Norsehorse's Home Turf

Predictions for 2012?

2012-01-27T00:22:00.001-05:00

Although predictions for a new year are typically made before it rolls in or as it is rolling in, since I am not one usually inclined to make such predictions, it would seem to be safe enough to suggest that one of two things could happen when it comes to 2012: i.e., Either the world will end just before the year 2012 does and, if this scenario does indeed occur, no one will be around to say "I told you so" or 2012 will end and the world will usher in yet another new year and there will be plenty of people around who will be able say "I told you so!"

By the way, check out this 2012 doomsday Mayan calendar interactive countdown clock in order to find out more, here (once it loads, click onto the tab that reads "How it works").

Lost and Found

2012-01-26T08:22:00.000-05:00

When I was younger, really younger, I use to enjoy going off for long walks or bicycle rides and getting lost, then finding my way back again.

The fact is I still enjoy doing such, at least when my feet and legs allow me to go for walks anyway, as it helps center me and clear out as well as focus my mind and so on.

It came to mind however that if anyone were to ask me why I do so, I could always retort with "because I was always being told to 'get lost!'" -- which was actually true, particularly given how that was an oft used catch phrase, especially back in the day.

:-) [smile]

Meltdown in Progress

2012-01-26T00:26:00.000-05:00

Have been feeling rather unappreciated and not valued of late for various reasons associated with many of the advocacy efforts I have long been engaged in whether it be on the individual or systemic level. However will not be giving anyone the satisfaction of throwing a pity party over it, nor will be taking it personally (read: not taking ownership of it) either. That said, I take great comfort in knowing I am not alone, not by any means, since I know of many who struggle with exactly the same thing and, since they are not delusional like I am suspected as being -- which, if true, helps me in coping with such stuff better -- they more than likely deal with this on a daily basis and so it is even worse than what I might experience on occasion. Yet this is probably nothing more than being typical symptoms of what is probably the usual burnout in progress (which in my case would be equivalent to being a meltdown). At least I still have my humor anyway.

:-) [smile]

P.S.

It is definitely Ben & Jerry's time! In fact this is probably one of those two pints days (point of reference, here).

Thought of the Day (TOTD): On Being at a Crossroads

2012-01-22T18:50:00.001-05:00

Yogi Berra is quoted as saying, "[w]hen you come to a fork in the road....Take it".

The good thing about being at a crossroads versus a fork in the road is one has more options and directions to consider taking, certainly more so than is available if it were merely a fork in the road one was at instead.

Therefore, when one is at a crossroads, if and whenever possible it might be good to explore each road and the direction where it leads as well as some of what comes with each road and direction as much as one can manage up to a certain point and well prior to deciding which might be the best direction and road to take as well as journey farther down.

Scooter Photos

2012-01-03T22:34:00.000-05:00

Scooter world watching session

Scooter lounging on her cat tower

Scooter

2012-01-01T22:11:00.002-05:00

Scooter hanging out on her newly arrived cat tower
(early October 2011; Webcam photo)

Scooter, a twelve (12) year-old female, black and white tuxedo cat moved in with me on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 after her previous human had died. We had come to know each other when I sometimes would help in taking care of her here and there. It was a tough two years of living by my lonesome before she moved in. She is great company and has helped me a lot. Therefore it should not be much of a surprise if a lot of blog posts include Scooter photos as well as updates and the like from time to time.

Reflections Upon Old & New Year Reflections

2012-01-01T22:01:00.000-05:00

It appears most everyone gets all excited about the old year ending and giving birth to a new year (well, apparently not most everyone, ...), however they almost always seem to forget how one can end up experiencing what amounts to major postpartum depression or even worse afterwards (including being deeply fatigued, ...), particularly once all the celebrating is over or wears off and reality sets in, once again being reminded how the new day and year delivered is not all that much different or better than the last was during this phase of things, nor afterwards either. If there is anything different or better, it just might be how we perceive such as well as what we do with both it as well as our time, not too mention how we regard and treat others, from here on out and, sometimes, that can make all the difference.

Photo: Looking down the Winooski River from the Main Street Bridge in downtown Montpelier (taken Monday, December 26, 2011).

Back & Moving On

2012-01-01T21:17:00.003-05:00

After a rather lengthy hiatus from blogging as well as tweeting on a personal basis and, although one never know how often or much it might occur and so I make no promises about doing so either regularly or consistently of course, Norsehorse's Home Turf is back to being blogged once again.

By the way, in early December (2011) I finally bought myself a small video camera, a Sony bloggie Touch, as an early Christmas present to myself. Although bought brand new, it was an older model and also why it was on sale, which is why I could also afford it.

Photo: Downtown Montpelier at midnight (mid-December 2011; click onto image in order to view enlargement).

One Year Later: Old Chapter Closed, Update on New One

2010-07-31T10:23:00.004-04:00

*Updated* (with the usual edits)

Around this time last year, due to lacking permanent housing for a twelve (12) year period and, not having any other place of last resort both then as well as the year prior, my main place of residence was a tent in the woods within the Montpelier area.

It was mid-July and, I had been doing rather poorly, however two different and coincidental events occurred that would later lend to changing the aforementioned circumstances.

The first of these events happened when former Times Argus reporter Susan (Sue) Allen surprised me by coming by where I was usually stationed on a daily basis to access the Internet, inquiring whether I would be willing to allow her to do an interview for a column in which people within the community were profiled.

That night sleep was hard to come by and, in addition, severe panic and anxiety attacks were experienced. In e-mail exchanges in the days afterwards, Sue asked if I had reservations about allowing publication of the column and, although stating how it had caused grave concerns overnight, told her it would be fine as well as how she had my trust.

The second of these events happened the day following the interview, when a person who works in the local housing field, whom I had previously made an inquiry in utter desperation concerning what options might be available as soon as might be possible, sought me out in order to help towards initiating and facilitating the process that had earlier become stalled.

The profile column was published in both the Times Argus and Rutland Herald on August 3, 2009.

While occurring independent of the column being published, a mere eleven (11) days later there was a letter in the mail informing me of having received approval for the housing sought and an apartment also being available.

The lease was signed and keys to the apartment obtained that afternoon and was informed I could begin moving in and stay there right away if needed.

It seemed a bit surreal to say the least and took me a little while before I could assure myself it was not merely a dream or wishful thinking on my part.

Kind and generous friends helped me move in the next day and, as I no longer possessed any of my own since last being housed, provided me with certain furnishings. Many others would also eventually graciously bestow various items to help in furnishing the apartment with many of the basics as well.

Whether for good or bad and, in one fashion or another, no one ever truly gets anywhere on their own, nor do they usually manage to accomplish anything by themselves when seeking to move on either.

It was neither easy or simple to bring about, however with a lot of effort and collaboration with others toward meeting certain goals, becoming permanently housed again being only one of them, an old lengthy chapter of my life was closed and a new one begun.

As such, I remain grateful to all those who aided me in moving beyond what had been difficult circumstances and trying experiences that went on for much too long.

Thank you to all those who have helped me along the way of this particular journey of mine.

Furthermore, all of this is also articulated and shared in an attempt to serve as a reminder to anyone who needs such to never give up on anyone no matter what and, most especially as well as importantly, never on oneself.

*Note*: made several edits for the purposes of clarification and readability; last updated on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 1:31 PM (ET).

No Luck With Voc Rehab

2010-05-03T00:16:00.015-04:00

*Updated* (with the usual edits)

As had been mentioned as being next the course of action within my last blog post on the subject (here), after having slept in late due to being up all night the previous evening, Thursday afternoon I managed to call the person from the Vermont Division of Voc Rehab (VR) who e-mailed me concerning my inquiry to someone else at VR the day before.

Sadly, it ended up not going well.

During the rather brief call the person mainly just went into monologue (i.e., prepared-speech) mode on more than one occasion, talking at me and also chiefly focused on the vehicle aspect of things as far as my needs goes, seeming to make it clear without really saying it directly that it would not be possible since I was going for a part-time position (without bothering to factor in what the potential hourly wage could be, etc.).

We did not manage to get much farther than that, since I finally had to elbow my way back into the one-way conversation once again and provide input or otherwise raise questions or concerns, which they were only so-to-speak verbally nodding their head here and there, yet done in a manner and tone that clearly let me know they had an attitude about it and what I was saying (i.e., as if they knew better than me about such things and I was wasting their valuable time, etc.).

After a lengthy moment or so of that, I quickly switched gears letting them know that since it looked like VR was unwilling or unable to assist me, I would have to seek help elsewhere. To which, after pausing to let them speak, they never replied and, believe it or not, simply hung up on me. That was it. The call only lasted 4 minutes and 49 seconds or less.

It seems as if someone had their mind made up about what I needed and what or how they could help me with long before I had a chance to explore such with them. In fact, the person had actually expected me to sign up for services rather than first allowing me to have a chance of walking through with them what they could help me with and, I had to work for that much.

Thus, since it appears I cannot expect to receive any assistance from VR and, because I am not able to handle the cost of what is involved in getting what is needed or otherwise required on my own, I will not be able to go for the position after all.

Although I am aware that VR has helped some others to move onto employment by assisting the person obtain what was needed to do so, even when it had been part-time positions being sought initially and at times also involved obtaining a vehicle required for the position by the prospective employer, I also have heard from several others that they do not always do so as well with everyone who might be eligible to receive services from the division or its contractors, etc.

One of the things I tried to remind the VR person was of how if other applicants for the position had what was required for the job, no matter how well qualified someone else might be, the candidates who had the goods would be ahead of the line of those who did not.

However, anything I said fell upon the ears of a person with a major failure to listen and, in addition, I could easily tell they did not care, not at all.

It is too bad that there are not other resources one could readily access and tap, such as what VR has available, in order to seek as well as acquire the assistance and support needed. However, one would think this could be done through VR, since they are funded to do so.

It appears that there is definitely room for improvement at VR and, my guess is it is a problem that has much more to do with just one or more persons providing direct service there either.

These are your tax dollars at work!

P.S.

And, I also wish they were mine too (i.e., income tax dollars), so then maybe I could do something more than being forced to go begging for help from VR as well as others for what is needed and, when treated poorly, just complain as well as blog about it afterwards (although, if that was the case, I probably would not have to, would I?).

*Note*: made several edits for the purposes of clarification and readability; last updated on Monday, May 3, 2010 at 10:47 AM (ET).

Brief Resume

2010-04-29T02:26:00.002-04:00

Objective:
A position allowing me to utilize my skills and experience obtained over the years while engaged in citizen advocacy, social justice activism as well as community organizing done either in-person or online at both systemic and individual levels, including at local, state and federal legislative and administrative levels as well as working with press/media contacts and also using online social media in such activities.
Summary of Qualifications:
Driven, creative and intuitive advocate and activist who is effective both as a self-starter as well as in collaborating with others, whether it be co-workers, community partners or peers. My personal resource tool box includes strong writing and communication skills, including experience using various online social media as well as blogging tools in order to help in community organizing and networking. Also skilled in certain levels of research, particularly as done online, including of the deep or invisible Web.

The above brief resume of mine, created using an online resume builder available to registered users via the Vermont Joblink Website, is an edited version of one I recently submitted for a part-time position advertised earlier this month, which I was informed this week was still open.

However one problem, among several problems, is that I lack proper attire (i.e., decent clothes and footwear) for an interview, let alone what would be needed on the job.

That said, yesterday (Wednesday) morning I made an initial contact with Voc Rehab (VR) via e-mail in hopes of seeking help from them for such as well as obtaining vehicle required for the position being applied for.

Below is an edited excerpt of what I wrote within my e-mail:

[...]

Although I have been on SSDI/SSI benefits for 22 years and have not been able to work since 1986 when my disabilities prevented me from doing so, I have managed to keep busy when able to do so as an advocate, activist and writer of sorts and this has helped lead to a statewide [...] organization taking an interest and encouraging me to apply for certain positions they currently have open; the positions are part-time 20 hour per week positions (however the hitch is that the continuation of the position would depend on either continued funding or other funding sources of course).

Recently having heard about one such position being open I drew up a cover letter and brief resume (as I was told that would be enough to get started, after I told the number two person at the organization that providing a proper resume would be very difficult for me to do), which I submitted on Monday after finding the online resume builder via the Vermont Joblink Website. Afterwards the person responsible for hiring for the position finally managed to send me a more complete job description and, once I read it over, I withdrew my resume, informing them I would not be applying due to the position being somewhat different than what I had previously been told might be available that would best tap my skills and abilities; not only did the position include a few items that are not my strengths, but -- while I do have a valid Vermont drivers license -- I do not have a vehicle with which to travel across the state as needed, which is one of the requirements. They have since e-mailed me back letting me know they are still interested and thinking I could still have a role within their organization and indicating we should keep talking.

In addition to not having a vehicle of my own as would be required for the position, I also do not have the type of clothes or even footwear and other such things I would need for an interview, let alone what I would need to be properly attired for work, which would include attending meetings, etc. I am aware that Voc Rehab has helped others with obtaining a vehicle needed for employment requirements and am also told VR might help people acquire other items needed for interviews and gaining employment, so am hoping I can get assistance with these and other vital needs I have no means to do so on my own.

