Edith Ann | 06/06/2008 1:49 pm

Life in the Little Lane: Edith Ann on Dialing 9-1-1

By Edith Ann

There should be a nine-one-one and a half — an alternative nine-one-one.

Where you could call in for help and you get to decide if it’s an emergency, not the operator — for a change.

Then they’d just have to believe it and send help.

Read more about: Edith Ann, Humor, Illustrations, Life in the Little Lane

92 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Edith, just dial nine-one-one and put the phone down and walk away. Don’t hang up. They’ll show up at your door right away! My son proved that, unfortunately. I just with those traffic cameras in Hartford could dial 9-1-1 on their own. That poor man.

By Lorraine Bates on 06/06/2008 4:52 pm

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With all the service cuts/layoffs because our taxes go straight to Bush’s Halliburton/Exxon war, we now get a 911 recording: -For dog license information, press 1. -For noise complaints, press 2. -For parking complaints, press 3. -For medical emergencies please hang up and dial a private ambulance company, have your insurance information handy. Or call a cab and head to the local ER. -If you’re calling to report a fire, please hang up and call your neighborhood fire station and let them know how many do-buddies you have to pitch-in. -If you are reporting a robbery, home break-in, accident, drowning, or violent crime in progress please hang on…someone will be with you shortly. -If you are calling to express your views on the new 911 1/2 idea, please contact your local church…because you haven’t got a prayer.

By To the beach ~~~ on 06/06/2008 6:31 pm

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That is so true! If you dial 911 in L.A., you either get a busy signal or a recording which tells you they are busy and to just wait for an operator. And then when you get a real person, they put you on hold. I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve never had to call for myself, but that was my experience when I dialed 911 because my neighbor’s gentlemen friend was beating the hell out of her against the wall adjoining our apartments.

By Emma Pathey on 06/08/2008 2:08 am

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Ms. P, Can I thank you for calling the 911? … on behalf of women in this sitchway everwhere I thank you. I hope he went to jail. :(

By Liza D 08 .... beta on 06/08/2008 3:49 pm

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Edith Ann, Why do you make me smile? I like 911 and 1/2 just like I like Platform 9 3/4. Is this kid-speak? If so, I am charmed. I think fractions should be added to all instructions to children. They will know it is special and just for them. So, I am in favor of 911 and a half. I would also like a TV Channel numbered simply “1/2” and have it devoted to children and show some of the dangers they face daily….traffic lights, sirens, strangers etc. Good idea, Edith Ann.

By Bonnie Oliver on 06/06/2008 7:00 pm

9-1-1! Where’s our pal, Lisa D.?! Haven’t heard from you in a while. Hope the weekend makes you smile! Give me a break. I mean, I’m on my break. I hate working nights. But, at least I have a computer and you folks. I get used to familiar faces/avatars. And I miss them when they are gone. Oh, off to my next exciting adventure in paycheckland, bye!

By kermie b on 06/07/2008 2:49 am

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ki bi, you wrote: I get used to familiar faces/avatars. And I miss them when they are gone. So I have a question regarding avatars/pictures. How does one go about adding one here? I sent a question to WoW but haven’t heard back. I do realize this is not a huge, pressing issue and I would never dial 911 over it, but I’d be mighty grateful if anyone could tell me how to do this procedure. Also, Deni, congrats on not drinking. I have an addictive personality and have had many battles in my lifetime over this. No easy task and I salute you!

By M L Staats on 06/07/2008 2:37 pm

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Could someone please do an explanatory video about dropping in avatars for ML Staats? Like the nice video Liz Smith did about navigating this site? I use a Mac and had my dear Danny help me (he’s a very talented man who eats and breathes computers) (yuck, computers are not very tasty)—I am guessing the majority of folks use PCs.

By kermie b on 06/08/2008 3:34 pm

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ML, it’s pretty simple. First, choose the picture you want to use. Best if it is a square one. Then, click on the “Welcome, ML” or whatever under the weather at the righthand top of the wOw page. Scroll down to the bottom, where it says add picture, and browse your computer for the picture you have chosen. Once you’ve selected the picture, click submit. All will be well. You can also change the avatar by deleting the picture and following the same procedure to add another…. Mazel tov.

By Mugsy Peabody on 06/08/2008 7:12 pm

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Major “Duh” moment for me as I raced to follow instructions, my cheeks pink with embarrassment. Then, after following the procedure, I kept getting an HTTP 500 Internal Server Error. I then tried several pictures thinking that the size of my first choice was too large - although it was square. Same result. HMMM I hate feeling so challenged. LOL But you ladies are so kind to rush to my aide. You’re the best. I wonder if this means my PC is in cahoots with my sewing machine which enjoys being more clever than I.

By M L Staats on 06/08/2008 10:12 pm

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Thank you, Lily of the Valley, that is most kind of you.

By M L Staats on 06/08/2008 11:30 pm

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Ml and Mary Lou and ki~ Thanks for the kind words. In my case it feels more like a gift of grace, than an accomplishment. I am thankful for that gift, every single day. I do understand the demons and the battles. Really Well. And for me, it was the battle itself that made me the most miserable. I am one stubborn woman. My life has been a dance of dualities. I spent the 1st 15 years of my life sober, the next 15 drunk. The 15 after that sober and the following 15 drunk. Give or take some overlapping months here and there. I have been sober for 2+ years now. So here’s hoping I get at least another 13, to keep the string going. But you never know. So each day, must be for me it’s own reward. I have learned the hard way, duration in time means little. A moment of time can mean everything.

By Deni G on 06/08/2008 10:27 pm

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Oh, Deni, I do know what you mean. Your tenacity is to be commended and it does take one day at a time. Your battle has made you wise, strong and blessed, I can feel that from your postings. You are someone to be admired.

By M L Staats on 06/08/2008 11:33 pm