The article is entitled "Greeks fear collapse of welfare state"
Quote of the Day
"Ferigou said "No one warned us. I have no hope and I'm only 50." "I can't get into my mind that my life is such a mess. It's a joke."
Monday, September 26, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
"Seventeen, the magic #"
I've been cycling in and out of homelessness for 17.75 years. Here is the headline of today's newspaper entitled "The Arizona Republic"
The article headline: "Poverty Rate Hits 17 yr. high"
(I often take notes when I read the newspaper, here are some excerpts from the article that are particular meaningful and synchronistic to my own experience.)
"behind today's grim statistics are real people who are finding it harder then ever to keep a roof over their head, feed their families, get the health care they need and give their kids a chance at a better life."
The # of 25 to 34 year olds who have been forced to double up with other families and relatives, has increased 25% since 2007.
Since 2006 Maricopa County, AZ Department of Economic Services saw a 59% increase in folks with college degrees (INCLUDING FOLKS HOLDING A PHD) who are asking for economic help of all sorts including food stamps!.
The article headline: "Poverty Rate Hits 17 yr. high"
(I often take notes when I read the newspaper, here are some excerpts from the article that are particular meaningful and synchronistic to my own experience.)
"behind today's grim statistics are real people who are finding it harder then ever to keep a roof over their head, feed their families, get the health care they need and give their kids a chance at a better life."
The # of 25 to 34 year olds who have been forced to double up with other families and relatives, has increased 25% since 2007.
Since 2006 Maricopa County, AZ Department of Economic Services saw a 59% increase in folks with college degrees (INCLUDING FOLKS HOLDING A PHD) who are asking for economic help of all sorts including food stamps!.
Friday, September 9, 2011
"USA Today Survey on Americans and drug use"
Today's article states that almost 1 out 10 Americans between 18 and 25 admit to using illegal drugs on a regular basis. Meth use is down, according to the article and pot use is up. I know medical marijuana just became legal in my state.
If one lives in federal housing it is stated in the lease they are not allowed to use or possess any illegal drugs, however, I'm not sure where that leaves folks who have a legal medical marijuana card.
I'm always grateful to see fibromyalgia get more publicity. The only person surveyed in the article who had the courage to use her first andlast name is using pot for pain and daily nausea. I personally am is excruc. pain 85% of the day, and I also am nauceous every day like the girl in the article. I do not yet have the med. marijuana card in part because you have to pay a hefty sum for it, it is not covered by Medicare.
If one lives in federal housing it is stated in the lease they are not allowed to use or possess any illegal drugs, however, I'm not sure where that leaves folks who have a legal medical marijuana card.
I'm always grateful to see fibromyalgia get more publicity. The only person surveyed in the article who had the courage to use her first andlast name is using pot for pain and daily nausea. I personally am is excruc. pain 85% of the day, and I also am nauceous every day like the girl in the article. I do not yet have the med. marijuana card in part because you have to pay a hefty sum for it, it is not covered by Medicare.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Fast car -Tracy Chapman
"leave tonight or live and die this way"
Obviously this song has very special personal meaning to me........................
Obviously this song has very special personal meaning to me........................
"Will the universe REALLY provide?"
For the most part, trusting the universe to provide you what you need has not worked for me. But I really, really, really, wanted a shot at the $500 first place prize in the recent singing contest.
The "universe" part of the equation comes in here. I had no cab fare to get home and the buses aren't running after 9:15 p.m. on weekdays.
I told the some patrons at the karaoke bar that I was trusting the universe to get me the money to get home! One guy said: "You gave me the priviledge of seeing you dance, so you just "earned" the cab fare you need!
It turns out that the advertisement for the contest was incorrect, one would have had to enroll an entire week ago for a shot at the money. ;(
But 5 days later there was another singing contest at another locale for 200$; I tried but I did not place. I consider it work to have to go and wait around for me turn and all that.
I sang "Car Wash" which the crowd loved (apparently my dancing is what gets them going) and it was pure joy. When I see people hooping and hollering or up on the dance floor when I'm performing I feel like I'm doing what I was intended 2 do with my life!
I will keep showing up on practice nights and hopefully get better and better.............
The "universe" part of the equation comes in here. I had no cab fare to get home and the buses aren't running after 9:15 p.m. on weekdays.
I told the some patrons at the karaoke bar that I was trusting the universe to get me the money to get home! One guy said: "You gave me the priviledge of seeing you dance, so you just "earned" the cab fare you need!
It turns out that the advertisement for the contest was incorrect, one would have had to enroll an entire week ago for a shot at the money. ;(
But 5 days later there was another singing contest at another locale for 200$; I tried but I did not place. I consider it work to have to go and wait around for me turn and all that.
I sang "Car Wash" which the crowd loved (apparently my dancing is what gets them going) and it was pure joy. When I see people hooping and hollering or up on the dance floor when I'm performing I feel like I'm doing what I was intended 2 do with my life!
