to discuss and DISAGREE, we most likely would still refrain from put-downs and sarcasm, as do most of the people over at FSL, who are good folks who have strong opinions, and that's not in and of itself a bad thing.

As to the threads about the Rapture, they don't make me feel bad; in fact (I know this may sound condescending, and for that I'm sorry) but I find them rather amusing. You've got to admit some the scenarios put forth are the stuff of great science fiction, when they take all this sooooo literally!

By the way, Diane, I loved your post!

And Polly, can I join your support group? I suffer from the same affliction, and even worse, its usually not good enough for me to just READ the books, I have to OWN them! So I am always spending money on books, am drowning in them, and have a hard time letting them go. I read in all those same places you do, and have even been known to read while driving the tractor in the field, at long stop lights when driving the car, or while brushing the dog.

I'm not too much for fiction, most of my reading nowadays is spiritual, political,self-help, agriculture, enviromental stuff. Every once in awhile my kids sit me down and order me to read something fun! I know its nuts, but I sorta feel guilty when I do that; like I'm wasting time! Do you think I have any hope??

Blessings,

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Another proud member of Bookworms 'R' Us, here! Apparently, there's another subset, I MUST Own It! I belong to that subset too. Read, read, read! :-D

This time, I think EM was doing the channeling for me. I agree entirely with her post.

I really HATE that various factions have to "win" by sending viruses (virusi?) and other cyber attacks to their "opposition". Another good reason to stay out of it all, if possible.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Better sign me up for Bookoholics Anonymous too. Sometimes I even have dreams where I'm reading books. I"ve been trying to visit the library more and cut down on my book buying habits, but I did break down and buy 3 books from Earthmama today.

I started reading "Walden" today. I've never read it before, and I'm really looking forward to it.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Oh boy, Jim, I'm sure glad I'm not the only one that feels like you do about the political environment lately, I can get downright depressed if I think about it too much, BUT, like you say, it ain't bad enough yet just to shoot the ***tards! Even though I feel like it! Like you, I'm at a loss at who to vote for, we sure do need something "New and Novel" to lead this country out of this quagmire!

I will continue to vote third party, if only for the reason that I cannot stand to prostitute myself to the Republicans or the Democrats. I refuse to be party either bunch of same olds, same olds.

Sure happy we all can talk about it though, without being attacked needlessly, and told repeatedly that being saved will solve all my "problems"!

Thanks again, Jim, for hosting this website!

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Was reading on another forum a few days ago. Someone got cranky and said stop already with the "no difference between parties" stuff. Pointed out that the Reps and Dems are like a pair of horses belonging to the same person. The horses are different. But they have the same owner. Well, I thought it was pithy, anyway! ;-)

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

I don't let the crankys get to me. I'm calm and cool. Although I did tell them to be nice a week or so ago, but I said to be nice in a nice way. And I'd do it again if I had the time which I don't. I still like Countryside. Plus, Earthmama has given me a smile in dealing with cranky people, and I'm using it! A smile will get em every time! What? Do you mean you can't see me smiling, well I am! No worries Polly, just be yourself, we love ya.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Have I ever mentioned that you guys are the greatest?

Well, you are!! Thanks for being here; and for being yourselves! And thanks again for starting this forum, Jim!

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Why is everyone all excited about storing up food again? Do you have to pack a lunch for the rapture? Please don't tell me to read the posts! How about a coupla sentences to recap? thanks

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

p.s. I have been experiencing an urge to *eat* more...

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Someone started out feeling antsy and wanted to stock up and asked if anyone else felt that way and it went from yeah, I feel like maybe we ought to have a few extra cans on hand to Jesus is coming and it can't be too soon for me.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

My name is Judy and I am a bookaholic. . . and I must, absolutely must OWN them. Periodically someone will ask me if I have read all my books and I tell them I am working on it. I'm not much on fiction either, but do read it sometimes. And God help me when I find an author that I like and he/she has written several books, well I can't rest until I have all of them. I like gardening, homesteading, self- sufficiency, self-help, some literature, I keep trying to get through Britanica's Great Works, some things I have three of, one for home, one for the car, and one for work. And I did think I had died and gone to heaven when I completed my Mother Earth News collections from ebay. I ended up with some duplicates (I gave away several) but the Ones I have left I am thinking about taking with me when its my time to go, along with a few favorite books, (I want to leave my collection intact for another person like myself) I made my sons promise to sell them all, pass them on, share them with another likeminded soul. I just can't go anywhere without taking a book or two with me and that's why I have some selected to take to the here after with me (bury them with me or throw them on the fire with me, just don't send me off without them, hmmm, maybe I'd better take a couple of cds with me too).

