San Francisco...No Peace & Love in Haight-Ashbury! Police shuffle homeless along!

Later this month, San Francisco's finest will be enforcing a spanking-new ordinance that bans loitering (camping out) in the bustling city streets.

In particular, the men-in-blue intend to focus on a posse of homeless down-and-out beggars who hang out at the curb panhandling (and what-have-you) in the Haight-Ashbury district.

"They disrupt our businesses," one shopkeeper lamented to one eager reporter bent on nabbing up a scoop.

"I've seen them selling drugs on-the-sly," another hissed to all within earshot in disgust, in so many words.

In response, one irate transient was quite vocal about the upcoming purge about to descend in the trendy city by the Bay.

"They can't do that. This is Haight-Ashbury! Peace and Love, and all that, man!"

City dwellers may recall that the once-colorful bohemian neighborhood was a mecca for a gang of free-spirited hippies who flocked to the West Coast way back in the sixties (in the era of the anti-war "flower" movement).

Like Yorkville in Toronto (my hometown), the quaint pocket of - "a free society" - went by way of the dinosaur decades ago, and was transformed - OMG - into an upscale shopping attraction.

And, Haight-Ashbury is now a dynamic hub for enterprising businessmen, out-to-make a quick buck on the ghosts of the celebrated past.

The police have noted that they have been slow to enforce the ordinance because they are waiting for fliers to be printed up in English and Spanish which will provide information on local shelters and outreach programs where the "displaced" may take refuge when they are pushed out.

Bottom line?

City officials are anxious to sweep the nasty eyesore out-of-sight - as spring awakens - and tourists start flowing into San Francisco once again as the economy builds steam.

Once the ordinance is ripe for enforcement, where will the homeless go?

In the words of immortal Bob Dylan:

"The answer is blowing in the wind!

Or, may be in the hands of Civil Rights Advocates, anxious to take a stand in the local courts.

After all, it's a sad state of affairs, when individuals can't be free in the streets.

Is a police state (or a George Orwellian society) just around the corner?

News at 11!




http://www.thetattler.biz

San Francisco...seen & heard in City streets! Crime to be broke!



If you're inclined to dash across a thoroughfare between pedestrian walks in bustling downtown San Francisco, you may end up the target of a demented soul, who tracks jay-walkers at random.

Once he spies an unsuspecting individual in the midst of their unlawful act, he takes it upon himself to insult 'em by screaming all-manner of obscenities in their direction.

"Use a crosswalk, a**hole," he often screams out at startled pedestrians unprepared for the verbal attack out-of-the-blue.

At least he's not vested with any powers, so a ticket for their thoughtless offense, will not be forthcoming in the foreseeable future.

Astounded tourists (and locals) pay for it in abuse, though!

Meanwhile, at the crack-of-dawn the other morning, I caught sight of one of the City's men-in-blue shaking down a homeless person wrapped in a blanket shivering in the cold.

"Do you have any money," the gruff Police Officer barked at the desperate man.

"No. Is it a crime to be broke," he responded bitterly, as he cowered in the street.

In San Francisco, the answer is "yes", obviously!

Meanwhile, the teaming masses swarm the streets, oblivious to the seamy-side of life that thrives all-around-them on well-trodden Market Street (seemingly without a care in the world).

Or, are they simply looking the other way?

http://www.thetattler.biz/



Romantic City by the Bay!

Librarians...not all sweetness & light! LA TIMES article lacked ethics in journalism!

Nasty Librarians preside over computer lab at Riordan showpiece!

I chortled out loud when I read the article in today's LA Times which blamed the "homeless" for disrupting the otherwise serene environs of a handful of the local libraries in LA LA LAND.

Granted, a few of the hapless individuals referred to have distinctive offensive body odors - and the desperate are inclined to haul their worldly possessions into the hallowed halls of the world of catalogued literature - for want of a place to stow 'em.

For the most part, though, the outcry is unfounded - an unjust promulgation by a posse of snotty library personnel who are too ignorant to fathom (make intelligent sense of) the root of the problem.

