Buddy Reads discussion

There are so many topics one can discuss and debate about and there are so many other topics that we’d like to talk about just for fun. This is just the place for that.

There will be a question or a topic or a thought for every 2 weeks and you can express your views and opinions about it. Members will be able to contribute to the topic selection.

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01/01/19-15/01/19

Pets! Do you or did you have pet/s?
Tell us about them!
Did you ever lose one? How did you deal with it?
Do you like animals in general or are you annoyed by them?

Tell us more about this topic.

I have a beautiful German Shepherd (dog) called Nyx. She’s very energetic and hard to train. I used to have other dogs but they died, unfortunately.
I love most animals but I’m a dog person. I’m scared of cats haha

I used to have just about everything, but my most recent pet was a small dog named Pimboly, who unfortunately passed away a few years ago. He used to sit on my mom's chair, which he wasn't allowed. He'd wait until she was in the kitchen, sit down, stay alert and then leave before she came back in. He never got comfortable, just seemed to want to break the rule he didn't agree with. He made my dad and me laugh so often. :)

Love all animals in general, some just more from a distance i.e. big dogs. Right now I'm tentatively looking up how to take care of either a small snake, or a cat, for when I move out of this apartment and am allowed more pets again.

I have a cat named Emerald. She got her name because of her beautiful green eyes. She is a tuxedo cat with cute markings of white socks, bib and cheeks. She has a black mask and black "soul spot" on her chin. She is a wonderful lap cat and has provided a lot of therapy for my husband and I. Emerald has had a lot of medical troubles since we have had her. Fortunately, we have pet health insurance.

I work at a therapy riding facility. I help take care of the horses by feeding, grooming and cleaning up their stalls. My favorites are the donkeys especially Jill the donkey/pony mix. I work with socializing them so that they will be responsive to human handling.

I like every being with four legs and often think I get along with them better than humans.

Darce wrote: "I have a beautiful German Shepherd (dog) called Nyx. She’s very energetic and hard to train. I used to have other dogs but they died, unfortunately.
I love most animals but I’m a dog person. I’m s..."

I'm sorry to hear that :/ Why do think you're afraid of cats? I hope to have a dog one day!

Marjolein wrote: "I used to have just about everything, but my most recent pet was a small dog named Pimboly, who unfortunately passed away a few years ago. He used to sit on my mom's chair, which he wasn't allowed...."

He sounds amazing. I had a cat, he used to that. He'd sit and go wherever he was shooed from. He'd wait for my mom to turn her back and then he'd tip toe his way to that forbidden space.

I hope you do :)

Joanne wrote: "I have a cat named Emerald. She got her name because of her beautiful green eyes. She is a tuxedo cat with cute markings of white socks, bib and cheeks. She has a black mask and black "soul spot" o..."

She sounds lovely, Joanne :) You must adore her a lot! And she's lucky to have you ❤

Is it fun working with them? Must be fulfilling in ways.

Yes, most of the times, they feel better than most humans.

I have four pets: 2 dogs and 2 cats. Our dog Faith was dumped in the woods near our house when she was 2 months old and spent a month in the woods before she arrived on our doorstep starving. She still has some issues, but is adorable and we love her to pieces. We got our dog Mac when we saw that Faith could get along with other dogs. They're best friends.

Mattie, our black one-eyed cat, likes to groom Mac and he licks her in return. Our other cat, Lillie, is affectionate and always wants to be petted. All four get along fabulously.

Several years ago our cat Princess died. Her death shook me up. We had her cremated at a pet crematory and when I picked up her ashes, the guy said to me in the most callous way, "We grow attached to our pets." The way he said it made me so angry. I still miss Princess and think of her often.

I had a cat for just a month, but yeah me and my family grew so attached. They shake up everything, your whole routine. So that when you lose them, you can really feel the absence.

Mine was a light ginger colour, we called her by the name she was first given-Bella. She belonged to a friend but he let us have her while we properly decided if she was right for us, We decided immediately- Yes! But unfortunately, my younger siblings had allergy reactions- nothing too serious, thankfully. But, still had to give her back :( My mother cried even though she had been so against having a pet, initially.

I'd definitely have a cat again. Maybe two!