Yet another need, due to my aging eyes not letting me read certain text close up so good or easily these days, I would need an eye exam as well as reading prescription glasses; I reluctantly bought a pair of the type of reading glasses that one can pick up at a store, however they only magnify and I am concerned they could cause more problems than they help solve temporarily. There are other important needs as well, ones which I could not afford to have dealt with on my own.

Years ago when I had tried to get assistance from Voc Rehab here in Vermont (back in Rutland; before the ADA was passed into law), the experience deterred me from bothering to do so ever since; however I have been told that things may have changed since then. That said, I did try to call the local Voc Rehab office concerning Ticket to Work months ago and that did not go well either, with the person not listening to me and also repeatedly not letting me finish my own sentences so they could find out what I was actually trying to articulate, interrupting me and attempting to finish sentences for me, so I ended the conversation and did not call back again. Thus I am reaching out to you in the hopes that you could help me get pointed in the right direction.

[...]

Yesterday afternoon I received a reply from VR with a number to call and plan to respond back in the morning (Thursday).

No Words

2010-03-11T23:33:00.007-05:00

*Updated* (with the usual edits)

No Words

there is nothing one could manage to put into words
with which to describe all about oneself and one's life.
anything spoken or written would be either too brief
or lengthy as well as overly boring or otherwise unbelievable
at times, with differently sized fragments of a huge puzzle
missing many pieces, gaps that often get distorted, even
worse when done by others who think they know better
about what happened or why, concerning deep dark holes
that were long ago torn through one's shattered soul, never
truly mended or healed, attempts having been tried several
times over and in several ways, including uttering thousands
upon thousands of prayers, usually going unanswered, or so
it seems. yet life is still passionately held onto as the precious
gift it is, far beyond what words will ever fully relate or express.

by Morgan W. Brown
March 11, 2010
Montpelier, Vermont

*Note*: made several, mostly minor, edits involving either word changes or corrections for the purposes of clarification and readability as well as to reduce certain repeated words; last updated on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 2:45 AM (ET).

New Look & Design of blog

2010-03-11T17:17:00.001-05:00

New look & design of Norsehorse's Home Turf

Although it has been a while since I last managed to post to this blog, particularly on a regular basis (not that should be expected to change much either), thanks to the new template designer rolled out to those using Blogger Draft this blog has a new look and design.

Additional information about Blogger's new template designer, here (via Blogger Buzz) and here (via Blogger in Draft blog).

Norsehorse's Norwegian Meatloaf

2010-01-14T15:33:00.012-05:00

The usual cook was out for today's lunch, so I was among those who pitched in by helping the backup cook and their helpers.

Today's menu included hamburgers, french fries and mixed veggies; however, besides other prep, cooking and related chores I helped out with, I also made a huge pan of Norwegian meatloaf with remaining three (3) or more pounds of hamburger (however, excluding sour cream or onions among other things) ...

Norsehorse's Norwegian Meatloaf Recipe:

(amount of particular ingredients depends upon how much meat is being used; the secret is to not have too much of any one ingredient overwhelming the others)

Dry mix (*optional*): one third (1/3) each of oats, (*whole wheat*) bread crumbs and finely crumbled (*whole wheat*) shredded wheat (or other cereal or crackers), various spices and herbs, including oregano and black pepper; then doing so gently so as not to powderize dry mix too much (since texture is crucial), use hands to blend together dry mix, yet do so very well in order to have an even mix;

Hamburger (*okay to include equal portion of ground turkey and ground pork, instead of using only one type of meat*), diced onions or scallions (*okay to also include some fresh garlic and/or ground horse radish*; *also okay to add diced mushrooms and/or celery*), ketchup, molasses (*lesser amount of black strap molasses even better*), eggs, sour cream (*a little choice red wine in the mix goes good too*);

Using hands to do so, blend together both dry mix and wet meat mix very well and evenly; put in baking pans and cover, bake in preheated 350 F degree oven for amount of time that is usual for any meatloaf depending on pan size (and one's geographic elevation, etc.); remove cover for last twenty minutes of cooking time; remove from oven when done, but let stand covered for at least 5 to 10 minutes prior to serving.

If making companion gravy and, while the meat loaf is standing, if there are any pan juices (*if ~~only~~ using pan juices, okay to saute onions, garlic, horse radish or mushrooms and light amount of spices and herbs, etc.*), use them or, if not, take some of the meatloaf out from the pan edges to add to prepared and already heated beef broth added to sauteing pan, let the pan juices and/or edge meat do its thing a bit, then gently blend in some sour cream (*if choice red wine was used in meat loaf, be sure to add a little in gravy too*), turn down heat a little and allow to gently simmer a bit, stirring bottom of pan into gravy half way through in order to get bottom flavoring blended in as well; you'll know when it is ready; serve meatloaf and top with gravy.

Besides for making meatloaf, the above recipe also makes for either great hamburgers aka 'loafers' (whether on the grill or in a covered frying pan cooked on medium+ heat and slowly done; *then topped with white cheddar or other type of cheese towards end of cooking time*) or superb baked meatballs; however just make sure the recipe for either or these is a little less wet than the regular meatloaf recipe would be.

Recipe goes very well with a number of side dishes, etc.

When remaining leftovers are refrigerated for a day or two, it is rather good reheated the second time around or makes for a number of other great dishes too of course: e.g., cold or hot meatloaf sandwiches as well as for making American Chop Suey, Goulash or simply on top of egg noodles with a pan sauce.

Done Vaccinated Against H1N1 Flu

2010-01-14T03:42:00.003-05:00

While getting the seasonal flu can be like getting hit by either a car or a bus for some people, getting the H1N1 flu can be more like getting hit by either a slow moving train hauling lots of freight cars or a fast moving Amtrak passenger train, particularly for some.

And, especially concerning the latter (i.e., H1N1 flu), not everyone quite survives such experiences in one piece or otherwise recovery can sometimes take a rather long time, even when they do manage to survive.

Given that and although I had never before gotten any flu vaccinations before now, since my health has not always been the best for a while now and it is no picnic to get the flu, I decided to receive both the seasonal flu as well as the H1N1 flu vaccinations when they finally became available for me to do so.

Linus Christmas Monologue

2009-12-09T20:13:00.001-05:00

from Peanuts-A Charlie Brown Christmas. Linus tells us "what Christmas is all about".

Merry Christmas!

BFP My Turn/Op-Ed Reprint: Homelessness is having no place to hang your hat

2009-11-28T04:21:00.008-05:00

Reprinted from NAHNN blog, here, as well as Green Mountain Daily blog, here.

Sunday, July 14, 2002
Burlington Free Press
[Burlington, Vermont]
Editorial/Opinion section
"It's My Turn"/Op-Ed segment
Homelessness is having no place to hang your hat

By Morgan W. Brown

If "home is where one hangs one's hat," where does a person who is living homeless hang their hat?

When a person hangs their hat someplace temporarily, are they no longer considered truly homeless even if, in fact, it is not really their home?

Being homeless myself, I know well how the smallest items of hope are always held onto very tightly.

Just like one's own sense of dignity, self-respect, pride -- which are equally cherished and held close, such hope can often prove extremely useful and even vital in the long journey being undertaken just in managing to survive as well as living independently.

These core parts of one's self can also be key to what is needed to help find, obtain and then move into some form of safe, decent and affordable housing of one's own; which is an essential part of what is needed to end homelessness.

As near as it may be to my becoming housed once again, after being homeless in its various forms for nearly five years this time around, one would think nothing could easily stand in my way.

Yet, there are many moments when it seems too daunting and so very far away to ever be accomplished on one's own.

There are those days, and even weeks, which do not seem to pass by without a severe and persistent need to find and renew hope, inner strength as well as faith in everything.

Almost constantly, in many different ways, I remind myself that whatever the circumstances or, how they are experienced and felt, there are always other ways of thinking about them and other methods of accomplishing something when it is waited for a little while longer and, what is sought is looked for even deeper than we may believe is possible and, the support needed to do so is received.

Just as crucial though, the value of the smallest or seemingly least important thing to provide inspiration should never be underestimated; often found in what we may perceive to be the most unlikely of places or persons, especially when it is needed the most.

These are among the things which often help me to never, ever, give up on anything or anybody -- and, most importantly, never on myself.

When I do find and move into a place of my own, my hat will be hung where it can be grabbed at ease when needed. Then whenever it is off of my head and in its usual resting place, I will know I am home.

Morgan W. Brown is living homeless in Montpelier.

Yet other different versions of what had been an original much lengthier three part essay of mine the above was drawn from are available here (via Street News Service) and, here (via Poor Magazine).

Thanksgiving 2009: What I Am Grateful About This Year

2009-11-23T06:24:00.004-05:00

This Thanksgiving I find myself very thankful for:

friends;
family;
being permanently housed;
surviving too many moments, hours, days, weeks, months and, even worse, years living houseless (aka homeless); as well as,
surviving hopelessness experienced during such times;
better health;
and, turning 54 years-old recently (which have been gravy or bonus years, especially given once grave doubts of mine about either myself or the rest of the human race surviving much past my 30th birthday due to the nature and state of world events both leading up to then as well as at the time: i.e., 1985).

What do you find yourself being grateful either for or about within your own life this year?

Sarah Palin Moment: Strange Dreams or Vision of Things to Come?

2009-11-22T14:28:00.000-05:00

Within a dream er, maybe a nightmare actually, I experienced last night about nothing specific really, the following occurred while riding by Montpelier city hall on a crowded bus (reminder, this was only a dream of course):

The Montpelier (Vermont) city hall clock tower was adorned on all sides and also on top with lighted Sarah Palin for President signs.

It was sort of a twilight zone moment, especially given the clock tower scene with the lighted Sarah Palin for President signs kept playing over and over at different times during my dream state.

Maybe it was something I ate and need to be careful about not eating such so late in the evening again.

I just hope it was merely an odd moment during a bad dream and not a vision of things to come.

Living Homeless, Kevin Boudreau Posts on Boston Craigslist: "Help me ..."

2009-10-26T03:28:00.000-04:00

Read his Craigslist post, here.

Read the Boston Globe news article profiling him, his story as well as circumstances and needs, here (Monday, October 26, 2009).

Taking Down Tent/Camp Site Tomorrow Morning: i.e., Friday, 9/11/09

2009-09-10T15:16:00.002-04:00

Since I had given myself about a month to go back to take the tent down at my former camp site in the woods upon my last return there the day prior to moving into my apartment and was also waiting for both when I felt good enough to do so as well as cooler temperatures and for a period when there had been no rain for a while, it looks like it is time for me to do so come tomorrow, particularly before it rains next.

Most likely will try to do so as early in the morning as I can manage, especially since it will take me a little time and a bit of effort to get it done; although it should not be too hard or overly time consuming either, since the only thing left to do is to dismantle and fold up the tent as also fold up the tarps, etc., and then carry it out.

New Digs Video Tour & Needs

2009-08-20T14:38:00.001-04:00

Video Tour of My New Efficiency Apartment

silent film style (i.e., no sound) video tour
of my new efficiency apartment in Montpelier

Since several have asked, although -- besides my belongings, clothes as well as new fan I bought -- I have been recently gifted a bed and small night stand, two living room chairs and a cable ready TV, I am in need of most everything one can imagine is needed for manging one's household and living space, particularly when starting from scratch all over again after twelve years of not having permanent housing.

Ending One Lengthy Chapter of an Old Story, Beginning New Chapter ...

2009-08-14T22:19:00.002-04:00

After twelve (12) very lengthy years between now and the last time I had been permanently housed, I finally managed to ink my name upon a lease and obtained the keys to a small, affordable efficiency apartment late this morning.

Will begin moving into the apartment with a bed and some other stuff on Saturday so I can sleep my first night in my new home tomorrow evening.

Put another way and, quite literally as well, it appears I am finally out of the woods.

It does not seem real yet though. In fact it might take quite some time to sink in and to transition; however I have learned quite a bit about some of what it can take to transition over the years both from previous experiences attempting to do such as well as during what has been the longest period of continued houselessness (aka homelessness) I had ever experienced to date; which I hope will be my last time having to do so, particularly since each and every such experience -- no matter how short or long it might have been -- was something I never managed to get use to, nor managed to survive or cope with, as these events each took a huge toll on me as well as leaving a huge hole deep within me.

Welcome to readers of Kevin Barbieux aka The Homeless Guy (here).

Housing Search Status Update

2009-08-12T20:46:00.005-04:00

*Updated*

Back in either late June or early July I made an inquiry concerning potential housing opportunities that might be available without a long wait. However something had come up to provide a road block of sorts to that effort. A few weeks later the same person I asked followed up with a way to move ahead and, if all works out as hoped and nothing manages to derail the possibility, it appears I may be able to become permanently housed sometime next month: i.e., September 2009.

As such, I have once again recently updated the housing search database I created earlier this year and if or as things progress I will attempt to continue to update it in the future as well (via Socrata; formerly known as Blist):

housing search

By the way, if you have not already done so yet, read Sue Allen's recent Talking Points column profiling me, here (via Times Argus; Monday, August 3, 2009).