In the films of yesteryear (one old classic - "The Music Man" - springs to mind) librarians were oft singled out - as a handful of classy women - who epitomized all that was sweetness and light!

The old hags who preside over the City-run premises - in this era - leave a lot to be desired in the personality department (for starters).

In fact, a couple of the Latino staff - short, fat, crawling with nasty eruptions on the skin (who haughtily preside over the computer lab in the downtown Library with an old evil-eye in all directions) - give credence to critics' arguments that the so-called "caretakers" should never be granted too much power in respect to the decision-making process (especially when it comes to determining who is entitled to avail themselves of the services therein).

Indeed!

To become a full-fledged librarian an individual is required to painstakingly toil over books and earn a degree or two.

And, if the system had its druthers - also be required to display a modicum of personality, wit, knowledge of literature, semblance of intelligence (even a tad bit of charm) - you name it!

However, the losers at the libraries in town - who boast a GED or a course or two at the local community college (egads, what a joke!) - fall short in that regard quite honestly.

Hands down, Mr. Mayor!

In fact, it shocks the sensibilities.

Most of the losers I am referring to are under the mistaken impression that because they hold down a job on the counter (or at a lowly desk next to the loo) that they have the right to be called a bona fide custodian of books!

Go figure.

From my experience (based on an occasion-or-two when I have trekked in to the Beverly Hills Library or the fancy-schmancey facility in Santa Monica to seek assistance at the desk) few, if any, appear to be overly anxious to get off their fat butts and offer up any worthwhile assistance to the patrons!

And, that is the crux of the problem, really.

As the old saying goes:

"There are too many chiefs and not enough Indians!"

Due to budget constraints, libraries are currently being forced to limit services - and, in some cases - close their doors a day or two a week to make ends meet.

Part of the reason for the "financial crunch" is obvious to anyone with half-a-brain or an ounce of reasoning power.

Let's face the ugly truth!

The library is overstaffed with low-life employees - "lay-abouts" - and "do-nothings".

The City should turf out half-of these jerk-offs and demand that the remaining few on payroll earn their salaries!

Shame on the Los Angeles Times for its lack of fairness and ethics in journalism - and the eyebrow-raising report on a set of distorted circumstances - they have concluded has reeked havoc of late at the local libraries.

For those who missed the misguided poorly-written article?

It was a one-sided account of things  - penned by a reporter - who didn't even bother to interview any of the individuals (the homeless) cited as the disruptive force that now threatens a once-sacred refuge of the past:

The Public library!

Nuff said!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Marian the Librarian
(The Music Man)

Salvation Army...feeding needy in streets of San Francisco! Worthy charity!

In a News report tail-end of last week, analysts at charitable organizations whined that donations were down in the public sector, with at least one notable exception.

Salvation Army still manages to rustle up millions on behalf of their kettle in the streets "campaign" each holiday season.

The heart-warming concept charms - after all - the touching images are so  "Miracle on 34th Street" and Macy's parade.

Tradition!

One night last week  - I was a little weary around the edges after running myself ragged all day -  when I ran smack dab into a stranger approaching passers-by out-of-the-blue on the dark dank streets.

“Care for something to eat from the Salvation army,“ he barked out sharply, as he thrust two cellophane-wrapped sandwiches in my direction.

Not wishing to chow down on a nourishing lifeline - intended for a needy homeless person - I was inclined to graciously pass.

Even still, the impromptu encounter managed to “feed my head” (as Grace Slick of the Jefferson Starship might succinctly put it) on an evening when I was lost in my own selfish thoughts.

It was heartening to discover first-hand  that charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army are still actively involved in the community and providing a meal (along with a smidgen of hope) to the down-and-out in these troubling economic times.

For this reason, I urge readers to consider writing a check to the “army” of well-meaning do-gooders, since the much-needed funds will surely be well spent.

http://www.thetattler.biz

Yes, there is a Santa Clause

Randy Quaid...arrest warrant issued! Squatter's rights unfounded...

Trouble appears to be following Randy Quaid (and his wife) around these days.

Once again, the B-list actor is in hot water with the courts.

What do the Orientals say?

May you live in interesting times!