Okay, time to take my pill. . .

Namaste,

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Polly! ROFLMAO!!!! Sounds about right! Maybe there is a template someplace? Thanks!

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

"My name is Judy and I am a bookaholic. . . and I must, absolutely must OWN them" Yeah, me too. Whats up with that? Is it something in the water?

-- Anonymous, June 06, 2001

So we all have something else in common.....this is getting spooky!!! My books own me.

-- Anonymous, June 06, 2001

John,diane et al...I think it's bc we seek information and answers from many sources,not just listen to what someone tells us and follow someone else's idea of how or what we should be.I am that way.I don't like to be told what I should think.I got a brain and can figure out what to believe, for myself. Which is why I rarely join groups.

I also buy books, bc I think we need to save knowledge; same reason I save seeds and learn old ways and get old tools and live in EKY where I can still talk to people who know the old knowledge, and have my land and about everything I do.I think we are going to need all that, and my place will be an ark. My consuming purpose.

-- Anonymous, June 06, 2001

Oh..and Jim,I already told you,but that was about the most intelligent analysis I'd heard in a while. I'm pretty well fed up,too...but esp. with the arm-chair warriors.

-- Anonymous, June 06, 2001

Interesting. I love reading, too. Probably one of my eating "problems" is reading (anything...) during every meal... I guess I'm sick! I read coupon flyers and advertising if I'm desperate. However, I don't buy books much anymore. I really, really try to use the library and the internet for as much as I can. (or borrow from my friends who collect!)

My mom (age 78) is incredible with her use of the library as a resource. She surfs Amazon.com almost daily and then goes online to our regional library system and reserves titles. She still has to drive the, oh, two miles to the library from her house to pick them up, but hey, she needs to get out anyway! She must read a dozen books a week and for no cost, essentially. I was visiting with her today and she had a new Sue Grafton mystery (she's a mystery addict, among other things!) that came out June 4th. She put her name on the waiting list at the library last August!)

I do have boxes of books stored in garbage bags within sturdy boxes in the garage. I must admit (with Y2k as a threat) to have stockpiled every resource book that I could conceive of...even how to build methanol engines, etc. (Like I'm probably going to do that!) So..those books and some of my favorite classics are going to stay.

The rest I just can't see storing. I can check them out at the library any time. (kind of...)

You guys must have big homes!

-- Anonymous, June 06, 2001

Well...ditto for me on the "book thing". Right now I'm collecting all of Stephen King's books (have to --I live in Maine!!). But also have to confess to the cross stitch collecting addiction. I can't walk past a craft store without picking up a kit or two. One thing for sure, I wont be able to make up my mind as to what I should do on this "Rapture" trip...read or cross stitch! Maybe instead of packing a lunch we could stop somewhere along the way and have a cookout. I'll bring the hotdogs!!! BTW...did I just do one of those "thread drift" things? Heard somewhere that's a no-no also!

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2001

Hey, Marcia, If you like Stephen King you should also read Dean Koonz. He's really good too. One of my all time favorite books is "Swan's Song" by Robert McCammon. Another favorite is "A Gift Upon the Shore" by M.K. Wren. Most of these are paperback which I find much easier to read.

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2001

No, no Marcia - that's the other forum....I think thread drift is required over here! Or at least, not discouraged! That's where the interesting stuff comes from.

I, too, must own the books - to the point where Diana, proprietess of my favorite used book store, LOANED me a book to read - 'cause she hadn't read it yet and knew I wouldn't bring it back to trade in! Any one else re-read threir books many times over? Or, have a book, can't find it, decide you absolutely MUST read it again, buy another copy and read it, go to put it on the shelf and find the first copy sitting right there where it was supposed to be and you know darn well it wasn't there two days ago....bleep-blapping book poltergiests anyhow!!

Jes needed a "classic" to take to English class - her definition "A book that's older than you, Mom". No problemo!!! Actually I gave her "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" - it's younger than me, but not by much. Turned out it was one of her teacher's favorites. But Sis did ask me "So, is this why you decided you wanted to grow up and be Nurse Ratched, Mom?!" Miserable brat!! I'd probably beat her if I could catch her! (Yeah, right!)