*Update* (posted on Thursday, August 13, 2009): Today I received a letter in the mail informing me that I have been found eligible for the housing I applied for and that there is a unit available for me at this time. Will be calling tomorrow morning to confirm that I am interested in the apartment and will probably find out then when I can move into it, etc.

*Note*: posted an update; last updated on Thursday, August 13, 2009 at 10:11 PM 9ET).

Question for Senator Bernie Sanders

2009-08-07T15:45:00.001-04:00

[cross-posted from Vermont Watch blog, here]

Question posed via online video to US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) regarding housing and homelessness.

By the way, if you have not already done so yet, read Sue Allen's recent Talking Points column profiling me, here (via Times Argus; Monday, August 3, 2009).

Check out Senator Sanders Unfiltered:

Sen. Bernie Sanders will soon begin a weekly series of web-isodes on various topics with Robert Greenwald's Brave New Films. This program will be available on www.sanders.senate.gov on Monday, Aug. 10 and regularly on Thursdays thereafter.

[...]

Poetry: Lonely, Forgotten Woods

2009-07-22T15:43:00.005-04:00

Lonely, Forgotten Woods

(Middle Ground)

no longer having the option
found at the fork in the road
about whether to go left or right,
which life often offers its travelers
and, with little hope of ending up
someplace to settle down under
either different or better circumstances,
exhausted from endless searching,
I took to those very woods
found in between paths converged,
having to camp out once again,
not by choice, but by necessity

although it is Summertime,
with its longer daylight periods,
nighttime can drag on forever,
most especially when it rains
much of the day and evening, quickly
wearing down one's health and well-being,
making both the future and survival uncertain

who owns these lonely, forgotten woods,
which are now my residence of last resort,
it is not known; hoping no one will either
notice or mind me doing so,
when I sneak in and out
each morning and night, while merely
seeking a place to rest, yet always
desiring a safer and better roof overhead

by Morgan W. Brown
July 22, 2009
Montpelier, Vermont

Wish List Item: Flip MinoHD

2009-07-13T06:50:00.003-04:00

Although I usually do not have cravings to obtain material belongings, especially as some sort of status symbol or fad or whatever, what has quietly been high among my wish list of late of an item potentially worth having, particularly since I could then more easily create video diaries (e.g., when I am camping out and want to share some experiences or thoughts about such with others) and also do short interviews of others on various subject matters of interest as well as video tours and the like, is this Flip MinoHD, here.

It would also be good to be able to include the Flip Video™ Premium Service Plan too of course and, when I can manage to afford such and, who knows by then either prices may be lower or something even better may come along to purchase instead, it is my hope to get something these lines.

Homeless in the Woods: Week 1

2009-06-30T17:35:00.014-04:00

*Updated* (with the usual edits and corrections)

Moved out of my temporary Winter quarters last Thursday and, after a failed attempt to find a safe place in the woods to camp within closer walking distance to downtown Montpelier than what I had for tenting out last year, finally managed to make camp in the woods much farther out than desirable and set up my tent just prior to dark setting in.

Due to pulling an all-nighter -- my second within only a few days -- the night before so I could finish packing, I was terribly exhausted, thus resulting in my being slower in everything I tried to do. In addition, certain things went undone as well.

With the help of an off-the-shelve sleeping aid and, despite considerable pain and discomfort, I managed to sleep relatively okay the first three nights.

However, although going to bed around 9:00 PM Sunday evening and, not wanting to take the sleeping aid night after night in a row and also because of some of the effects it seemed I may have been experiencing from it, I could not manage to get to sleep until 6:00 AM the next morning.

It had rained hard all evening as well as all Monday morning and did not seem to stop until around 2:00 PM or so. Yet this was not the only reason I could not sleep and it ended up being what I typically term as being a bad night, which is something I can experience on any given night, sometimes right out of the blue and other times because something has either upset or stimulated me in one fashion or another, setting my mind into overdrive.

Since I was so tired from a lack of sleep as well as lack of proper nutrition of late and with it raining so hard, I slept in until I could tell the rain had stopped.

Had to bail out some water that made its way into the tent and related problems caused by it.

Then I went into town for a couple of hours to run errands late in the afternoon, including for a quick birdbath, quickly check e-mail and grab my one meal of the day -- other than having had a few of mini-Clif bars from a package of 18 bars I bought last Thursday.

When I got back to the tent last night I had some more mopping up to do, without what I really need to do so. It does not help that I have such poor camping or outdoor survival skills, knowledge or experience.

Overall I have been real tired and dragging, with my health not doing well, although I was experiencing some of the same to a certain degree when I was temporarily housed the previous eight (8) months too.

While these matters have made me feel rather desperate, as well as filling me with anxiety and causing further major depression and panic attacks at times, my continued attempts to find housing have thus far failed.

With no transportation available on Saturday due to it being July 4th and not much to do during the entire weekend, I managed to arrange to get inside for a three night stay indoors starting this coming Friday; particularly since it looks much of the next four months will be spent living houseless (aka homeless), with only my tent in the wood being the the place of last resort.

Suffice it to say that if I were to make the mistake to disclose to anyone specifically what else I was going through or experiencing and, how it made me feel and think at times relating to potential self-harm (i.e., one who is often prone to suicidal ideation on either a daily or episodic basis can easily be pushed there real quickly, particularly under rocky circumstances such as a lack of stable habitat, lack of proper nutrition or lack of enough restful sleep and even worse when it is a combination of any or all three*[1]), it could probably get me unwanted time in the state hospital or something else like that and just as bad; when much of what is really needed in my case is permanent housing along the lines of what would meet my needs and on terms acceptable to me, yet have not been able to manage to get there from here on my own either the past twelve (12) years or currently and that despite seeking assistance from those I feel safe or comfortable enough to do so from.

*[1: Ironically enough, when talking about bears and other creatures in the woods as well as concerns about having people come across me and my camp with intent to cause me or my property harm, someone generously offered me use of a handgun, however knowing how it either could too easily be used against me or used an excuse to harass me in some way, I declined; not to mention the potential of my using such on myself when in utter despair, which I have been struggling with both now and in years past of course. The person meant well, but had not thought it through, yet I had done so enough for the both of us in order to know better]

Sad to say, others have it much worse than myself and this does not make me feel any better, if anything it only makes things more depressing.

All that said, I do the best I am able at any given moment and, even when certain moments appear to be their darkest and bleakest, never ever give up hope, even and most especially when there is nothing to be hopeful about.

*Note*: made several edits and corrections for the purposes of clarification and readability; last updated on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 2:18 PM (ET).

Redesigned 'look' of my personal blog ...

2009-06-17T15:11:00.002-04:00

*Updated*

Have been engaged in redesign mode of the 'look' of my personal blog. Same for my personal Twitter account as well, here.

For those who either have not visited my blog recently or ever, for the sake of being able to compare to the current redesigned version, here is a partial screenshot of a cache of the previous version found today via Google:

Feedback?

Image by Norsehorse via Flickr

*Updated*: It has been quite a while since I last updated the bottom portion of my blog, including updating the blogrolls provided there as well, however I finally managed to do so.

The blogrolls now use the newer version of the Blogger blogroll linking feature, which should prove more useful. Besides the homeless related and Vermont blogrolls, both of which I have completely updated, I have also added a mental health related blogroll.

*Note*: added an update: last updated on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 7:07 PM [ET].

Twin City Motel iGoogle Theme

2009-06-17T02:31:00.005-04:00

If you either already have a personalized iGoogle page or may be inclined to set one up, below is a screenshot of the Twin City Motel (Berlin, VT) iGoogle Theme I recently created:

If you interested in doing so, get the above theme for your personalized iGoogle page, here.

Other iGoogle themes I created are the Camels Hump, Vermont theme as well as the Golden Dome, Vermont theme (screenshots below):

If you would like to create your own iGoogle theme using a photo of you have permission to use, it is rather easy to do so, here.

(hints and suggestions for creating iGoogle themes using above linked tool: 1. after you upload and tweak the photo to how you think you want it, click onto the button to the lower right of the image viewer in order to open another window; this will give a view of what it would look like when created. 2. use a photo that is extremely wide and panoramic rather than one with much height; around 1200 wide seems to work to fit the entire screen. 3. it can take several attempts to get the theme banner and everything else the way one likes it prior to actually creating the finalized version and it is worth taking one's time to do so.)

computer generated art of mine from today

2009-06-14T14:38:00.005-04:00

latest musings: redux

2009-05-14T05:00:00.015-04:00

*Updated 2x*

Last night having been exhausted from pulling an all-nighter Monday evening and, also recently not getting either enough or good quality rest or sleep, I was finding myself falling asleep and so after a late supper finally went to bed.

However severe leg muscle cramps managed to disturb my sleep, this time just in the left leg and, as usual, the calve. Yet I went back to sleep, although struggled to do so deeply or long enough, only receiving about five hours.

While only still half asleep, since I have been pondering about how I have six (6) weeks left as of today until I have to move out of my 'Winter quarters' and if I do not have permanent housing or anywhere else to land by then will end up living houseless (aka homeless) yet again, the following poem were among my latest musings redux (*update 1*: posted embedded video of poem being read aloud):

homeless sneakers

restless thoughts
toss and turn,
without end
deep within
mind, body and soul
whether day or night,
about once again
becoming homeless

knowing the only
place to then call
home 24/7, will be
one pair of badly
worn out sneakers,
long overdue
for replacement

truth be told
however, those foul
footwear are in much
better shape, than the person
who will be barely
surviving inside them

whose remedy
will not be found
just by a new pair,
but within an abode
of their own,
one providing a permanent
roof and shelter,
under which to live
more restfully instead.

by Morgan W. Brown
Montpelier, Vermont
Sunday, June 18, 2006

[Originally posted, here; Sunday, June 18, 2006]

Speaking of sneakers, those I have are badly in need of replacement once again, which actually should have been replaced last year, however I was not able to afford it at the time. In fact, besides sneakers and because they help with both comfort and lessening of heat stress, I also need to buy a new pair of sandals as well. Although I should be able to afford such either by the end of the month or early next month on my own.

In addition, I am also hoping to get my bicycle out of storage and get it fixed and tuned up in order to put it back on the road. It has been in need of a new chain among other things, which should have been replaced last year, but could not afford it then either, yet think I have enough funds on hand to do it now.

Speaking of bicycling, if you have not previously done so, read my article about such published within The Independent -- a Vermont publication for elders and people with disabilities: Where The Rubber Meets The Road (via Vermont Center for Independent Living: VCIL).

*Update 2*: Bought my new pair of footwear up at the Berlin Mall today, a pair of size 12 4E New Balance sneakers on sale for $39.99, originally priced at $59.95.

It was worth it being able to buy a pair that had the extra width, rather than those with regular width -- which are never an exact fit.

They are a comfortable pair and, it is great to finally be rid of the old worn out pair, especially since my feet, legs and back had long been hurting as a result wearing them.

*Note*: added an embed of video of poem being read aloud; added another update with photo; last updated on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 8:03 PM (ET).

Goings On

2009-05-13T14:49:00.009-04:00

*Updated*

Streaming alternative rock tunes via Shoutcast Radio while online at Kellogg Hubbard Library in Montpelier.

Came into town this morning to do a few errands as well as eat lunch at the soup kitchen of the day after attending an early morning meeting at the main offices of Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) concerning the forthcoming new edition of Washington County Survivors' Guide, which is still a work in progress.

The four of us, three WCMHS staff and myself, who are working on the project met to review and discuss the latest draft. Next, two different mock ups will be produced and the four of us will be going around asking various people to review them and provide feedback. Our next meeting in relation to the resource guide will be held in mid-July prior to having the new version going to press in order to review and discuss feedback we received. The progress on the guide is going purposefully slow as we want to do what is needed to get it right before going to press with the final draft.

However we are also planning to have a related meeting in mid-June to further discuss another aspect brought up both within earlier e-mails back and forth as well as during our previous meeting last month when we also had discussed matters relating to human services needs as well as resources and community outreach collaboration in our region, which we did not have time to discuss today.

It is our intention to have an agenda drawn up as well as invite certain others to this initial meeting, which will serve as a first step towards potentially turning an idea into something constructive and useful somewhere down the road.

*Update*: posted following video via Seesmic (using Disqus commenting tool, which fouled up and did not post it within the comments, so I went to the video on my Seesmic account and grabbed the embed code for use as an update to the post):

*Note*: made several edits for the purpose of clarification and readability; posted vlog; last updated on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 4:13 PM (ET).

Poll ?: President Barack Obama's 1st 100 Days

2009-04-27T05:11:00.006-04:00

Poll question (created by yours truly):

President Barack Obama's first 100 Days milestone is Wednesday, April 29, 2009:

In your opinion, how has he done thus far?

Vote (via PollDaddy):

Additional information, here (via official White House Website), here (via CNN), here (via Fox News) here (via CBS News), here (via ABC News), here (via MSNBC), here (via Time), here (via New York Times) here (via Washington Post) and, here (via Huffington Post).