If you recall, a scant few months ago  an arrest warrant was issued for Mr. Quaid, when he allegedly skipped out on a bill at a luxury Hotel and left red-faced managers holding the proverbial bag.

Quaid must have coughed up the dough for the room service tab and back-rent due, though, because he was free as a bird once again.

The shocking word out of Hollywood now?

Quaid may be broke and homeless.

Recently, the talented actor - with a half-a-dozen-or-so box offices successes under his belt - was caught (and charged) with illegally camping out in a guest house of a property he once owned.

After-the-fact, a Judge issued an arrest warrant for Quaid when he failed to appear before the bench, to answer to the allegations.

Too embarrassed to show your face, Randy?

Maybe his sensible brother, Dennis, should step in and offer some support.

Or, does he follow biblical wisdom?

I am not my brothers's keeper.

Amen!

Randy, if you're strapped for cash - or need assistance - contact the Screen Actors Guild (or AFTRA).

Maybe the actor's fund can offer up some relief temporarily during your financial crunch and legal snafu.

Worth looking into, anyway!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

\

Dennis the brother with all the brawn & brains?

L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center...awarded grant by Feds to help homeless youth!

The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center has been bestowed with the largest Federal Grant ever to be awarded an organization serving the LGBT community.

The funds are to be used primarily to help homeless gay teens in the county.

In a press release this past week - representatives for the charitable group noted that the monies will facilitate a five-year intervention program to aid gay youths in foster care and/or juvenile detention centers - and also provide assistance to kids "coming out" who are experiencing rejection in the family setting.

I was a foster child myself - and assure you - funding for projects such as these was always appreciated back home in Canada.

A handful of schools and  juvenile justice and social service agencies - not only applauded the issuance of the hefty grant - but took advantage of the occasion to note their intention to get more actively involved with the specific aim of engendering an end to hharassment, rejection, violence, and discrimination against gay teens in the community-at-large (which has escalated in recent years).

Fag flag raising!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Barack Obama...Homeless program announced! U.S. Interagency Council...

Interagency Council on Homelessness

A spokesman for the Obama Administration annnounced that a National Stategic Plan to prevent and end homelessness in America has been launched.

The program is meant to increase "leadership, collaboration and Civic engagement by focusing on providing and promoting collaborative leadership in all levels of Government,"  according to a press release.

The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (which is comprised in part by HUD - the U.S. Department labor, Health and Human Services - and Veterans Service) will head up the ambitious effort.

The council will endeavour to "increase access to stable and affordable housing" by providing "and permanent supportive housing."

The function of the timely program is to also "expand and meaningful and sustainable employment", improve health and stability", and "re-tool the homeless response system."

Kudos to the President for implementing the life-saver for those in dire need in these tough economic times!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Santa Monica Library...homeless camping in stalls of toilets! Shame on City Council...

Santa Monica Library focuses on aesthetics

(not the needs of the residents)

Yesterday afternoon I was at the Santa Monica Library doing some research when I dashed into the restroom to take a whiz and blow my nose.

Unfortunately, when it came to relieving myself, it was not an easy task to undertake.

The three stalls were shut-tight - and in spite of a wait for about ten minutes - I was unable to take a turn because the individuals inside had obviously hankered down for the afternoon.

At one point, a middle-aged man - with shaving cream slapped  unevenly on his weathered face - slithered out, walked over to the basin and wet a paper towel - then mosied back into the water closet without so much as a backward glance.

The other two gents continued with their vigils (for whatever reason) with nary a rustle of toilet paper - or jangling belt buckle - signalling a change of guard was definitely not on the way.

All of the cross-legged patrons waiting in line proceeded to retreat one by one in disgust.

Nope!

There wasn't a staff member or guard in sight to monitor the situation!

At this juncture, I had to seriously consider that the employees had thrown up their hands in frustration - or, just maybe - were allowing the homeless folks to take a nap for an hour or two each day for a nominal fee.

Well, that's one way to dredge up some moolah, if the library is cash-strapped.

But, seriously, folks.

What a sad commentary on the library and the homeless situation in Santa Monica.