We have seven dogs and they are part of the family I can't imagine how our family would be with out them we also have horse's, chickens,ducks and rabbits, sometimes it feels like I live in a mad house (it's a small holding) but without out the madness life would be boring I'm sure 🤗

Thanks buddy for discussion invitation here is my response to the questions asked by you:
Pets! Do you or did you have pet/s?
Ans: I have never kept pet except for one occasion, When i was a child my father took me to village of my father's friend, being urban child of interior Pakistan, animals that i usually saw was limited occurrence. Upon reaching village visit i was shown the animals like goats, cows , dogs etc. I was particularly fascinated by the goat kids, white and beautiful. I was so absorbed and fascinated that my Uncle(friend of my father and landlord gifted me one kid to rear, for some days it was fun, but gradually i lost interest in her because our clean urban homes were not ready for the acrid smell of piss and droppings and grass scattered in backyard specially my mom was annoyed by my renewed and sudden interest in goats. lol 😄
Tell us about them!
Ans: Oops I just told about it.
Did you ever lose one? How did you deal with it?
Ans: Actually i did not lose goat, but deliberately sold out and moved on.
Do you like animals in general or are you annoyed by them?
Ans: Oh wow this is most interesting question for me. Do I like animals answer is yes very much. Do i get annoyed by them. Yes very much!!!!
Now this does not make sense? Here is why...
I like animals in their natural habitat like in jungle and Savannahs, I am an enthusiastic supported of wildlife conservancy, I love to watch animal documentaries my special interest is African big mammals, like Lion, Hippo, Rhino, Elephants, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Wolves, Wild Dogs etc. I am currently enjoying book:
Cry of Kalahari.
Cry of the Kalahari

But the question remains why i get annoyed by animals?
The answer is my particular nature is such that i avoid contact with any animals except humans. I do not like to touch and caress them only thing i want is to observe them from distance in this regard you may call me germophobic. God... thing common between Donald Trump and me is that both don't keep pet.😢😢
Tell us more about this topic.
Ans: I guess i told enough, further if any of you ask particularly.

Thanks for reading my response.

I’m afraid of cats because you can’t tell what they are feeling. Sometimes their tails are up when they’re happy and sometimes they’re up when they’re angry. It’s so confusing!

They are just evil sorry but I've been attacked by them to many times to forgive them 😒😼

I love cats 😻😻😻 They’re the sweetest. When I was sick in bed my cat used to lie next to me and never leave my side

Do you like Cheshire cats?

I know what you mean Darce! My cat had this 'crazy time' when her eyes would go darker and her playing was more aggressive. Honestly, it made us all nervous. She would be more jumpy and have a completely different personality. It would occur daily.
Don't like Cheshire Cats but my opinion is only based on cartoons from childhood.

I have had two dogs and three cats throughout my whole life. I don't care for animals. They are not something that I love. But don't get me wrong! I don't DISlike them. They just aren't my thing.

Why do you have so many pets if you don’t love them?

I only have one cat now. And he is my sister's. Those are just the ones I have had throughout my life.

Ah ok

Hey guys! Sorry I’m late to the discussion haha I have a beautiful overweight German Shepherd, her name is Nala after Lion King! I do believe cats are evil, sorry

Aw, Nala sounds cute!

Harper Nicole wrote: "Aw, Nala sounds cute!"

Thank you Harper! She really is adorable! She acts like a cat most of the time, which really kills me lol

My dad has a dog that acts like a cat! She is funny to watch.

Harper Nicole wrote: "My dad has a dog that acts like a cat! She is funny to watch."

Oh awesome! I thought my dog was the only one! lol

No, you are not alone!

I moved into my house 10 years ago, and it came with a pregnant cat. She had six kittens and quickly became pregnant again and started chasing off the kittens. Only two remain because of that. She had another six kittens then got tired of sharing her territory with a bunch of cats and left. Long story short, we now have two of those cats remaining.

I now have FOUR cats.

I only like dogs if they’re trained to not bark all the time








This cat won’t let anybody near her, so I don’t really count her as a pet. She’s a mooch.

She seems like a handful! She definitely has character, though. What if you were to get too close? ;D

Audrey your cats look so pretty and cute even the one who invited herself to live with you.

01/03/19-31/03/19

Television is one of those topics that everyone has an opinion about. It's not just TV but also the shows and movies we watch online. Questions include:

•How often do you watch TV?

•Should everyone have a television in their home?

•What is the best way to watch television: On a television set, computer, tablet or phone?

•What television programs are popular in your country?

•What do you think will be the future of television?

•What is your opinion on television?

•If you had your own TV show, what would it be like?

You can add more yourself as long as the topic remains on Television and it's immediate circle.

I watch TV more often. Everyone shouldn't always have televisions at home. If you don't want one you don't need to have one. The best way to watch television is on a television set. BBC and ITV are popular programs in my country. As well as Channel 4 and 5. I think future of television will be Hi-Tech. Mostly virtual. 360* angle. 3D. Embedded in walls.I think televisions are good for learning and format but not always good to watch 24/7. Need to have exercise. This message is going to me. I would have a TV that well categorises channels. All good.

Rumell wrote: "I watch TV more often. Everyone shouldn't always have televisions at home. If you don't want one you don't need to have one. The best way to watch television is on a television set. BBC and ITV are..."