I will keep showing up on practice nights and hopefully get better and better.............
Saturday, September 3, 2011
TLC - Waterfalls
Music makes us think back to where we were when the song came out. I was homeless in the liberty heights area of baltimore city. to get off the streets, I took a nearly round the clock live in job working in a group home for the developmentally disabled.
Pink Floyd - Another Brick In The Wall(Live)
Reminds me of the gym teacher in middle school who bullied the kids who weren't athletic, and the social studies teacher in 6th grade who threw desks across the room when she got angry. Love to see pink floyd in concert.
"Facebook Hackers"
When someone attempts to hack into your account, you get a message from the fb administrator that goes something like this: "someone in memphis tennessee attempted to break into your account at 3:02 p.m. on feb. 9th"
I received about 3 of these messages in the last year. Last November I was forced to stop using fb because the hacker had changed my passcode so many times I couldn't get in any longer.
Recently he succeeded in breaking in, and posted false info on my interests. I still can't sign in, but I can see that he hacked in. yes, i do know who it is and this cyberstalking is the least of the crimes i've been subjected to in the last 6 years....................
I received about 3 of these messages in the last year. Last November I was forced to stop using fb because the hacker had changed my passcode so many times I couldn't get in any longer.
Recently he succeeded in breaking in, and posted false info on my interests. I still can't sign in, but I can see that he hacked in. yes, i do know who it is and this cyberstalking is the least of the crimes i've been subjected to in the last 6 years....................
Friday, September 2, 2011
"Shattered Dreams, Desperate Souls/Part 2"
I want to help this young Navaho save his marriage. I shared with him the basics of what I feel confident I can do for him, but that I will only help/guide him as much as he gives me permission to.
He has a history of suicide attempts yet when I told him the plan I had 2 help him he was on board and excited.
Sadly before we could get the plan underway, he was thrown in jail for public drunkenness and loitering. (loitering because he is homeless) I never saw him again.
The second man is near my age and despondent but in denial. I told him I knew I could help, but only if he gave me permission. He did not....................
I'm very confident in the skills I've learned in college and it would be wonderful to put those skills to use/ but I'm still seriously ill and cannot even consider seeking paid employment for at least 2 months.
Rapper Jay-z states in "Empire State of mind" that:
"only half of you will make it" He may very well be right about that.......
He has a history of suicide attempts yet when I told him the plan I had 2 help him he was on board and excited.
Sadly before we could get the plan underway, he was thrown in jail for public drunkenness and loitering. (loitering because he is homeless) I never saw him again.
The second man is near my age and despondent but in denial. I told him I knew I could help, but only if he gave me permission. He did not....................
I'm very confident in the skills I've learned in college and it would be wonderful to put those skills to use/ but I'm still seriously ill and cannot even consider seeking paid employment for at least 2 months.
Rapper Jay-z states in "Empire State of mind" that:
"only half of you will make it" He may very well be right about that.......
"Shattered Dreams/Desperate Souls"
All ur blemishes are magnified when you live in a small town.
Never in my life have I met so many people who are either currently homeless, used to be homeless, or who are at risk. Certainly I'm no longer then only one who has been through so much, but it is a sa state of affairs in this town.
Of course there are many contributing factors to folk's bad situations. Drug abuse like alcohol, meth (meth mouth, i heard of this when i moved here, many have it) and/or prescription drugabuse.
Also the lack of gainful employment on top of the lack of affordable housing. I know few who are employed at all.
The men here are glaringly low functioning. I mean from my p.o.v. they haven't been thru 2% of what I've been thru, yet they can't keep showered, keep their clothes laundered, and lose teeth prematurely.
Many have lost hope for a normal life. This goes just as much for the whites as it does for the Native Americans.
There are many opportunities for me to help others using my social work background.
Never in my life have I met so many people who are either currently homeless, used to be homeless, or who are at risk. Certainly I'm no longer then only one who has been through so much, but it is a sa state of affairs in this town.
Of course there are many contributing factors to folk's bad situations. Drug abuse like alcohol, meth (meth mouth, i heard of this when i moved here, many have it) and/or prescription drugabuse.
Also the lack of gainful employment on top of the lack of affordable housing. I know few who are employed at all.
The men here are glaringly low functioning. I mean from my p.o.v. they haven't been thru 2% of what I've been thru, yet they can't keep showered, keep their clothes laundered, and lose teeth prematurely.
Many have lost hope for a normal life. This goes just as much for the whites as it does for the Native Americans.
There are many opportunities for me to help others using my social work background.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Curtis Mayfield - Diamond in the Back
You tube is such an educational tool! I knew this was one of my fave songs when it came out but i didn't know who did it until i researched it today. enjoy.
Sesame Street - J Friends (1971)
I ALSO do not live on sesame street, but i'll always be one of their biggest fans. you?
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