Forthcoming New Edition of Washington County Survivors' Guide

2009-04-17T03:28:00.000-04:00

Last month I was invited by Mary Moulton of Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) to provide feedback concerning The Survivor's Guide to Washington County they and the Turning Point Center of Central Vermont provide as an informational resource to members of the community whom find themselves in need, which -- as I understand it -- is a project sponsored by Green Mountain United Way (GMUW). It is in the form of a doubled-sided four section foldout business type card brochure. After some back and forth discussion with Mary, answering as well as discussing some of her related questions seeking feedback and, agreeing to help when and where I could, several e-mails have traded back between here and the two other WCMHS employees within the loop as well. It was also Mary's plan for us to have a face to face meeting at some point and this will occur on Monday morning between the four of us in order to review the final draft. One of my suggestions was to include a sample of the final draft to seek feedback from those representative of the population who would use the guide as well as others who could advise of what would be helpful as other potential informational resources provided within such a guide. Mary reports she is very favorable to this concept and has already spoken with at least one of the contact persons at the local homeless shelter located within Barre. Although one cannot really make out the contents of either side of the guide, the photo within this blog post is what both sides of the current (i.e., old) edition of the guide looks like, photos of which were taken by Webcam and patched together. The new edition of the guide is merely in draft form and is still a work-in-progress, one I will not see a sample of until this coming Monday.

Quote of the Day

2009-04-15T13:04:00.000-04:00

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”

-- David Brinkley (American television Journalist, 1920-2003)

[via ThinkExist, here]

Basic Info & Resources re: Conficker Worm

2009-04-13T05:47:00.011-04:00

*Updated 2x* (with the usual edits; + additional related news item; + important update)

If you happen to be anything like me, at least when it comes to computer tech stuff, then you've probably been very concerned about whether your computer is either vulnerable or already infected with a version of the Conficker worm and most of the information provided thus far is so technical it is over one's head and leaves one unsure of what to do.

If so, the below listed tools and news articles they were found within may be of assistance.

However, as the news articles indicate, remember the danger from these worms is not over by any means and, since they seem to be waking up and the trouble caused by them is only starting to emerge, it will pay to be highly vigilant and be very careful about what one clicks upon and what attachments one opens no matter who they are from.

Thus it may be good to check from time to time, particularly if one's computer starts acting up.

If one works for an agency, organization or business that has tech people or, is a small business person who has someone providing computer tech assistance, it may be good to consider asking them for their advice and definitely heed them on it: i.e., do exactly what they say; and, if one has additional questions, make sure to ask -- and, if need be, request translations into plain English if at all possible.

My rules for myself include never to open an attachment from anyone that has been obviously forwarded from someone else and I am also careful about opening anything sent directly from someone as well.

In addition, if I have any doubts about an attachment, I do not open it. It also pays to be careful about clicking onto embedded links within e-mails and the like as well or so I have been told anyway.

Likewise and, by way of example, if I have any doubts about some window or pop up that pops up when visiting a Website, page or blog, then I do not click onto any aspect of it and open the task manager in order to close it if need be.

Then I just hope I remember to follow my own rules, something I may not always remember to do when I get real tired; which is why an additional rule is to shut down my computer before I get too tired and easily do something I'll regret afterwards.

Please know, however, I am no techie at all and am just as clueless as many others out there about this and other such stuff (yet understand enough that it is too easy to get tripped up by all the clever tricks employed by hackers and cyber-villains of various types, etc.).

Thus, if any of this has one in doubt and there are questions about these matters, it is best to make sure to ask someone trusted implicitly concerning computer tech stuff and also do one's own careful research.

Yet, above all, beware and stay alert out there.

That said, ...

Check to see if your computer is infected, fyi:

Conficker tools:

Conficker Eye Chart: via Conficker Work Group;
University of Bonn: Conficker Online Infection Indicator;
Rid your computer of the Conficker virus (via CNET Download blog)

Above links found via below two news stories:

Conficker Wakes Up: Internet Worm Carrying Damaging Software Is Updating, Researchers Say (via CBS News: CNET Tech News; April 9, 2009);
Researchers: Conficker All About Money: Computer Worm Will Likely Send Spam Or Steal Data From Infected PCs (via CBS News: CNET Tech News; April 10, 2009)

In addition, read a recent Vermont news story concerning these matters: Worm shuts down state's computers (via Times Argus; Saturday, April 11, 2009), as well as also available, here (via Rutland Herald).

*Important Update*: My cousin who is a professional computer security technician sent me the following advice:

Don't forget the two most important rules -
Get a good anti virus and keep it updated.
Make sure you get your Windows Updates.
Do these two things religiously, and your chances of getting a worm/virus are greatly diminished.

The only thing I would add is that it is advisable for anyone who uses a high speed Internet connection to also have a good quality firewall or otherwise a good quality full security suite that includes a firewall as well as anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, etc. and, make sure to keep them up-to-date as well as renewed of course.

*Note*: made several edits for the purposes of clarification and readability; added an important update; last updated on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 11:00 AM (EDT).

Trying Out Disqus Commenting Tool

2009-04-10T05:20:00.004-04:00

*Updated* (with the usual edits)

Decided to try the Disqus commenting tool on my blog and, besides plenty of great features of its own -- including some recent new ones and also an even better mixed comment tool for the sidebar, it is easy enough to install and only employs doing so with a template installation procedure and not a troublesome widget.

There does not seem to be an option to have the comments show under the blog posts right on the main or archive pages, however it quickly goes to the post page and to the comments section as the Blogger-hosted comment tool does.

While I have not tried posting a comment with it on my blog yet, I have previously posted comments using Disqus on other blogs and it works fine in that respect.

In addition, I've tested my blog using the Internet Explorer (IE) browser and it works fine on those browsers and there does not seem to be any blockage issues this time around, although the blog and also the commenting feature does load slower in IE than with Firefox 3 or Google Chrome (just reporting, not hinting).

Do not know about other browsers, but I think Disqus has been around for a while and may do a better job at browser integration as a result.

By the way, for iMac users, someone informed me today about a browser I never heard of before for Mac users: Camino, Mozilla Power, Mac Style.

Whatever browser(s) you may be using, please check it out and let me know how the blogs loads and works now, as well as feel free to try out posting a comment as well, particularly if you are new to using the Disqus commenting tool yourself.

*Note*: made several, mostly minor, edit for the purposes of clarification and readability; last updated on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 3:38 PM [EDT].

Dumped Intense Debate Comment Tool

2009-04-10T03:32:00.002-04:00

Finally found out what has been causing people using the Internet Explorer browser to not be able to access my blog and, as a result, had to remove the Intense Debate comment tool widget application and along with the comments posted using it.

My apologies, however it was unavoidable, particularly since my attempts to reinstall using the template installation option beforehand were not successful either as no comments were showing up after all was done.

It is too bad, as I liked the Intense Debate features, including being able to offer the string of most recent comments within the side-column. Am hoping that Blogger will eventually get around to offer such as well, as this is among the features most desired both by myself and others, including a friend of mine whose blog I am an admin for the purpose of blog tool support.

Recent Advocacy Efforts

2009-03-30T15:42:00.001-04:00

*Updated*

Read commentary I wrote during the wee hours of an all-night I pulled Saturday evening (March 28th), which relates to some of my recent advocacy efforts concerning mental health, homelessness and housing pertaining to Vermont and cross-posted on four different blogs, here (via Green Mountain Daily) as well as, here (via Beyond VSH blog), here (via Vermont Watch blog) and, here (via iBrattleboro).

*Update*: Video version posted online (via Seesmic):

*Note*: last updated on Friday, April 3, 2009 at 3:33 AM (EDT).

My Video Reply re: What is Art?

2009-03-20T05:22:00.003-04:00

My long, windy and wandering video reply to (make sure to max your volume as high as you can, due to my having to try to be quiet and not wake anyone as well as also because of the background noise the laptop computer makes for some reason unknown to me):

Description:
a late comer's reply to a really good question, one open to potentially infinite discussion & while there is no *one* answer or even a limited set of absolute answers, there are plenty of answers much as there exists many different pieces of various sizes and shapes to any given puzzle and this is a huge, ever expanding one as the process of art continues to unfold & evolve ...

Video: Lyrical Answer to "How Are You?"

2009-03-20T03:16:00.000-04:00

Background, history and lyrics, here (Wednesday, October 22, 2008).

Big Dreams, Tiny Houses

2009-03-17T22:54:00.000-04:00

Video Credit: Eva Sollberger, Stuck in Vermont, 7Days, here (11/19/2008).

Additional information as well as several related photos, here (via Tiny House blog; 11/22/2008).

Read more about Peter King as well as his Vermont Tiny Houses dream and projects, here (via Burlington Free Press; 3/7/2009).

Another Way Inspired Computer Art

2009-03-10T13:31:00.006-04:00

After doing some off the cuff experimenting over night with computer generated art (here), drawing from the photo I took a few years ago of the Another Way Drop-In Center building (to the right, click onto photo to view enlargement), I used it to create what turned out to be a series of additional computer generated art thanks to features and tools of a image tool program I use for creating blog banner and such (more details about it at bottom of post).

Please keep in mind that these are merely the result of artistic expression and, not at all a statement of any sort. The title for the final version (or, really, the series itself) came out of other factors, including what came to mind from viewing and reflecting upon the final version. Had only used the photo of Another Way at random and with nothing in mind either before or while working on it during the process of the evolving four part series.

Below is the final version and, following it, is the three other versions in reverse order they were created (click onto each of the photos in order to view enlargements):

Death of One,

Birth of Another

My laptop deserves some of the credit, as does the Paint.net program I use to create such.

The rest, truth be told, is inspiration from God knows where: i.e., what I term as: from the source(s) unknown department.

Computer Art

2009-03-10T02:38:00.011-04:00

New World

Had been playing around with some computer art and this was among one of the results (click onto photo for enlargement).

Below is one of the versions the above was formed out of the process of my playing with the various program tools used to create the computer generated art (click onto photo for enlargement).

Below is a remix of the above (click onto photo for enlargement).

One last version drawn from the above remix (click onto photo for enlargement).

Could not resist one final version of the above item (click onto photo for enlargement).

New Intense Debate Commenting Features

2009-03-05T17:32:00.004-05:00

Thanks to new plugin features the Intense Debate commenting system has recently included amongst its offerings, anyone posting comments to my blog can now post video comments via Seesmic -- without needing to be a registered user with the service, here (via Seesmic blog).

It is hoped readers will avail themselves of this dynamic feature, as the Seesmic video service is built to provide conversations. Seesmic is to online video what Blogger is to blogging or what Twitter is to online social media.

In addition, other plugin features also now allow for readers to add smileys, as well as to be able to include embeds of YouTube videos related to a given blog post or comment. Another plugin allows me to add polls to the comment thread of a particular blog post so readers can vote or voice their opinion in answer to the poll question.

Enjoy.

Watch 1st 4 Hours of 2009 Homelessness Marathon

2009-02-26T14:24:00.004-05:00

fyi: Homelessness Marathon

The Homelessness Marathon is an annual 14-hour radio broadcast featuring the voices and stories of homeless people from around the United States The Homelessness Marathon features live call-ins all night long via a national toll-free number. The Homelessness Marathon is available for free to all non-commercial radio stations.

Videos via Freespeech TV (embedded via Blip TV):

Homelessness Marathon Part I

Jeremy Alderson, director of the Homelessness Marathon, talks with Sergeant David Spring, Dorothy McClender, Nora Bogunin, and Greg Lane about their personal stories with homelessness. The 12th Annual Homelessness Marathon originates from Pass Christian, Mississippi, just a few miles from "the other Ground Zero," where Hurricane Katrina came ashore. The Homelessness Marathon is an annual 14-hour radio broadcast featuring the voices and stories of homeless people from around the United States The Homelessness Marathon features live call-ins all night long via a national toll-free number.

Homelessness Marathon Part II

Interview with Jeremy Alderson, director of the Homelessness Marathon.

Jeremy Alderson talks with Keith Burton, Editor of Gulf Coast News, Ray, Rev. Elijah Mitchell, and Ken Harris. [...]

Homelessness Marathon Part III

Interview with Kathleen Johnson, Director of Katrina Relief (Waveland)

Jeremy Alderson talks with Paul Joyce, Michael, Forrest Eubank, Phillip, and Mike. [...]

Homelessness Marathon Part IV

Interview with Jeremy Alderson, director of The Homlessness Marathon.

Jeremy Alderson talks with Jeremy Rosen, Director of National Policy. [...]

Dealing With Stress

2009-02-02T12:23:00.002-05:00

In attempting to help answer a question Twittered about on how to deal with stress (here; via swichi293 aka Brian Swichkow), I replied with a two part answer (here and, here; via vtweetup).

What follows is an edited, revised and updated version of the same.

Stress sometimes results from the friction created by one trying to hold onto something originating out of certain expectations as well as related needs.

Thus, it is not enough to simply attempt to let go of something, rather one must also re-evaluate and then change one's expectations as well as find different means to fulfill one's needs.

Doing so may allow one to lessen the amount of stress being encountered, however just like with any other learned habit, this will take time, patience and perseverance to learn not to return to the same expectations all over again or otherwise to merely repackage them either.

Pondering E = mc2 & Our Universe

2009-01-26T21:08:00.000-05:00

Although it is not the first time that I have struggled with the concept before, I found myself pondering the equation of E = mc2 today, all while even more weighty matters of the universe were quickly spinning within my mind, at least those concerning my own very small portion of it anyway.