Are the City Fathers aware of the shocking events going down in their neck-of-the-woods?

Maybe, Council members just don't care.

The library employees obviously don't or they would have tried to rectify the problem by now.

Judging by what I witnessed, the individuals in question not only need a shelter to wash-up and rest their weary heads, but some psychological counselling as well.

Mental illness is a very serious problem in this country today, and the folks at the Library shouldn't take it all so lightly, or in their stride without conscience.

Shame!

http://www.thetattler.biz

MTA...mistreats homeless man in blanket! Bus Drivers need training...

Joseph & his coat of many colors!

I was quite shocked to witness an ugly incident tonight on a Metro Transit bus on route through (Beverly Hills) to downtown Los Angeles (Carrier No. 4).

When a homeless man wrapped in a blanket stepped onto the bus, the driver snapped at the down-on-his-luck rider in two-seconds flat.

"You can't come on here dressed like that," he snarled angrily.

Since I do have a background in law - and day-to-day differences of opinions tend to be easily dealt with by virtue of a human trait known as common sense - it was pretty disturbing to encounter such revolting conduct  by a bus driver on a major public transit line in the United States.

I like to think that if the Mayor was aware that this kind of cruel insensitive conduct was going on at the MTA, that he would step in and take appropriate action to ensure drivers are better trained in the future (so they can handle  issues that arise without discriminating against citizens and/or violatingtheir rights).

By the way, the blanket the homeless person was wearing was not torn or dirty - by any stretch of the imagination.

 In fact, the cover was surprisingly clean and crafted in bright eye-catching colors.

I suppose if Joseph hopped on the bus in his coat of many colors, the ignorant MTA worker would toss his sorry a** into the gutter, too.

Frankly, I've seen women attired in shawls and ponchos, who paled in comparison.

But, the wrong-doing on the part of the MTA worker, did not end there.

When the driver yelled at the man, and demanded he take off the blanket, his gut reaction was to toss his fare into the change machine and dart to the back of the bus.

Obviously, he was cold (and hungry) and did not want to be turfed out into the street.

At this juncture, the bus driver picked up the phone and threatened to call the police, if the man did not get off the bus.

Curious, since the gentleman was not violent, but relatively meek and mild in nature.

As it turns out, the rider was short on his fare - so the MTA driver jumped on that issue - to try to eject him.

Passengers now became disgruntled because the driver swore up and down that he was not going to drive on until the man got off the carrier.

Compassionate city residents offered to pay the man's fare in the alternative.

"I don't want the dollar. I just want him and his blanket off of MY bus."

Kind-hearted individuals tried to convince him not to act so mean.

"It's not me," he lamented. "The MTA doesn't want homeless people on the bus in blankets."

Is that true Mr. Mayor???

The driver relented after about ten minutes, shifted gears, and drove on.

In the final analysis, this driver was not only a complete and utter sh**,  but also lacked training and compassion for his fellow man, as well.

If anyone should get the boot from MTA, it should be the employee in question.

His conduct was reprehensible and should not be tolerated in a civilized society.

http://www.julianayrs.com

San Francisco Public Library...funds wasted on slovenly guards & incompetent staff! Clean house, Mayor!

At a time when local, State and Federal governments are cutting funds - especially in the area of health services where they are crucially needed - the downtown library continues to expend untold sums of money on a security detail and front end staff (clerks, wannabee librarians, book-sorters, and assorted hangers-on) that are a waste of tax dollars.

Frankly, it's somewhat shocking to saunter into the Main Library and spy a half-a-dozen or so overweight guards, shuffling along with scowls on their faces, intimidating patrons( as they wander aimlessly about trying look busy and in charge).

These ill-bred losers are under the mistaken impression that tossing on a poorly-fitting monkey-suit and tarnished badge gives them the right (and authority) to push folks around when nothing could be farther from the truth.

It's sad when you consider that a large percentage of the visitors they harass needlessly (due to ignorance and misplaced egos) are street people who seek a little shelter from the storm for an hour or two each day.

Staff in other departments are just as bad.

