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JulianLondon

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Posts posted by JulianLondon

  1. One thing I think that our community, in particular, must deal with in our new reality (or at least just me), is reassessing safety as regards to both casual and intimate methods of contact. For the past quarter century, we've known that certain intimate behavior like kissing and even oral sex is very low risk for HIV transmission, so we're accustomed to viewing those acts as "safe" or "safer" as compared to anal sex. COVID-19 turns all of that on its head because exposure to droplets of saliva and/or nasal mucus appears to be its chief mode of transmission.

     

    Kissing can now be a higher-risk behavior for a potentially lethal disease than anal or vaginal intercourse. That's hard to wrap my head around. Plus, it's unlikely that we'll have an effective and widely available vaccine before early to mid 2021, at the earliest, and the U.S.'s mass-testing infrastructure has been woefully inadequate. Given this current status, how many of us can really stay 100% celibate as to all sexual and/or intimate acts for a year or longer?

     

    Possibly one of the more important statements I've read on here.

     

    This is the new normal.

     

    Will be hard to get used and adjust to it.

     

    Immunity passports will become a big thing for all of us. If they can prove immunity lasts longer than 6 months which the jury is still out on.

  2. We upped our donation to The ASPCA and adopted a rescue Goldendoodle....he was sadly neglected..never let in the house....matted and tangled...After 1 week with us...a bath..haircut..nail trim and some good homemade liver/chicken/vegetables with rice he is the best!...Our other Goldendoodle Jack kisses him..paws him...(he got that from me)....Great for all..

     

     

    What an adorable looking dog ! Do they moult much as a breed?

  3. A great comment posted on the superb NY Times article below.

     

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/03/world/asia/coronavirus-spread-where-why.html#commentsContainer

     

    Times Pick

    The important question is are we going to be better prepared the next time an epidemic/pandemic strikes, and if not, why not? If the US can get through this outbreak, it will be thanks to the under-equipped hard-working, self-sacrificing doctors, nurses, health professionals, research scientists, epidemiologists and public health experts. And, NO thanks to the incompetent, misinforming, make-matters-worse President Trump and a Republican Party that cater to the rich and big business, and value money and partisan power over honesty, human decency, and the well being of people, society, and the planet. The best way to prepare for another epidemic, which is made more likely by climate change, is to have a strong public health system, decent affordable health insurance for all citizens, and a healthy food supply made possible by responsible agricultural methods, processing, and delivery systems. Also key is keeping our immune systems strong by choosing a healthy lifestyle; governments assuring clean water, soil, and air; dealing with homelessness and constructing effective caring, supportive communities and neighborhoods. Which is more important to society in the long run? A redundant and very expensive military (that can't win wars even against third world countries), or a high quality, healthy society, people, and environment that is planned for future generations as well? Is it guns, or health?

  4. Charlie that is so interesting, thank you for going into so much detail. It probably is a case that knowledge is power in helping your loved one. Diagnosis and some treatment even if perhaps later on it's palliative must be the right thing to do. I feel strongly my mother wants to deal with it her own way, being that sort of individual. She basically has an addiction to scrabble on her phone to keep her brain active while forgetting the most recent of things and remembering all things from her childhood.

     

    I think I will bite the bullet and encourage a conversation on the subject and hope she is keen to share what is clearly becoming a greater burden.

     

    I wish you and your partner the very best in your ongoing journey with this dreadful disease.

  5. On another post there was a brief mention on admitting, recognising and accepting dementia.

    Sorry if this discussion has been exhausted elsewhere but it struck a chord as an elderly relative is clearly hiding early-onset Alzheimers and it felt that indeed there is an incredible bravery in those who accept/admit and even discuss it with those close to them.

    My mother is a little like the character at the beginning of 'Still Alice' who is trying to deal with it alone and seems to be fighting it which to a point perhaps should be accepted but is sharing and acknowledging it always right? I worry for some that admitting it will mean the fight becomes weaker rather stronger but long term it has to be shared so loved ones can say goodbye before time runs out.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    [People with even very slight dementia know it. My mom told me long before I 

    Noticed.

    Grow up.

    I have been around people entering dementia for a very long time. I can tell you, your mother was beyond wonderful, to you and her family and friends, and most of all to herself, to recognize her decline and share it, and I presume to make the most out of what she could. You have been truly blessed. But many do not, and in fact, refuse to listen to those who they love as they try gently to explain that things aren't quite what they used to be. I am not simply parroting media in this. I think I see in Biden what I have seen in many others. I like Biden. It makes me sad.]

  6.  

    Stephen Fry

     

    We’ve been doing our best to collate the most credible science from around the world to paint a picture of how things might develop with this pandemic. Bear in mind, NO ONE knows for sure. This is all new. But we hope this film sheds some responsible light

     

  7. Mr Bear sounded a trooper. I understand this feeling very well, I'm glad you were there, we become extraordinarily close to our canine friends.....X

     

    The Power Of The Dog

     

    By Rudyard Kipling

     

    There is sorrow enough in the natural way

    From men and women to fill our day;

    And when we are certain of sorrow in store,

    Why do we always arrange for more?

    Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware

    Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

     

    Buy a pup and your money will buy

    Love unflinching that cannot lie—

    Perfect passion and worship fed

    By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.

    Nevertheless it is hardly fair

    To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

     

    When the fourteen years which Nature permits

    Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,

    And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs

    To lethal chambers or loaded guns,

    Then you will find—it’s your own affair—

    But … you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.

     

    When the body that lived at your single will,

    With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).

    When the spirit that answered your every mood

    Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,

    You will discover how much you care,

    And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

     

    We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,

    When it comes to burying Christian clay.

    Our loves are not given, but only lent,

    At compound interest of cent per cent.

    Though it is not always the case, I believe,

    That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve:

    For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,

    A short-time loan is as bad as a long—

    So why in—Heaven (before we are there)

    Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

  8. For anyone who doesn't understand the significance and importance of the monarch in the UK just take a look at the photo below of the NHS (National Health Service) staff standing to listen to her broadcast in the newly built Nightingale Hospital.

     

    [MEDIA=twitter]1246881763814670347[/MEDIA]

     

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/04/06/nation-reacted-queens-speech/

     

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52125059

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