The results of this particular thought process can be found, here.

Vermont Tweetup: Langdon Street Cafe, Friday, 1/30/2009 from 1:00pm - 2:30pm

2009-01-26T15:35:00.000-05:00

RSVP (only), here (via twtvite).

fyi: Langdon Street Cafe

My Housing Search blist: 2009

2009-01-25T09:48:00.008-05:00

Housing Search 2009

Old Favorite: Hill Street Blues

2009-01-24T09:14:00.000-05:00

The television series Hill Street Blues, which ran from 1981 to 1987, was another of my favorite shows to watch.

Watch the pilot: Hill Street Station:

Watch archived video of the show's episodes, here (via Hulu).

Old Favorite: 'Barney Miller'

2009-01-24T03:32:00.001-05:00

The television series Barney Miller, which ran from the mid-70's through the early-80's, was among one of my favorite shows to watch.

Watch the very first episode of the television series:

Watch archived video of the show's episodes, here (via Hulu).

One of my favorite characters in the series was Detective Phil Fish, played by Abe Vigoda (via Wikipedia). Yesterday (Friday, January 23, 2009), he appeared on the NBC Today show.

Watch the archived video of the segment:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States

2009-01-22T05:51:00.000-05:00

Watch the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States:

Read the text of the President Barack Obama's inaugural address, here (via White House blog). View additional Official White House video's, here) via YouTube).

Sure Signs of Getting Old

2009-01-20T10:49:00.004-05:00

Having watched news as well as other programs on television over the weekend as well as last night both concerning and also related to the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama (click link for live streaming video via Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009), I found myself becoming excited and overstimulated as a result, yet happily so.

In addition, I had also been busy doing some of my usual online stuff. So ended up not being able to settle down early enough and, at least in part - because of this, was not able to get any sleep last night.

Then, just before four (4:00 AM) o'clock this morning I was checking out the cable television program guide and came across an oldie, but goodie of a movie:

'Old Legends Never Die' (1967):

Compilation of the episodes ‘The Revenge of Robin Hood’ and ‘Merlin the Magician’, plus some opening footage from ‘Rendezvous with Yesterday’

i.e., from the The Time Tunnel television series.

Back in 1966 and 1967, when I was eleven (11) and twelve (12) years old, one of my favorite TV shows was The Time Tunnel (via Wikipedia).

All this led me to do some further searching online concerning the series and I found a link that led me to video hosted on Hulu, which has 30 full episodes of the show, here.

The first episode is a must-watch now as it was when it initially aired (best viewed in full screen mode):

This television series was one of the reasons why I think I grew to enjoy science fiction as much as I do.

Among the reasons I liked The Time Tunnel television series and, also believe it to be one of the best series of its kind ever, is due with how it mixed fables and myths as well as aspects drawn from history wrapped up in science fiction as a core part of its episodes, the best of both worlds so-to-speak and done with excellent acting and production too.

This is surely another sign I am getting old of course.

Speaking of time, I find myself being happy as well as hopeful for our nation to be able to be one of those who are in our lifetime being able to witness -- even if from afar -- history being made today with the swearing in of our new President and, have it be something real and meaningful.

What these things have in common is beyond me, other than the fact that I took a break in the middle of the night from watching inauguration related coverage and news about such to watch something else of interest to me as well.

Dear Mr. President ...

2009-01-18T03:43:00.001-05:00

The Sunday Times Argus included my letter to President(-elect) Barack Obama, which was published within today's edition, as follows (here; 3rd of 3 letters posted).

Sunday, January 18, 2009
Times Argus
[Barre - Montpelier, Vermont]
Opinion section
Perspective
Dear Mr. President
Vermonters offer their thoughts to Barack Obama

[photo and photo caption; omitted]

Published: January 18, 2009

The Times Argus and Rutland Herald invited readers to address an open letter to President-elect Barack Obama in advance of his historic inaugural. Here are some of the responses we received:

[...]

Congratulations on your election as our next president.

There is a dire need to address the longstanding affordable housing and homelessness crisis within our nation.

The National Housing Trust Fund might prove to be an empty promise and not enough to address the need, not only because, as I understand it, the program would not begin drawing down monies until around 2010 or so, but now that the funding source was dependent on a stream from Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac, and those programs are in peril and have basically been taken over by the government, it remains to be seen if the funding will be there for what is required for building and growing the trust fund. This is neither good nor soon enough to address the problems at hand, either in the short or long term.

It is crucial not to make the errors of previous administrations, as well as Congress, and allow these problems to continue to be ignored. Nor it is enough to simply throw money at it in the manner as has been the case thus far.

What is required to address homelessness among all those in need is affordable housing. Due to the serious need and also limited resources, considering everything else the government needs to address during this time of economic crisis, and not being able to do everything needed, what helps most in helping people get and stay housed is affordable housing, as well as offering a menu of "voluntary" supports (i.e., without strings attached). Homeless shelters and transitional housing are not what works best and are only poor Band-Aid solutions, ones which cost lots of money and help only relatively few people.

Affordable housing needs to be understood as a crucial infrastructure need within the local community, county, state and nation as important and vital as roads and bridges are to the economic engine and vitality of our communities, counties, states and nation.

It is also important to keep in mind there is a dire need in rural areas, as well, and not just in urban areas. In fact rural areas have been seriously neglected for far too long.

Instead of going to Mars or worrying about the space station or other such boondoggles, let us prioritize housing as a fundamental right rather than either a privilege of those who can most afford it or a limited entitlement with never enough to go around to meet the need.

Both training and putting people back to work in building and repairing existing housing, including making it energy-efficient in all regards, would help provide needed jobs as well as the housing many are in need of, including those most in need as well as those whose incomes make it tough if not impossible to own their own or even rent an affordable residence.

With all this in mind, it might be good to also consider newer and better means of housing, including building various types of housing along the lines of what is termed as Katrina cottages, depending on the housing needs and family size. This sort of housing would be more energy- and cost-efficient, as well as take up less land, etc.

Rather than depending on the type of huge apartment or housing complexes that either the private or public housing community have long relied on, which are usually very expensive as well, housing along the lines of the Katrina cottages in the mix would also help lend to homeownership options, particularly for those like myself who subsist on limited incomes and are Section 8 housing choice voucher eligible, if only there were the affordable housing available to use such a voucher with.

One last thought on the subject is that people who live or formerly have lived homeless are not the problem, we are part of the solution. Thus one of the things that need changing is for programs and providers to stop doing stuff to or for us and to instead work with us at all levels and stages, including by having those who are or formerly were living homeless to be at the table in an equal and full manner as experts as anyone else from planning to implementation, whether it be at the systemic level or during the process of a person seeking help to address their needs. We often know best what works and what does not, although we are not usually used to being included in meaningful ways, except maybe merely as tokens whose opinions and input are typically ignored or dismissed.

With everything else your new administration will be duly focused on, please do not forget those of us in serious need of real, affordable housing opportunities sooner rather than later.

Thank you in advance for any consideration given to these concerns.

Morgan W. Brown Montpelier

My Citizen's Briefing Book Contribution

2009-01-14T21:20:00.000-05:00

Address Affordable Housing & Homelessness Needs Sooner Rather Than Later (via Citizen's Briefing Book; Change.gov).

Additional information, here and, here.

BFP Live Vermont State House Coverage

2009-01-08T14:36:00.004-05:00

View both the Burlington Free Press live blogging of the event(s) as well as the live video feed, here.

How Much is a Life Worth?

2009-01-08T13:31:00.005-05:00

*Updated* (with the usual edits)

What follows is an (re)edited version of a post as well as edited repost of a comment I posted in reply to a news article published within the Boston Globe this morning concerning major layoffs of Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) case managers (here): i.e., those providing direct services to mental health clients across human services within the state and whom help ensure those clients receive the needed services they are eligible for. Take my word for it, these are critical positions, I know.

Back in 1987, if I recall correctly shortly after the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) created their case management program providing state case managers to ensure that publicly funded community mental health center (CMHC) clients were able to get the services they were eligible (across all systems) for as well as when they landed in the state hospital, which is often when it could make a huge difference -- since the CMHC's usually did a poor job of follow-up if at all with their clients then, the person who had been my CMHC emergency services case manager from the get go of my introduction to the public mental health system took a job as a state DMH case manager.

When I lost them as a CMHC case manager and, their eventual replacement and I were not able to create a good working relationship, in addition to other circumstances that led me in that direction, I was nearly successful in a major suicide attempt.

Serving as my newly appointed DMH case manager, my former CMHC case manager not only knew me well and we had a very good working relationship together, but they visited me in the critical care unit of the general hospital shortly after I emerged from an unconscious state after two days of my being out (read: unconscious).

This person truly cared and was working for as well as with me. This helped to make a huge difference.

While I could go into much greater detail, the fact is that if they were not in my life when it was needed most and, went the extra mile as they did on many other occasions after that, I would either still be in the state hospital costing Massachusetts taxpayers more dollars than the salary the DMH case manager receives or most likely be dead.

What is either a life as well as quality of life worth to Massachusetts taxpayers these days?

What would you want for your father, mother, spouse, partner, son, daughter or other family member should they be or otherwise end up in the public mental health system?

Would they be worth the money it costs for these crucial case management services?

What about if something were to happen to you and, you ended up in the public mental health system, what would you want for yourself?

The truth is these DMH case managers make a difference and without them, you can bet that more people who are most in need will end up institutionalized, in prison, homeless or dead.

And, not only will the price in human terms be high, but so will the cost to taxpayers as well, as communities across the state will find out soon enough, I am quite sure.

*Note*: made several edits, including within the edited version of the posted comment, for the purposes of clarification and readability; last updated on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 8:51 PM (EST).

Self-help Exercise & Stretching Tips re: Sciatica

2009-01-08T09:59:00.006-05:00

*Updated 2x*

Someone I know who has dealt with sciatica themselves has often suggested to me that I may have been experiencing it as well. Having thought about it recently with the various constant pain I have been enduring, I think they may indeed be correct. In fact, it is most likely I have been experiencing this problem for quite a number of years actually.

After I instant messaged (IM) another friend, Bethany Knight (Tender Loving Calling), about it this morning, she provided me with the following self-help tips regarding sciatica (edited):

you can do this on the floor or on your bed. Lie on your back and pull both knees up to your chest

on your back, cross your ankles, put hands on knees with a lot of space between knees and rock from side to side gently

this posture is called little boat and it creates an open ease in the back...this is the first thing you will do...Obviously, it is better on a harder surface, so let's hope the bed is firm

the main release is one that I want you to ease into and do it throughout the day. What has happened is that with all that sitting and little stretching, you have shortened the muscles in your low back and legs. This is common and is easily reversed, but you are so seized up it will take some time to ease into it

some people go for muscle relaxing drugs at this time, but you can begin stretching..

the real posture needed is with both knees up to chest, take left foot and put on right thigh. Then clasp hands together under neath right knee. On the exhale you want to gently pull the right knee toward your chest. Tie this move to your breath...relax and inhale...then pull knee in and exhale

you gotta start stretching, at least 20 minutes a day with all this blogging...

I don't know if you can do it now but standing and then just bending over and hanging, you can bend the knees slightly, will also be good

Here is the bottom line...your sciatic nerve runs through muscles and those muscles are contracted from sitting, which means they pull on the nerve...get it? So, you stretch the muscles back and the nerve isn't pulled

just flexing your feet when you sit so you lengthen the calf muscle would be awesome!!!

also, seated, you can just hold one leg out, with a flexed foot, and then the other, repeatedly....
these are all very gentle...so take it sooooooo easy. The little boat rock I described first is the safest of all

Also, if you can stand and balance, pulling one knee up to chest and squeeze it toward chest, then the other leg, using a chair or desk or something for balance...this stretch is nice

...it is about lenghening your leg muscles. Because the have become contracted from prolonged sitting, they are now tugging on low back/sciatic nerve. This is a common truck driver problem

the more you can work on fully stretching out your legs...can you touch your toes, either seated or standing or are the far away?

Ok, think of all the time seated you have spent to convince your muscles "this is how I want you to be." You must devote a lot more time than you have to counter balance this muscle shortening that has occured

Whether standing or lying down, pulling knees up will help relieve pressure....then we need to still work on stretching let muscles to lengthen them again. Too must sitting is a problem! Would be even better to stand a while and blog if you could every day...

Here is another easy and safe one. Take a towel or long sock. Sitting on the edge of chair with back straight, stick leg out straight and flex foot so toes point to ceiling. Wrap towel or sock behind foot as if it were the reins you were holding. Keeping back straight, so you dont' make the back do anywork, pull back on the reins and stretch those leg muscles!! This will help you get down to the point of being able to touch your toes

Ease into all of it, if you can take some hot baths that is great, or even let hot water run on your low back. But tub is best for legs....you want to visualize yourself easing into these releases. We haven't talked about your weight, but if you are toting around more than you can, of course this is putting pressure on your nerve. One step at a time!