Quite a few of these undeserving workers generally loll around on their fat butts during a shift - where the precious hours are predominantly wasted on selfish pursuits - as the county payroll clock ticks away.

Yessir!

Quite a few hours are expended during the course of the week, checking e-mail, catching up on personal reading, cruising web sites for the lastest gossip on celebs (you name it).

God forbid a partron should waltz up to their station to ask for assistance.

They'll pause for a moment, give the guest a squinty-eyed look, and appear to be lamenting inside heir demented twisted minds:

What the fu** are you bothering me for?

Yeah, you're only filling up space, darling.

If Mayor Gavin Newsom is serious about reducing the number of homeless on the busy city streets, then I recommend that he cut about half of the budget at the Library, and put those ear-marked funds towards truly helping the needy by providing warm beds and a hearty meal for their gut.

Then, they wouldn't have to hang out at the library all day and be constantly insulted by ignorant guards and ne'er-do-wells who are under the mistaken impression they are bona-fide librarians with an ounce of intelligence.

I expect that once a dozen-or-so unnecessary staffers and security guards are shown the door, that the city may finally realize an increase in productivity, at the library.

Who knows?

Once the remaining sticks-in-the-mud are prodded off their butts, and pressed into service to fulfill the duties they were hired to perform originally, a scant one or two of  'em might just end up thanking  the Mayor for helping them burn off a lot of excess fat around their waists, butts, and lumpy God-awful-looking thunder thighs.

Yeah, what we need at the library are more lean efficient machines, and less of the lethargic pig-headed dimwits who are in employ there now.

Amen!

Peek-a-boo!

(what you see is what you get)

http://www.julianayrs.com

Prince William...sleeps rough in slums! Homeless plight triggers compassion in Royal son...

To the shelter born!

Unlike most spoiled rich kids - born with silver spoons in their mouths - Prince William has managed to keep his feet on the ground and have compassion on the less fortunate.

A case in point?

This past week, in the dead  of winter, the handsome young Royal - Princess Diana's eldest son - braved the hardships of the desperate streets in the slums of London to better understand the plight of the homeless..

Wills was not entirely alone, however.

Seyi Obakin (a represenative from a homeless charity by the name of Centrepoint that the Prince is a patron of) agreed to tag along and hold forte alongside the Prince at Blackfriar's Bridge in a seamy part of town where the hands-on all-night vigil took place..

The idea for William to spend a night on the streets - known as "sleeping rough" in Britain - was drummed up earlier this year.

Obakin commended the young Prince for taking it upon himself to embark on the painful journey in an unselfish effort to better understand the full range of problems a homeless young person might face in the mean streets of the city.

A candid still taken by the Charity - a shot of Prince William in a gray hooded jacket, jeans, and knit hat hiding his lovable mug - imparted the image of a regular street urchin down-on-his-luck.

Maybe Wills should take up acting?

All kidding aside, Obakin admitted to the media that it certainly was not fun and games, by any stretch of the imagination.

"It was a scary experience," he blurted out to all within earshot.

"Out of my comfortable bed. Out there in the elements. Out there on an extremely cold night, with down to minus 4 C (24.8 F) temperatures. And it was the same for Prince William. But he was determined to do it."

Although the adventurous twosome found a secluded spot - hidden behind a riot of worn garbage bins where they would hopefully escape detection - the stark night was still demanding on their psyches nonetheless.

"There was no shielding from the bitter cold, or the hard concrete floor, or the fear of being accosted by drug dealers, pimps or those out to give homeless people a 'good' kicking," Obakin noted for the record.

What did the Royal charge take away from the experience first hand?

"I cannot, after one night, even begin to imagine what it must be like to sleep rough on London's streets night after night," William noted with heartfelt emotion to reporters.

"Poverty, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependancy and family breakdown cause people to become and then stay homeless."

In sum, it appears that Lady Diana's tireless efforts on behalf of charitable causes impacted her son, who now follows faithfully in her Saintly footsteps..

In spite of the dalliances, though, Prince William appears to have his heart set on a more macho line of work, as a rought-and-tumble Royal Air Force search-and-rescue pilot.

He'll cut a fine swath, for sure!