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2001

I use the library too, to find out whether or not I like a particular book. This has kept me from buying mistakes. And when I buy a book that I already have, well it really tics me off to say the least, thats money I could use to buy a different book. My books are still not organized from our move last summer, so I really have to dig deep sometimes to find something. Get rid of books because they take up too much space, NEVER! I'll sleep with them first (well, I do that anyway). There are only a few fiction writers that I collect, I am in the New Orleans area so of course I have all of Anne Rice, I rediscovered Frances Parkinson Keyes (another part time local) last year and decided I must have all of her books (okay I stopped at about 30, but certainly have all the ones set in Louisiana, she has a really interesting cookbook too) her stuff is set alot in the 40's and 50's, kind of silly but can be a page turner, but there was alot of stuff back then that might seem silly these days; fiction is one genre that I do go to the library for when I am in a fiction reading mood. I read one book last year called "Trainman" about this guy that had a beef with the railroad and he started blowing up the train bridges across the Mississippi River. Since I live near the Mississippi River and at that time just down the street from the Huey P. Long bridge (a serious bridge), I could not look at that bridge and not think about the pandemonium if it had been blown up. Good book, interesting twist.

Bottom line, I am a serious bibliophile and see no reason to change. I did, however, gasp at how much money I spent on books in preparation for y2k, okay I believed I might not ever have a chance to buy books again and I didn't want to run out of stuff to read.

Namaste,

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2001

It's neat to see so many other bibliophiles on this forum. I too use Amazon.com to find books of interest and then put them on hold at my library. Although I don't read 12 books a week like Sheepish's mom, I do manage maybe 4 books a week in the winter time. I also read quite a broad selection of magazines from the library, too.

Dianne: I read "A Gift Upon the Shore" and absolutely LOVED it. Sharon, If you haven't read this book yet I think you'd love it. It's about two women who save books for future generations after society collapses from nuclear war.

A Gift Upon the Shore by M.K. Wren

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2001

Polly I had to laugh when I read your comments about reading anything and everything. I thought I was the only person that did that. I have books or magazines in every room in the house and always have multiple books I am reading at the same time. Since I commute to work in a vanpool 45 minutes each way I spend that time reading books. I even use a flashlight in the winter when it is dark so I can still keep reading. I read the back of the cereal box when I am having breakfast. (Make that back, front and sides.) If I run out of something to read when I am in the john I pick up the container of cleanser and read what is on it. I read license plates, signs and every printed word I can find. Consequently, I have picked up a lot of useful (and a lot of useless knowledge) about a lot of things and people at work will ask me how the heck I knew that about something and it is just because I have read it somewhere. I think one of the things that made me this way was that my parents always read books to me when I was little and we were strongly encourage to read. I subscribed to the Weekly Reader and drove my parents crazy waiting for the mail to come on the day it was due. Also, my parents never discouraged us from reading anything even if it was a comic book. We were allowed to bring comic books to the breakfast or lunch table to read while we ate although not to the supper table. (Regular books weren't allowed at the table because we might soil them and books were meant to be respected.) To this day, I almost do not eat a meal without reading something (usually Countryside or one of the other homestead magazines I subscribe to.) I also don't like to read a book more than once so I don't tend to own a lot of books except for reference books like on gardening, sewing, quilting, etc. But I am at the library every other week and usually walk out with a huge stack of books. I hate to think what it is going to be like when I retire and have a lot more time to read. I will probably have to have a room reserved for me at the library. I'm glad to hear there are so many others that read a lot. I have done volunteer tutoring to help inner city kids learn to read and hope that someday they too can get the pleasure that I get out of readng.

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2001

I'm new here but couldn't resist this topic. I too am a reading "alcoholic". The advantage I have over any I've seen post here is I work at a libray and help make the decisions on what books to buy LOL It's the greatest job in the world and I spend 1/2 my time at work looking up books on Amazon to see what people think etc. I don't buy many books of my own but I do buy a few to have in the cars etc. How could I wait for kids or someone for ages without something to read.

I do the processing of the books before patrons take them out and some just happen to get set aside for me to take home first. We also have inter-library loan and I've always got something or other on order for myself. It's a great job, I should pay them for letting me work there.......well, maybe not!

Dee

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2001

Dianne, I have collected some of Dean Koontz...really good books! Judy, I have one Anne Rice book--"The Witching Hour" and have never read it. Someone told me it was really deep and scary. Don't know why I read this stuff. I'm a real wimp at heart!! Can't even watch a horror movie alone!

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2001