MAKE IT FUN...KEEP TRACK OF HOW MANY MINTUES YOU ARE ACTUALLY STRETCHING A DAY

*Updates*: An additional note from Bethany:

thought of another safe stretch; stand on one leg, bend other knee and hold other foot, trying to bring foot up behind you (i.e., to rear end).

Make sure to checkout Bethany's free e-books regarding armchair yoga: Please Be. Seated. Healed. Happy.

*Note*: added related information and related links per request; added an additional note from Bethany; last updated on Friday, January 8, 2009 at 8:57 AM (EST).

Peter Freyne, 1949-2009

2009-01-07T08:31:00.012-05:00

*Updated 7x*

Details, here (via Blurt; 7Days Staff blog; Wednesday, January 7, 2009).

*Update*: Additional tributes to Peter Freyne:

Vermont View, posted by Sue Allen

Vermont Daily View, posted by Philip Baruth

Green Mountain Daily, posted by Jack McCullough

vt.Buzz, posted by Sam Hemingway

iBrattleboro, posted by Christian Avard

vt.Buzz, posted by Terri Hallenbeck

CCTV

Read an Associated Press news article, here (via Times Argus; Wednesday, January 7, 2009).

Read or listen to a news report, here (via Vermont Public Radio; Wednesday, January 7, 2009).

In addition, read another article, here, as well as an editorial, here (via Times Argus; Thursday, January 8, 2009).

WCAX - Channel 3 TV - News has a news report, here (Wednesday, January 7, 2009).

A remembrance by Ross Sneyd, here (via VPR; Thursday, January 8, 2009).

*Note*: posted an update; included additional tributes; posted additional links; posted even more links; posted an additional tribute link; last updated on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 6:23 PM (EST).

Crazy, Insane?

2009-01-06T13:02:00.004-05:00

*Updated* (with the usual edits)

This morning after writing an initial version of the following and sending it out to some of those on my e-networks and, then after doing a rewrite, I submitted this version for publication as commentary to Counterpoint:

Crazy, Insane?

by Morgan W. Brown

Stigma defined:
In sociological theory, a stigma is an attribute, behavior, or reputation which is socially discrediting in a particular way: it causes an individual to be mentally classified by others in an undesirable, rejected stereotype rather than in an accepted, normal one.
via Wikipedia, here.

Although it is not really anything new when it comes to both society in general as well as within political circles at various levels and, the news media that covers such, it seems it is becoming even more common than usual for people and particularly the news media to describe or term in one manner or another and for one reason or another anyone as crazy or insane who they or others disagree with, do not understand or fail to accept.

Recent examples include the embattled Governor of Illinois who is being publicly tried within the press as well as the person he appointed to serve as U.S Senator to fill the seat of President-elect Barack Obama. However there are a multitude of examples provided on nearly a daily basis.

It also seems that these portrayals go completely unchecked. The problem is real and serious and it is just not one of being too sensitive about it or one of being politically correct either.

Not only are these stigmatizing (read: prejudicial) acts of negative labeling and public shaming damaging, they also raise issues concerning how, why and when our society labels others as crazy, insane or mentally ill anyone who they might disagree with, do not understand or fail to accept in one form or another, which is more of a political, moral or social form of oppression and exclusion in order to justify prejudice and discrimination.

These stigmatizing and prejudicial acts in fact act to neutralize and limit those so labeled, causing others to instantly question anything the person says or does, in effect marginalizing them by limiting their free speech rights as well as other rights, since through this process they are not to be taken seriously and this appears to be the aim.

As many already well know, this behavior then has an effect of how people think and act regarding those who become diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illnesses as well as how people so labeled perceive themselves. something which can also have the potential of adding to the numbers of those who attempt or actually commit suicide.

In addition, these matters should also raise issues, concerns and questions about psychiatric diagnosing, labels and labeling in general, whom gets diagnosed or labeled and who does the labeling as well as the actual basis or roots such is based or judged upon.

While there are those who are working on these and related matters, there remains a growing need to find various means to begin to push back against the free for all taking place, particularly via the media in a variety of ways.

This is something that has been concerning me for quite some time now, but the continued daily bombardments of these forms of negative labeling and public humilation with political overtones is getting too overwhelming to be allowed to go virtually unchecked and not call such into question.

Concerning what to do or how to do so, at the moment I have no suggestions to offer, yet it is my hope the means can be found.

One approach of course is to exercise what one person had once mentioned to me in such instances: i.e., something along the lines of:
Free speech that bothers us can only be countered with more free speech.
These are among some of my thoughts on the subject, what are yours?

*Note*: made several edits for the purposes of clarification and readability; last updated on Friday, January 9, 2009 at 6:54 AM (EST).

New Year, New Version: A New Year Wish

2009-01-01T19:37:00.003-05:00

*Updated* (with the usual edits)

A New Year Wish

May the next twelve months be much better for each and all than was the case during previous years.
Affording for greater opportunities and quality time to put painful or bad experiences within the past,
In efforts to plant and nurture seeds of charity, joy and hope where once existed loathing, grief and fears.
Thereby offering an inspiring example to help others keep faith in continuing on as well as to hold fast,
Working together to build communities with meaningful futures and improved chances for them to last.

Morgan W. Brown
Montpelier, Vermont
January 1, 2009

Happy New Year!

*Note*: made a minor edit to the last line; last updated on Friday, January 1, 2008 at 8:04 PM (EST).

A Happy New Year Wish

2008-12-31T02:06:00.006-05:00

[cross-posted to Green Mountain Daily, here (without original video version)]

A Happy New Year Wish

May the coming twelve months be much better for you and yours than was the case during this year.
Affording for greater opportunities and quality time to put painful or bad experiences within the past,
In an effort to plant and nurture seeds of charity, joy and hope where once existed loathing, grief and fear.
Thereby offering an inspiring example to help others keep faith in continuing on as well as to hold fast,
Working together to build communities with meaningful futures and better chances for them to last.

Morgan W. Brown
Montpelier, Vermont
December 31, 2008

Happy New Year!

Ray Charles Gospel Christmas

2008-12-25T00:50:00.004-05:00

Ray Charles - A Gospel Christmas - Live concert.
Uploaded by teefan

Am watching this on TV right now (via TV One), which I stumbled upon while surfing channels, yet figured a video clip of it might also be available online too.

Merry Christmas!

VT Disability Budget Cuts Petition

2008-12-20T08:57:00.008-05:00

If you either live or work within Vermont, please consider signing onto this online petition:

VT Disability Budget Cuts Petition:

To: Governor Douglas & Vermont Legislature

The current financial crisis is causing the state of Vermont to consider further reductions in programs affecting some of our most vulnerable families and individuals. These budget cuts, if implemented, will have a devastating impact on individuals with disabilities and on the communities in which they live.

These are difficult times. However, the reality for many individuals with disabilities and their families is that even the best of times are difficult. During times like this we need more help, not less. Vermonters need to be working, not laid off from agencies that serve people when they are most in need.

People with disabilities want to learn, want to work and want to be accepted as members of their communities.

Through no fault of their own, many people with disabilities face many obstacles in their ability to access daily activities that many others take for granted. Access to basic activiies would be impossible for many without the current programs and services now in place. These programs and services keep people healthy and in their communities. They are cost effective and consistent with the values held by most Vermonters.

We, the undersigned, urge our government not to make cuts to programs and services that serve people with disabilities and their families. We urge the government to instead look to other funding sources and to address the revenue shortfall to get Vermont through this temporary financial crisis.
Sincerely,

The Undersigned

After you have read the petition (here) and, if you support the petition, sign on, here.

View a WPTZ - Channel 5 TV - News video clip on the subject as well as related matters, here (Friday, December 19, 2008).

In addition, please help spread the word about the petition to anyone else you might know who either lives or works within Vermont.

Thank you in advance.

reflections: hope & faith

2008-12-13T19:14:00.006-05:00

*Updated*

hope is a candle one holds onto
closest in the darkest of moments.

faith is what keeps the candle lit
until one is finally able
to reach the light of day.

stay hopeful amid the darkness.
keep faith to see your way clear
while on the pathways of life.

from the sources unknown department

*Update*: A few selected quotes concerning hope, candles, faith, light:

Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.
-- Helen Keller

There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle.
-- Robert Alden

Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.
-- Helen Keller

*Note*: Added selected quotes; last updated on Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 8:26 AM (ET).

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-13T15:55:00.002-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

President-elect Barack Obama Names Shaun Donovan HUD Secretary

2008-12-13T08:12:00.002-05:00

*Updated*

12/13/08: President-Elect Obama's Weekly Address

On December 13th, 2008 President-elect Barack Obama named Shaun Donovan as his Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

[via YouTube, here; posted by ChangeDotGov (December 12, 2008); length: 5:02 minutes/seconds]

Additional information, here (via Change.gov) and, here (via NY Times).

Read Shaun Donovan bio's here (via NY Times) and here (via NYC HPD).

fyi: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

*Update*: A video of a speech given a year and a half or so ago by Shaun Donovan:

At the NY Society for Ethical Culture, Commissioner Shaun Donovan discusses NY City's efforts to increase affordable housing

[via Google Video, here; posted by Charles Debrovner, NY Society for Ethical Culture (June 22, 2007); length: 44:14 minutes/seconds]

*Note*: posted an additional video clip; last updated on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 8:46 PM (ET).

Crucial Q&A's: Is it really raining?

2008-12-12T01:40:00.007-05:00

*Updated 3x*

As the snow accumulates outside, here's the question for you all: Should the state use the rainy-day fund or not to close the ever-widening budget holes?

Some have suggested if not now, then when; it's raining like never before.

Secretary of Administration Neale Lunderville says no way, it's too hard to tell how long it'll keep raining and how many more cuts are on the horizon. "That's really deferring the tough decisions," he said.

Bill Sorrell, who is now attorney general but used to have Lunderville's job when Howard Dean was governor, agrees. "I think it's too early to go to the Rainy Day fund, personally," he said. "i would be very reluctant or go to it for only a few million dollars."

- Terri Hallenbeck

[via vt.Buzz; Burlington Free Press political blog; Thursday, December 11, 2008, here]

My comment post in reply to the question posed within the blog post (3rd comment down page: here; with a couple of minor edits for the purpose of clarification and readability):

It has not just [been] raining hard out for [quite] some time now, but it is definitely high time to build an ark.

In my opinion, the state should enact a 3 step 1/3 formula solution: i.e.,

1. Tap up to 1/3 of the rainy day funds to address the current budget shortfall;

2. Create a tax scheme along the lines of what Governor Dick Snelling and the state legislature had done in 1991 both to help raise up to 1/3 of the current shortfall as well as having any excess over that amount help build back up the tapped rainy day (reserve) funds;

3. Cut an amount equal to 1/3 of the current shortfall from the budget. However, this time around, make sure to cut the fat where the fat truly exists: i.e., At the top and mid level regions of the higher paid and positioned bureaucracy in state government, starting within the administration itself and ensuring that the rank and file state workforce that delivers direct services to the citizens of the state are able to be held harmless. In addition, put a permanent cap on or stop to all salary increases er, bonuses er, merit increases or whatever they are termed across state government, including and starting with the administration; this policy should be kept in place until the economy fully recovers and, also not be ceased until all human services program cuts are then fully restored to what they were prior to the series of cuts that have been made within the last year or so as well as any forthcoming cuts too of course.

What is your opinion?

Share your opinion via comment post in reply to the question posed on the vt.Buzz blog, here. Comments at vt.Buzz can be posted anonymously.

*Update 1*: Leaders say budget cuts should be left to full legislature (via Vermont Public Radio Regional News; Thursday, December 11, 2008).

*Update 2*: VPR Vermont Edition: Gov. Jim Douglas: Friday, 12/12/2008 @ Noon hour.

*Update 3*: Read a news article on the subject, here (via Burlington Free Press; Friday, December 12, 2008).

[cross-posted at Vermont Watch blog, here]

*Note*: last updated on Friday, December 12, 2008 at 7:18 AM (ET).

Ideas About How to Fix the Economy

2008-12-10T05:55:00.011-05:00

*Updated* (with the usual edits)

Having revisited the Obama-Biden Transition Team Change.gov Website and, viewing the video of President-elect Barack Obama laying out key parts of the economic recovery plan (here), I followed the link for sending questions or ideas about how to fix the economy (here).

After viewing the short video featured on that page, I wrote and then submitted the following thoughts, insights, comments and ideas using the online submission form:

Re: Quickly and meaningfully work to address, both during the short-term as well as over the long-term, the dire affordable housing and homelessness crisis that has long plagued this nation over the last 30 years or so

There is a dire need to address the longstanding affordable housing and homelessness crisis within our nation.

The National Housing Trust Fund might prove to be an empty promise and not enough to address the need, not only because as I understand it the program would not begin drawing down monies until around 2010 or so, but now that the funding source was dependent on a stream from Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac and those programs are in peril and have basically been taken over by the government, it remains to be seen if the funding will be there for what is required for building and growing the trust fund. Even if it were, nothing would be coming from it until at least 2012 or later on. This is not either good or soon enough to address the problems at hand, either in the short or long term.

It is crucial not to make the ~~make~~[errors] of previous administrations as well as Congress and allow the problems to continue to be ignored. Nor it is enough to simply throw money at it in the manner as has been the case thus far.