I agree with most things. Wow a 360* angle sure would be fun :) Did you ever want your own TV show?

Yes. I was actually organising a pretend television in my head before. I created a plan for it on my notepad.

•How often do you watch TV?
Occasionally, especially for news and for drama serials.

•Should everyone have a television in their home?
Not necessarily. I think TV can be a menace for the most part and kills the imagination (not entirely) and we should have limited access to it especially children.

•What is the best way to watch television: On a television set, computer, tablet or phone?
Television set definitely. That said, I do download TV shows and tend to watch them more often on my laptop but TV itself is more fun.

•What television programs are popular in your country?
News. Weird? But yes, our news channels rock and they provide entertainment programs along with news so that makes them popular. Other than that, we have numerous drama serials and morning shows which are very popular.

•What do you think will be the future of television?
With people bent on using less space, TV sets will be used less and we'd be online. As Rumell, said virtual screens would be the next future.

•What is your opinion on television?
Like everything else, it can be a boon or bane depending on the users. It's good for entertainment and something that's kinda necessary to be acquainted with if we wanna talk in most social circles, but it can kill your imagination and the ability to think outside the box too. Excess of everything is bad.

•If you had your own TV show, what would it be like?
It'll be a mess. I'd provide people with entertainment and also show them the real world lest they should forget.

I actually categorised my version of a TV.

Rumell wrote: "I actually categorised my version of a TV."

I know. I asked about a show.

I watch Noor TV.

Alright :)

•How often do you watch TV?

I normally watch some type of TV every day (more so this is a bit like background noise). As far as shows I really enjoy, I like letting the episodes accumulate so that I can binge 3 to 4 episodes at a time on a Sunday.


•Should everyone have a television in their home?

I would argue no? Mostly because you don't necessarily need a TV to watch shows or catch up on the news anymore, but having a device where you can access these types of things then, yes.

•What is the best way to watch television: On a television set, computer, tablet or phone?

I like watching TV on either an actual TV or a computer/tablet.

•What television programs are popular in your country?

There are tons. Dramas that are popular are crime or medical based (Grey's Anatomy or Law & Order). Then there are all the shows that are comedic like Brooklyn 99 which are pretty popular. I enjoy more sci-fi/fantasy type shows (Shadowhunters, Roswell, Legacies).

•What do you think will be the future of television?

I am pretty excited for the future of television because with platforms like Netflix/Hulu/Amazon creating their own streaming shows it's going to provide flexibility in an area of entertainment that was so rigid before.

•What is your opinion on television?

I like it? LOL

•If you had your own TV show, what would it be like?

A cross between The Originals and Six of Crows.

The first TV show I remember watching was 'Gunsmoke' with my Dad. If I remember right, the first episode of 'The Flintstones' came out when I was in 1st grade. After that I don't remember watching much TV until later when all the cool shows came out. There was Lost in Space, Star Trek, Time Tunnel, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mission Impossible, Combat, Rat Patrol, Wild, Wild West, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Twelve O'clock High, Bonanza, Big Valley, Raw Hide, Have Gun, Will Travel. Of course my sisters would want to watch The Monkeys, Partridge Family, and Brady Bunch. Saturday morning were all the cartoons. Laugh In was the first real comedy show. The original Saturday Night Live was great; now it sucks. Right now I only watch The Blacklist.

I am watching lucifer and will be continueing to watch shadow hunters. I love it and it annoys my parents and brother which makes it even better

I'm glad you joined Amy.

I have a TV but do not have cable or Netflix or anything like that, so all I watch are DVDs. Since I never see commercials or trailers anymore, I ask people for recommendations and then check out a whole series from the library and binge watch it. (Same with movies.) But I only watch if I’m doing something else like laundry or bills. Otherwise I wouldn’t have any time for reading.

When I was little I watched The Monkees and Star Trek with my mom. She’d also watch Wild Wild West, Twilight Zone, Space 1999, The Prisoner, and so on.

My new favorites show that I recently discovered are “Arrested Development,” “Community,” and “Chuck.”

Rumell wrote: "I'm glad you joined Amy."

Thanks, Rumell. Its good to be back

These days, I watch TV most evenings, although often only an episode of a TV show while I'm eating my evening meal. I probably have a longer viewing three times a week. Most of my entertainment I get from reading (of course) and podcasts or radio, as I can do other stuff at while listening, but TV and books consume my attention.


At home, I entirely watch entirely streaming and catch-up via my Roku - Amazon, Netflix, the BBC iPlayer of the Channel 4 All4 player - although the number of ads on that latter mean that is the least used. A shame, as there's some terrific home-grown stuff on there and, while the BBC tends to only keep programmes for 30 days after broadcast, C4 keeps them in perpetuity.