Hang in there, Wills!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Los Angeles...too many foreigners? Angry homeless man expresses his angst...

The other day - a male (white mid-40's) - approached me for spare change on the street in upscale West Los Angeles.

Suddenly, without warning, he started into an angry rant.

"There are too many foreigners in Los Angeles," he griped with a bitter tone in his voice.

"The Latino immigrants are hogging all the work."

I surmised at this juncture, that a large percentage of the jobs he was referring to, were probably menial task low-paying posts of not much interest to educated white folks with specialized work skills.

"I'd take one of those jobs. I'm homeless and I need the cash."

"They hate us.," he barked out angrily.

"Why is that?"

I argued that it was probably because - as Paris Hilton would say - "wrinkly old white dudes " - have been in control of the power structure in the United States for the past couple of centuries.

"It's natural for them to resent us," I guess.

When I reflected on the plight of this homeless man later, I recalled that in my travels around the country the past year or so, there appeared to be a growing number of white males in the 40-50 age range - in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and major cities back East - out-of-work and on the streets.

How was it that the fortunes of these men had so tragically reversed?

Was it due to the introduction of computers (and subsequent automation) , the prevailing trend towards cheap non-union labor, or the influx of a wave of immigrants descending on these shores hungry for work at any cost?

No one seems to care.

The media - indeed, political activists and the government, too - have been inclined to put the big focus these days on immigrants and their rights and/or issues pertaining to racism because Blacks allege they have been victims of discrimination.

No wonder, there is a growing outcry from disgruntled Anglo-Saxons, who swear they are being short-changed, too.

I am reminded of the Ron Paul movement during the election.

Although Paul's followers were somewhat extremist in their views about immigrants - and trends that threatened foundations this great Nation were built on - some of their idealogies (and outspoken alarmist views) have not fallen on deaf ears.

A less strident (more realistic) posse of of White Americans have taken a cue and are now standing up and demanding to be heard.

"The Latinos and the Blacks are the ones that are racist."

So, with an eye to the future, grass roots oganizations are springing up in a bold-faced effort to protect the interests of White Americans around the country - with the ultimate aim of holding on to their stake in the American dream - too.

Amen!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Starbucks...down on homeless! Nope, no compassion, just greed...

I was sipping a cup of piping-hot tea @ the Starbucks WeHo/24 Hour Fitness outlet when one of the barristas strolled over with a purpose and started to arrange four big leather easy-chairs in a "nook-like" setting.

I smiled.

"Cozy," I chuckled.

The pretty mid-twenties employee noted in a firm (but condescending tone of voice) that the Starbucks strategy was to psychologically "steer" guests who sauntered in the front door in the direction of the front counter & cashier so they wouldn't take a side route straight to the restroom.

I pointed out at this juncture that some patrons may have to relieve themselves.

So, of course, it was not only logical - but practical - that they may be inclined to head to the water closet first (limey term for head).

After all, what if they - as a Valley-girl might say:

"Like, really have-ta go".

A latte or specially-ordered cup of java takes a few seconds to conjure up - which means (perhaps tragically in some instances) that the poor soul have to cross their legs (and pray!) while they wait for the tasty beverage to appear at the take-out.

Then, after selecting a table and plunking down the Starbucks goodies, there would be a trot across the trendy cafe to the "John".

In that event, the beverage would have cooled off considerably by the time the patron was ready to stretch back and toss it back!

Of course, these youngsters aren't bright enough to figure that one out for themselves.

The neatly-attired personnel at Starbucks are trained to just Sell! Sell! Sell!

And now - exhibit their skills at giving a hefty heave-ho to the homeless - when they haplessly wander through the "unwelcome" door.

"They smell," she sniped - with what I thought for one sliver of a second was a pointed nod in my direction - as she moved on to carry out the rest of her perfunctory duties.

At this juncture, I surreptitiously sniffed my own "pits" (when no one was glancing in my direction) and did the old hand-cup gesture at my mouth (breathing out slowly) to verify my breath was not a dragon Meister, either.

In the final analysis?