What is required to address homelessness among all those in need is affordable housing. Due to the serious need and also limited resources considering everything else the government needs to address during this time of economic crisis and not being able to do everything needed, what helps most in helping people get and stay housed is affordable housing as well as offering a menu of *voluntary* supports (without string[s] attached). Homeless shelters and transitional housing are not what works best and are only poor bandaid solutions, ones which cost lots of money and only help relatively few people.

Affordable housing needs to be understood as a crucial infrastructure need within the local community, county, state and nation as important and vital as roads and bridges to the economic engine and vitality of our communities, counties, states and nation.

It is also important to keep in mind there is a dire need in rural areas as well and not just in urban areas. In fact rural areas have been seriously neglected for far too long.

Instead of going to Mars or worrying about the space station or other such boondoggles as being above the housing needs of the citizens of our nation, let us prioritize housing as a fundamental right rather than either a privilege of those who can most afford it or a limited entitlement with never enough to meet the need.

In both training and putting people back to work in building and repairing existing housing, including making such energy efficient in all regards, this will help provide both needs[ed] jobs and the housing many are in need of, including both those most in need as well as those whose incomes make it tough if not impossible to own their own or even rent an affordable residence.

With all this in mind, it might be good to also consider newer and better means of housing, including building various types of [housing] along the lines of what is termed as Katrina Cottages depending on the housing needs and family size. This sort of housing would be more energy and cost efficient, as well as take up less land, etc.

Rather than depending on the type of huge apartment or housing complexes that either the private or public housing community have long relied on, which are usually very expensive as well, housing along the lines of the Katrina Cottages in the mix would also help lend to home ownership options, particularly for those like myself who subsist on limited incomes and are section 8 housing choice voucher eligible if only there was the affordable housing to use such a voucher and could use such a voucher toward a home ownership package.

With everything else the new administration is duly focused on, please do not forget those of us in serious need of real, affordable housing opportunities sooner rather than later.

One last thought on the subject is that people who live or formerly have lived homeless are not the problem, we are part of the solution. Thus one of the things that need changing is for programs to stop doing stuff to or for us and work with us at all levels and stages, including by having those who are or formerly were living homeless to be at the table in an equal and full manner as experts as anyone else from planning to implementation whether it be at the systemic level or during the process of a person seeking help to address their needs. We often know best what works and what does not, although we are not usually use to be[ing] included in meaningful ways, except maybe merely as tokens whose opinions and input is ignored.

Thank you in advance for any consideration given to these concerns.

Sincerely,

Morgan W. Brown
Montpelier, Vermont

If you have your own questions or ideas about how to fix the economy, make sure to submit them, here or, otherwise share your vision, here or, your story, here.

For those who might wonder if it would make any difference and matter to those within the new administration who will soon be taking power, it certainly cannot hurt to try, especially while they appear to be willing to listen and learn.

In addition, it certainly will not make a difference or matter if people do not try and share their concerns, stories, questions or ideas.

It is at least a place to start from, which is better than what usually happens, since people do not typically have any chance of being asked or heard about their concerns and ideas about their own government and the building of its agenda and policies.

fyi: National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF)

*Note*: made a couple of, mostly minor, edits for the purposes of clarification and readability; posted an embedded link to an informational page regarding the National Housing Trust Fund; last updated on Sunday, January 11, 2008 at 8:09 AM [ET].

Trying Out Intense Debate Comment Feature

2008-12-04T07:38:00.004-05:00

While enhancing and adding to the social networking tools, whether those I have been previously using or those I have only recently begun using, I stumbled across the Intense Debate commenting feature via my FriendsFeed and decided to try it out on this blog, at least for the time being anyway.

Among the features in using it is not only the integration with some of my social media tools, but also it allows for the addition of various widgets in the sidebar, including the one I chose to use: i.e., the ~~latest five (5)~~[most recent ten (10)] comment posts.

What will be one of my chief concerns about any decision in continuing to use the feature, given that it is an add on and not a Blogger-hosted service, is if were to significantly slow down the load time of the blog for readers.

Feel free to let me know if you prefer this commenting feature or not.

Click Homeless

2008-12-04T04:02:00.001-05:00

Click Homeless from Click Homeless on Vimeo.
fyi: Click Homeless:

[...] a network of homeless and non-homeless supporting needed perspectives on homelessness. [...]

Under the Gun of Social Security Disability Review Process Again

2008-11-30T14:23:00.022-05:00

*Updated* (with the usual edits)

*Note*: This is an updated and edited version of one I e-mailed out to my various e-mail networks earlier.

Although I tend to not always let people know much about what is going on with me or exactly how I am actually doing at times or, at least do not share all the details or depths of such, especially when I am really struggling, this year has been rather tough for me in one manner and degree or another and, during such experiences, finds me barely coping as a result.

When I checked my mail yesterday there was a disability review information and form packet mailed by the Montpelier office of the Social Security Administration.

This is my third review, the last being in 1998/1999, which was one I barely survived after initially having my social security benefits terminated through what was a flawed process on the part of the state disability review office, but then who finally revisited, reviewed and eventually reversed their decision once concerns and protest as well as additional authoritative information was brought to their attention on my behalf by others.

For more on the subject, read a reprint of: The Journey of dis-Ability: Reflections on How Income Can Benefit Outcomes (via The Independent; February-March 1999 Edition; Volume 8, Number 1; posted Friday, January 17, 2003).

It has been in the back of my mind for a while now that I could be the subject of another review at some point, especially given some of the more higher profile activities and blogging I have engaged in of late (e.g., the Vermont Watch blog), which could have come to the attention of certain persons and possibly causing some to question whether I was still qualified for these income and related benefits or not.

That said, I am not at all suggesting that this is indeed the case, only that I knew when I started my political blog there existed a greater potential of leading to such an end. That said as well, I also knew a review could happen even if I did not engage in such activities and blogging, so I had nothing to lose either way or so it seemed. Thus, whatever the case might actually be, it is a moot point since I have no control over it one way or another and have to focus on what is in front of me instead.

While I have about two weeks to fill out the forms included within the packet, I am already feeling fairly stressed about it (including experiencing attacks of both deep panic as well as severe anxiety).

At least in part, this is because when I read some of the enclosed information and questions on the forms, as well as the medicalized context within how they are presented, it would -- and, also based on previous experience from the last time around -- seem to spell major gloom and doom.

However, while I do believe that how this process will be done will be different this time around, it could easily still result in a decision to terminate my benefits and, if this worse case scenario were to indeed happen, then leaving me forced to have to go through an appeal process and not being able to endure coping with it.

Just because an individual has rights to appeal, does not always mean they survive the process either very well or at all, even if they could be successful if they were able to persist, something that can be very difficult to do even when a person has the help of others. I know, been there, done that both when I went through the lengthy process of initially getting the benefits as well as the last review.

The very thorough review in between those two was rather easier on comparison, yet no less stressful and troubling for me; in fact it was the first review in 1993 or 1994 or so that caused a lot of upheaval to the point that afterwards I moved out of the housing (Summer 1996) I had been in since the Spring of 1992 due at least in part to the stress of the experience as well as other factors leading to my no longer feeling safe and comfortable within those quarters.

All to state that if I either appear to be under more duress or become less engaged than has usually been the case of late, this could help to explain at least part of why.

It seems like this will be yet another chapter in the ongoing saga that shall be filed under the Journey of dis-Ability, with mine being just one version of journeys faced differently in one manner and degree or another by many others as well of course.

*Note*: made several edits for the purpose of clarification and readability; last updated on Monday, December 1, 2008 at 4:08 AM (ET).

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T21:27:00.002-05:00

My list of gratitude includes:

Having survived living homeless, some of it in a tent in the woods, this Summer

Being housed for the Winter again (for the 5th year in a row)

Supportive family, friends & community

Finally getting over a serious sinus & chest cold

The many other blessings received during this year

List of gratitude inspired by Pastor Becca (We Your People, Ours the Journey), here.

Announcing Norsehorse TV

2008-11-23T23:35:00.005-05:00

Watch either live versions of my Web TV broadcasts whenever I happen to be streaming live or view archived videos of recorded segments of my broadcasts via Ustream.TV.

Since it is an extension of my blog, a mini-viewer of my Ustream channel can also be found within the sidebar of the blog as well.

Watch Norsehorse TV:

Broadcasting Live with Ustream.TV
In addition, watch Kevin Barbieux's channel, The Homeless Guy (here):

Live Videos by Ustream
If one has high speed online access, a computer or laptop and a Webcam or digital video camera, it is rather easy to stream live video online with tools like Ustream.TV. Plus, it is free!

Lyrical Answer to the ?: "How Are You?"

2008-10-22T11:20:00.012-04:00

*Updated 2x*

Often I have been asked, how are you?

As with most people, this is not the type of question I enjoy being asked or having to answer, since most of the time people are not really asking as if they care how one really is or otherwise are expecting an honest answer to it either.

In my case and on the asking end of of it, when I ask this type of question however, I am actually prepared for an honest answer and, if I can tell someone does not care being asked it, I back off and try to let them off the hook.

In the past when I would be asked the question, I would usually always answer with okay. However some people would look at me in a certain fashion and say something along the lines of, just okay?! To which I would reply with, it is better than not.

On the answering end of things for a while here and there and, when I was not feeling well or had been really struggling with things, I have answered: I've been better, I've been worse.

Then more recently the following is what I have been using -- particularly when I am not feeling well, etc., which has been the case these days -- along with a short explanation, which usually gets a laugh, though sometimes it receives strange look from the person asking:

I've been better, I've been worse.
I've been blessed, I've been cursed.

At first I thought it had the making of the lyrics of a rap song, but then this morning when I repeated it to a beat, it came out as more of a country type of song.

Anyway, the reason behind this post is that the next two lines are yours to contribute, but they must be short, too the point and keeping in rhyme as well as context to answering the question: how are you?

Once again, the two first lines of mine are:

How are you?

I've been better, I've been worse.
I've been blessed, I've been cursed.

*Update 1*: Have received one comment post in response thus far, as well as an e-mailed version via a friend (which I have edited, the original version is posted in the comments) and, although I did not get around to posting it until now, since my friend's version came in prior to the comment post, will update the lyrics with my friend's version first followed with the version posted by Marty as a comment on Friday (October 24, 2008).

How Are You?

I've been better, I've been worse.
I've been blessed, I've been cursed.

I've been happy, I've been sad.
Yet to be alive, I'm still glad.

I've had more joy, I've had more sorrow.
Ask me - "How are you," again tomorrow.

*Update 2*: Have come up with an additional stanza and posted it within the comments section of this post. The updated version is as follows:

How Are You?

I've been better, I've been worse.
I've been blessed, I've been cursed.

I've been happy, I've been sad.
Yet to be alive, I'm still glad.

I've had more joy, I've had more sorrow.
Ask me - "How are you," again tomorrow.

Life includes both bad moments, as well as good times.
There are those with lots of lemons, others with more limes.

Although when it comes to the actual fruits themselves, I like both lemons as well as limes, I most prefer limes over lemons. As far as the use as metaphors goes, while limes are tart, lemons are far more sour and, when the choice is mine to make, my taste preference is less tart over what is more sour.

Should anyone else become inspired to follow along with either submitting or posting additional two line stanzas, please take it from there.

*Note*: edited 2nd sentence of 2nd to last paragraph for the purposes of clarification and readability; made several edits for the purpose of clarification and readability, last updated on Friday, November 21, 2008 at 2:21 AM (ET).

Out of the Woods, Sort of ...

2008-10-12T22:18:00.001-04:00

*Updated* (with the usual edits)

Last Thursday (October 9th), once I saw the weather and temperatures looked good enough for doing so, I dove into my tent for what I had thought might be up to seven days or so, depending on how things went.

Although none of this will be news for any regular readers over the years: For a variety of reasons, including many beyond my ability to control or so it seems, these days and actually for quite some considerable time now I have been merely in the quiet version of barely coping mode and not even survival mode really; which, truth be told, is sadly the case much of the time, although one might never guess as much by simply either observing me or communicating with me due to the fact that I tend to keep such experiences or details deep within (at least when it can be helped) or, otherwise I try to find a place to hide out (which is part of why I dove back into my tent this time around).

However I ended up having to break camp and clearing out of the woods today. When I went to camp via my usual route early yesterday evening before dark, there were definite signs of someone having been in the entrance area of the woods and it became obvious by the markers in place that bow hunters had been there and, since it is now bow hunting season, it was time to leave just to be safe on all counts.

Am back to couch surfing mode again.

What little charging of the batteries I was able to do in only the last few days of tenting out, was wasted today, although being uncomfortable while trying to sleep and rolling around trying to get comfortable all night long and being very achy as a result did not help in this regard either of course.

With all the work involved in breaking camp and the two treks of carrying heavy loads on foot to where I have my belongings stored and the result is that I am now feeling beyond exhausted, which puts me back to where I was last Thursday as well as prior to then too.

Plus with all the work today and, then also hauling all that weight, my back is even in greater pain now, one of my rib cages is aching badly and, if it was not for using my walking stick, I would have fallen this evening when I turned quickly and one of my legs almost gave out and nearly fell out from underneath me. Yet maybe a good nights rest will help with healing some of that.