I'm not sure what's currently popular in the UK, as popularity doesn't concern me. The best recent programme was probably Killing Eve, and I'm stoked for series 2. Also can't wait for Good Omens (it's a Netflix.BBC co-production so I'll take it) and the BBC's His Dark Materials which, hopefully, will be far better than the rather tepid Golden Compass movie.


Should everyone have a TV? It's up to them. I think there are very, very few people (in the 'developed world') who don't have a TV or a computer (usually both). I do prefer watching on an actual TV - my TV isn't massive, but it's a damned sight bigger than most computer monitors.


For the future of TV, Netflix, Amazon & Hulu have had such a huge effect and I think that will continue, with the traditional broadcasters getting more on-side. I really do believe this has helped usher in a golden age of programme making, and pulled us - at least partially - our of the morass of reality-TV crap we'd been drowning in.


Technology will continue to change how we view; we're on the cusp of screens that are basically made like printed fabric so can be foldable and made any size required, and far more cheaply than current hardware, so the classic sci-fi trope of wall screens ( even on a whole room, think Ripley's hospital room in the extended edition of Aliens ) will be a reality. Tied in with full connectivity to your mobile device, this will also further erode the distinction between TV and computer.

01/04/19-30/04/19

Topic: April Fool.

• Do you believe in tricking people on April 1st?

• What types of pranks are appropriate for April Fools' Day?

• What is the background of this day? Do you know?

• Is April Fools' Day observed in your home country? If so, how?

• What does it mean to "fool" someone in your opinion?

• Do you play tricks on April 1st? If yes, did you play any trick/s this month? What sort of tricks do you play? Would you like to share with us?

• Have you ever been tricked on April 1st? Yes? Share with us!

• Are you mad or okay if someone play tricks on you? What is your general reaction?

• A gullible person believes things very easily. Do you consider yourself to be gullible? Why or why not?

You can add more yourself as long as the topic remains on April Fool's day and it's immediate circle.

I really dislike pranks and pranksters. I think it's something that can be done if you know someone really well, but oftentimes 'pranksters' tend to take things way too far and get satisfaction from humour that humiliates other people, or - for socially condoned pranking like April Fools Day the target is expected to smile along regardless.

I don't believe in tricking people on April 1st. It may sound fun to others, however it is not my cup of tea in general just to prank someone. I call this as foolish. As long as I am not the target, any pranks can be appropriate for April Fools Day. there are some conditions that do come under it though:

1) It needs to be legal
2) You should consider the person who you are trying to prank
3) You have to know your audience - you can't aim it at those who takes things seriously, for example: me.
4) You have to confess to the person that you were the prankster

I don't have a background of April Fools Day. April Fools Day is observed in my home country. From where I stand the fool pranks are kind of small in my area. From my perspective, we aren't huge serious about it. There are event venues that celebrate April Fools Day around my area. Fool, in my opinion is someone who isn't me. A fool is someone who doesn't consider ones feelings. They also have little-to-no understanding to such subject. I do not play tricks on April 1st. I have not particularly been tricked on April 1st. Well only minor tricks. I have played trick games such as mind games but that is how far it goes. I do not like being tricked at some extent. If it is mind games I am okay with it. If it is other things it makes me feel miserable and makes me feel insecure. But mind games always lit me up with excitement. I do not consider myself as gullible because I will question of someones actions. I am skeptical. I usually think and check before I make decisions.

• Do you believe in tricking people on April 1st?

Depends on what kind of a prank it is. Some people do stupid stuff and stuff that hurts other people, and that's wrong. Personally I don't believe in pranks (view spoiler)[This is to you Aqi 😂 (hide spoiler)] but I guess they're okay if they aren't too over the top or they don't hurt anyone.

• What types of pranks are appropriate for April Fools' Day?

As long as they're legal and they don't hurt anyone, emotionally or physically, I think it's okay.

• What is the background of this day? Do you know?

No actually. I just know it happens lol

• Is April Fools' Day observed in your home country? If so, how?

Yes, I know people elaborate pranks but I don't know much about it.

• What does it mean to "fool" someone in your opinion?

To lead them to believe something that isn't true.

• Do you play tricks on April 1st? If yes, did you play any trick/s this month? What sort of tricks do you play? Would you like to share with us?

Nope. Never have, never will.

• Have you ever been tricked on April 1st? Yes? Share with us!

No, I don't think so.

• Are you mad or okay if someone play tricks on you? What is your general reaction?

I'm pretty okay with it because later it's funny, but when people scare the heck out of me, I get mad.

• A gullible person believes things very easily. Do you consider yourself to be gullible? Why or why not?

Most of the time, I usually can tell when someone isn't telling me the truth, so I usually make them spill the beans before anything happens. I don't think I'm pretty gullible for that reason.