No wonder the logo for the Seattle-based giant has become the symbol of greed!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Aid for AIDS...Go eat Los Angeles! Charitable fundraiser February 26th...

Dine at an elegant restaurant and - at the same time - raise funds for the homeless and individuals and families impoverished by HIV/AIDS!

The annual event is - GO EAT Los Angeles - and kicks off tomorrow on February 26th.

This is how it works.

Chow down at a Los Angeles restaurant and the proprietors will donate 20% or more of their day's receipts to Aid the AIDS-inflicted.

According to the organizers, this is an easy way to support the HIV/AIDS community.

You have to eat, right?

So, when you hop in the car - and head out to squelch that hunger pang in your stomach (during the breakfast, lunch, or dinner hour) - select an eatery from the "Go Eat Los Angeles" list of participating restaurants.

No excuses!

'Cause there are plenty of participating establishments serving up delectable meals in West Hollywood, Silverlake, Hollywood, Long Beach, Pasadena, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and the Valley (you go, girl!).

Info: http://www.GoEatLA.org

http://www.julianays.com

Blog Action Day...introduction to 4 posts on "poverty"...

When we think of poverty, many disturbing images float into the consciousness.

Images of young children starving in the streets of an impoverished country, for starters, seem to exemplify the extreme horrors of it.

The thought of young ones being without a crumb to nourish their bodies turns my stomach.

At a time when there is so much advanced technology and widespread global communication, how is it possible that in our reach we have managed to pass over and turn our backs on the truly needy?

After all, we are all "one" in the grand scheme of things.

If one part of us is unhealthy or lacking in nourishment, then each of is, in some capacity.

As Shakespeare said in one of his dramatic plays of yesteryear:

"All are punished!"

In tandem with the "Blog Action" movement today to rise up against poverty - and ultimately effect some healing - I am posting 4 articles.

"World Hunger" has been included for two reasons.

For starters, the article throws a spotlight - not only the waste and superficiality of life in America - but exposes the greed of a few to the detriment of the many.

Further, the statistics underscore the urgency for a call to action.

With that in mind, constructive solutions are also offered up that are not only consciousness-raising, but quite novel in approach.

So, I trust you'll hop on the bandwagon when you peruse that article!

To complement the first post, I have also included a few words from Mahatma Gandhi, written several decades ago in the infancy of our surge for selfish gratification.

Even still, the thoughts resonate with truth, today.

In a few sentences, the spiritual leader managed to put his finger on the underlying causes of the ills of our modern-day society - which ultimately - hinder our ability to realize a much gentler, kinder, Garden of Eden.

When our focus drifts to poverty in America, undoubtedly thoughts turn to the homeless who struggle daily in the mean streets of this once-great Nation.

In a world of plenty - how is it possible for an ugly scenario such as this - to have unfolded in our own backyard?

The land of the brave and the free - appears less likely to turn out a good Samaritan or two - willing to lend a helping hand in troubling times.

Such is the width and breadth of our lack of compassion!

For this reason - I have posted "Alms for the Poor" to remind us on blog action day how important it is to give to the homeless - even when a dark shroud has cast a shadow on the rest us considered more fortunate.

Finally, it should be noted, there are many forms of poverty.

On many different levels we are poor, and needy, and wanting.

When it comes to nurturing Mother Earth (for instance) - sentient beings are poor in spirit and slow to replenish a great bounty - once thought bottomless.

In the final analysis, we are all spiritually poor in America.

That's worse than financial bankruptcy in my humble opinion.

Were it not true - each and every one of us would be striving stridently to curb the ills of global warming, anxiously attempting to minimize the carbon footprint, and diligently seeking a way to end all the senseless polluting.

We must end the apathy!


The 4th post focuses on a remarkable woman (who just passed into spirit this past week) - who founded the green movement "Heal the Bay".


Unlike so many others, Dorothy Green was not poor in her ability to rectify a wrong, effect right action, and bring about a positive logical outcome.

Why did she tackle the challenge?

Because it had to be done!

The Dorothy Green post is a tribute to a great lady.

And, the best way to end on an inspiring positive note.

Happy Blog Action Day!



Mother Nature is alive and well and living...