I went into the Waterstones in Manchester on Deansgate at the weekend. It was the first time I'd been in for 18 months or so and I was shocked. Around half of the ground floor no longer contains books, but cards and wrapping paper. The shelves that remain were no longer packed with books. The though that went through my mind was that the shop was not long for this world.
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Steve -
& it would seem that Tim Waterstone isn't in the picture -
"James Daunt, who has a chain of six bookshops in London, Daunt Books, will run Waterstone's once the deal is finalised. He will carry out a review of the business, which currently comprises 296 Waterstone's bookstores, employing about 4,500 people. Mr Daunt said the deal would "secure a dynamic future" for the company."
But there could be a more 'local' feel to the shops -
"Alexander Mamut signalled a potential change in direction for the UK's largest bookshop chain. "The opportunity ahead to reposition Waterstone's as a regional and local community-orientated bookseller is an exciting one," he said. "The business enjoys a great loyalty from its customers and I believe that there is considerable integrity and value in the brand.""Comment
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That's what I used to think ...I often browse in Oxfam, rarely buy and when I do I mutter "all in a good cause" under my breath
Some months ago I got a phone call from a lady, who claimed to be a representative of Oxfam, earnestly enquiring if I knew how much 'wimmin' were exploited in Africa.
After my initial shock had subsided, I simply replied I had no interest whatsoever in western-style feminist politics, and when I contribute to Oxfam I expect my contribution to be solely directed towards the starving poor of either sex, especially children. There was then an awkward silence so I thought it best to thank the lady for her call and then quickly end it.
I can hardly believe I'm now referring to possibly the largest and supposedly 'non-political ' charitable organisation here ...
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All charities are political, scotty - even the registration-exempt ones, like ChurchesOriginally posted by scottycelt View PostThat's what I used to think ...
Some months ago I got a phone call from a lady, who claimed to be a representative of Oxfam, earnestly enquiring if I knew how much 'wimmin' were exploited in Africa.
After my initial shock had subsided, I simply replied I had no interest whatsoever in western-style feminist politics, and when I contribute to Oxfam I expect my contribution to be solely directed towards the starving poor of either sex, especially children. There was then an awkward silence so I thought it best to thank the lady for her call and then quickly end it.
I can hardly believe I'm now referring to possibly the largest and supposedly 'non-political ' charitable organisation here ...
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Scotty, I think it's generally recognised that if help is directed at women you make a much bigger difference to health & wealth. It's generally women (and children) who till the land, look after animals, fetch water, etc. Educating women (and children) can make a huge difference to the lives of all people. Helping women set up small businesses (whitch can be as simple as taking produce to market & selling it) increases the family income (women tend to be mutch more enterprising than men). Channelling the money through the menfolk just doesn't have the same effect.
It was rather the same here when child benefit became payable directly to women, rather than through men's pay packets - it had much more impact & benefit for the children, as women used it for what it was intended.
I don't expect you to believe me, though. You could try asking your wife.Comment
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.You could try asking your wife
I have, repeatedly, Floss ... and the answer is normally 'no' ...
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Anthony Trollope wrote 'Can You Forgive Her?'Originally posted by scottycelt View Post.
I have, repeatedly, Floss ... and the answer is normally 'no' ...
Will Joanna Trollope's next volume be 'Can You Blame Her, Scotty?'
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Originally posted by amateur51 View PostAnthony Trollope wrote 'Can You Forgive Her?'
Will Joanna Trollope's next volume be 'Can You Blame Her, Scotty?'
Scotty, you could try & respond to the points I made, rather than ignoring them. & I was serious about asking your wife.Comment
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That's the really funny part, Floss ...Scotty, you could try & respond to the points I made, rather than ignoring them. & I was serious about asking your wife.
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Why - doesn't she exist, or do you only let her speak once a year?Originally posted by scottycelt View PostThat's the really funny part, Floss ...Comment
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How dare you suggest such an ungallant move, amateur ...'Can You Blame Her, Scotty?'
My wife is entirely blameless ...
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My post was in reply to your side-splitting msg 66Originally posted by scottycelt View PostHow dare you suggest such an ungallant move, amateur ...
My wife is entirely blameless ...
Come out from behind her skirts
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I'd be utterly DELIGHTED to arrange a meeting between the two of you, Floss ... as it's she who only normally lets me speak once a year ...Why - doesn't she exist, or do you only let her speak once a year?
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I'm sure we'd get on like a house on fire.Comment
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If you insist that I reply to #65, Floss, I really don't wish a thread about Waterstones becoming sidetracked by other issues favoured by Guardian-style liberal (and obviously downright 'sexist') dogmatists.
My point was merely that if and when I contribute to organisations such as Oxfam I might reasonably expect my money to go directly towards aiding the starving/desperately poor and nothing else apart from basic operating expenses.
I shall now leave it at that, and let you and others discuss Waterstones!
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