The house would smell terribly, it gave you headaches, your eyes hurt, the children were sleepy all the time. I still have fits of coughing, the doctor says only those working in a toxic environment have this kind of problem. At least they are paid for that! Well, what could we have done? (V. M., 1)

Others would use other types of devices; they put a thick piece of metal on the cooker, a sort of brick box with a hole in it, a flower pot turned upside down to cover the flame; others would put bricks in the oven and leave the door open, or a cast-iron kettle with its mouth covering the fire.

Many had electric radiators of all types, which they plugged in when the power wasn?t off. (90)

COTTON-WOOL

Pharmacies sold it underhand. It was synthetic, mixed with pieces of sticks as if it were full of straws. (114)

It was done only during official meetings, and it was always constructive. There also was self-criticism: an imposed system of self-gossiping, predicting evil omen. (51)