That said, somehow I did manage to get some sleep and rest out it, maybe by being able to have more time to try to do so or possibly it was due to other factors as well, but who knows.

One thing came to mind last night before falling to sleep was how that I had first pitched my tent this year back on June 20th and had roughly spent about a third of my time nearly equally since then between the tent, the motel and couch surfing, up until last night anyway.

Now that I am back couch surfing again, once I spend tonight and here on after doing it, I will have spent more nights having done that of course.

If all works out as hoped, in ten days or so I should be inside my Winter quarters until either late Spring or early Summer of next year.

Due to the fact that I cannot manage a repeat of the how it went this year, it is my hope that next year will find me permanently housed, although I know that will take some considerable doing of course.

*Note*: made several edits for the purposes of clarification and readability; last updated on Sunday, October 12, 2008 at 10:45 PM (ET).

Humor Break: Joke

2008-09-22T18:08:00.004-04:00

*Updated*

This is probably either an old joke or something along the lines of one some have already heard somewhere before, but since I have not blogged much up on this blog of mine for quite some time, here goes:

What did the toothless vampire tell his intended victims just before he began to suck their blood?

I hope you will forgive me for using a straw.

To which the victims would often retort, just prior to the vampire lunging in to drink:

If you really care to know, it sucks either way.

Maybe this type of joke would be a good one to share with psychiatrists as well as other mental health professionals when either speaking or dealing with them concerning forced drugging and other forced treatment matters.

Who knows, maybe the use of humor might help and certainly cannot hurt, unless they attempt to medicalize, diagnose and treat that too, just like everything else as well of course.

*Note*: added last two paragraphs in order to include a comment I sent to people when sending out the joke to others, particularly those working within the mental health advocacy field, etc.; made a minor edit within first line of joke: i.e., changing such to suck; last updated on Monday, September 22, 2008 at 6:36 PM (ET).

Recent blog Creation

2008-08-08T23:14:00.000-04:00

My most recent blog creation is the 2008 Vermont Gubernatorial Race Watch blog (aka Vermont Watch blog).

An online resource to help citizens of all political stripes to monitor and stay informed about the 2008 Vermont Gubernatorial race. Information for such will come from various attributed sources gleaned online. After the 2008 general election, this blog might eventually evolve to become a Vermont political as well as news watch blog monitoring statewide politics and news from a citizen perspective: aka Vermont Watch blog.

Read more about the Vermont Watch blog, here.

Random Thoughts of Mine

2008-08-08T22:57:00.000-04:00

Maybe all these days of rain are a result of all those days people wished rain rain go away, come back another day and, thus, it finally has been doing so, nearly day after day.

This Just In & Its News to Me Too!

2008-08-08T00:12:00.001-04:00

Google's Knol Project

2008-07-29T10:47:00.002-04:00

For if or when you or someone else you know are thinking about penning future articles on a given subject one is knowledgeable about and would like a means to share them online, a new tool to consider using for such comes by way of Google by the name of Knol, which according to Google stands for a unit of knowledge.

Check out my Knol profile page, here. The knols I have contributed thus far can be found by scrolling down to near the bottom of the sidebar column of the right-hand side of the page.

Useless Items Via Walmart

2008-07-16T13:52:00.010-04:00

*Updated*

While I had been offered the loan of an air mattress by a friend last month, since I do not like to borrow items that could get either trashed or stolen should someone come across my camp and as I cannot afford to be responsible in replacing them, I declined the kind and generous offer. In addition, I also informed the person that it would also be more weight to have to carry and quite possible yet another load on top of the two full loads that I have to trek back and forth whenever there is a need to set up, take down or move the camp site and it was already too much of a burden on me to do so.

Although I could not really afford to buy them and will be even deeper in a financial hole due to doing so as well as the fact that it would as noted above more weight to carry when having to move camp, because I have sorely needed to do something to help ease the major discomfort and pain experienced of sleeping on the floor of my tent in the woods with only a useless and poor quality sleeping pad purchased at Walmart for nearly $13.00 last month underneath my aching body, early last night I went back there and spent $23.00 for a very cheap and basic twin inflatable air mattress as well as a hand air pump -- each item ran close to $11.00 before taxes -- both sold separately and made under the name of Coleman.

The truth is that I have grown rather desperate in the hopes of getting better sleep and to not have to be so achy and fruitlessly rolling around all night in an effort to get comfortable, not to mention what it is doing to the state of my health and well being. Plus I cannot afford the prices I would have to pay to buy like items elsewhere.

Pleased that I might finally get a better quality sleep than has been the case since I started camping out last month, I returned to my camp and quickly went about trying to inflate the mattress. Come to find out that the one small part that one is supposed to use with the pump in order to inflate the mattress, both of which should of course be compatible, was not the right size: i.e., it was too large to fit into the hole to inflate the mattress.

One potential clue something was wrong was the fact when I grabbed the unopened boxed items off the shelves there were one of each of the same boxed items that had been opened and, I assumed were also returned for which I can only guess why.

There was even a piece of paper in the box for the pump that stated something along the lines that the item was not to be returned to the store of purchase stating how one should call a certain toll free number instead. Forget that, I am returning both items right away and I hope they give my money back without any problems as I need it and really should not have spent it in the first place. All of which means I have to go back to my camp late this afternoon, pick up the items and lug them back to Walmart and then return to camp for the night again, none of which will take just a small amount of effort or time on my part either.

One would think whomever makes the item for Coleman, if they could take the time to put a piece of paper in the box figuring it might have to be returned since maybe there have been problems in these regards, they should have the proper quality control in place to pick up on the problem and not ship the items out the door without ensuring the correct part was in the box to allow the two items to be compatible so the pump would fit and work. Having worked in quality control for various forms of manufacturing, I know this is not rocket science, is easy enough to do and also simply makes sense from every angle.

What I truly need of course is real, safe, decent and affordable housing, yet cannot afford that either and, it is a sure thing that neither Walmart or anyone else can help me in a meaningful manner with getting such any time soon as well.

Go figure!

*Update*: Made it up to Walmart early yesterday evening and managed to get a cash refund after returning the items purchased the night before. Tried to explain the problem to the person at the desk, but do not think they were listening or cared, which means others will be put through the same exact thing since they will simply reshelve the items I returned as well as the fact that most likely the other unopened boxes of the same product have the identical flaw.

*Note*: made several, mostly minor, edits for the purposes of clarification and readability; added an update; last updated on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 11:14 AM.

My Virtual Digs

2008-07-10T21:12:00.000-04:00

Join me in my new virtual digs via Google's new interactive virtual reality networking tool: Lively.

As Lively is a downable program, the only time I will probably be able to access it is those times when I have use of my laptop.

Chris Graff Reads My Blog!

2008-07-09T23:22:00.008-04:00

After I got off the local GMTA bus on the other side of the Winooski River on Tuesday morning and, as I began walking over the Main Street bridge crossing it in order to head into downtown, I noticed Chris Graff waiting in the right lane at the Route 2 intersection traffic light while on his way to work.

For those who do not already know, Chris was formerly the Vermont bureau chief of the Associated Press, serving in that capacity for a long time and well respected as a journalist by many both inside and outside the state. Read his bio, here.

Once he recognized me after I called out and waved to him to say hi, he rolled down his window and we chatted briefly before the stop light changed to green and he had to get going again.

As I began to walk away he quickly leaned over and called out, I read your blog!

[Although I seem to vaguely recall he has told me this at least once before, due to how he said it this time it just seemed worth blogging about somehow, particularly as I was not feeling too well at the time and had also been in rather poor spirits (would have blogged about this sooner, but I had to wait until I heard back from him first if it was alright with him if I blogged about it. Then, after I did, it took me some time until I felt up to blogging a post due to struggling with the usual health problems and being very low energy of late). Plus it is good to have something worth blogging about than just the usual, even if it is done somewhat in self-jest about myself and my blog.]

Speaking of Chris Graff, read another recent blog post of mine and follow the link to his recently published commentary, here [via Montpelier Matters].

Housing Dreams?

2008-07-01T16:09:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, including recently, I have been asked that if possible to acquire, what type of housing would I like?

Something along the lines of a Katrina Cottage have caught my interest a while ago when they first came to my attention.

In fact, although I had been aware of these cottages well before, earlier this year they were featured on Vermont Public Radio (VPR) during an episode aired concerning the need for affordable, efficient housing, here (click onto either the Listen or MP3 button(s) within the right-hand sidebar to hear the archived audio of the broadcast; Tuesday, February 12, 2008).

Seven Days also published an article about these matters as well, here (Wednesday, February 13, 2008).

As I understand it, these cottages were initially conceptualized and designed for victims of the Katrina Hurricane disaster, etc.

This type of housing might work for those who need it of various incomes and, also having them in different sizes -- particularly families of course, at least if there were land available to put Katrina Cottages type of housing up on.

Yet, such cottages would of course have to be ones built and equipped to meet the needs of the long, cold, hard Winters of places like the Northeast in order to make such work within this region.

It would be even better if the cottages could be owned by those living there, possibly with the land held in public trust via a land trust or whatever, thus keeping costs lower and then with the owner only being able to sell the cottage for only so much depending on circumstances if they move and sell, etc.

It is just one of the dreams I have.

Homeless Vermonters deserve respect

2008-06-30T13:43:00.001-04:00

Commentary by yours truly concerning people living homeless published within the Wednesday, June 25, 2008 edition of the Times Argus, here.

Early Morning Woodland Observances

2008-06-30T13:20:00.003-04:00

During early morning routines outside and a distance from my tent in the woods today I noticed a beautiful young deer -- maybe a yearling, but I could not be sure -- on its own, observing me.

Once I was done with my routines, I quietly walked up and away a little bit, hiding behind some good-sized trees and was able to observe it, which -- when it could no longer see me -- began to continue on, until I could no longer see it.

Then, when I moved and walked down toward my tent, it was once again observing me. This went back and forth, until something else made it turn around and take off the other way.

Only wish I had a camera and am really glad the deer did not.

Tired, Achy Old Bones

2008-06-27T23:30:00.007-04:00

*Updated*

It has been quite a long week, actually eight days and nights, since I moved out of my Winter quarters last Thursday (June 19th) morning. As a result of staying up all night before packing and organizing my things, I did not get any sleep Wednesday (June 18th) evening.

Before moving out, early that Thursday morning I had taken my tent gear and smaller backpack to the woods and stashed it near where I had decided to try to scout a camp site.

Apparently I stashed the gear much too well, since later that afternoon when I went back and after searching for three hours I could not find it and, with darkness looming, headed back into downtown Montpelier again.

Was not able to find a place to sleep and ended up outdoors all night, soaked from rain and cold from the cooler temperatures. The only sleep I was able to get was when I nodded off during a round trip bus ride on the Link Express bus ride to Burlington and back to Montpelier again simply to be inside, seated, warm and dry for about two and a half hours the trips took (last Friday, June 20th).

Then around mid-afternoon, despite not feeling well and being exhausted, I somehow found both a reserve of enough energy and strength down deep somewhere to once again try find my tenting gear and finally managed to locate it.

Maybe it was all the positive energy, good vibes as well as various types of support that certain friends and family kindly sent my way that made the difference, I certainly would like to think so, especially given this often proves very helpful when all else fails.

Eventually I managed to get everything set up and finally managed to get some much needed sleep and rest, despite being in a bit of pain and discomfort for part of the night.

On Wednesday (June 25th) of this week I received a cool solar powered LED flashlight someone generously sent in mail. Works great! It is always good to have more than one light source to depend upon, particularly if anything should come up at night requiring it (thank you J.A.).

Due to all the hard rain today (Friday, June 27th) as well as it being the last Friday Night Supper at the Another Way Drop-In Center before Bill Newhall retires as Executive Director and turns the place over to someone else to handle, I ended up making my way over there to enjoy the meal and company before heading back to my tent.

With all the rain the last week and today as well, plus what is forecast for tomorrow as well, just before it was time to think about taking off for my tent again I began not looking forward to doing so.

After relaxing a little and eating quite a bit as well as using the computer to get online, I asked someone about staying the night and so have a place to sleep inside on a couch.

These tired, achy old bones of mine were badly in need of a rest. It feels good to be inside for the evening and not on the ground in a tent in the woods.

By the way, for those not already doing so, one can always keep up with my goings on via Twitter, here.

Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

In addition, these Twitter updates of mine can also now be found at the top of the right-hand side-column of this blog as well.

*Note*: made a few, mostly minor, edits for the purposes of clarification and readability; last updated on Friday, June 27, 2008 at 11:59 PM [EDT].

Boston Celtics vs LA Lakers: Game 6

2008-06-17T21:05:00.003-04:00

LiveBlogging Practice

Looming 2 Day Countdown

2008-06-16T00:01:00.017-04:00

*Updated 2x*

This past Winter was my fourth such season to have been able to stay temporarily quartered for a significant length of time in one place.

Since it looks like my tenting gear will be put in use when I move of my temporary Winter quarters on Wednesday (June 18, 2008), I will be in dire need of the following ~~three~~[five] new items asap, which I cannot afford (updated list; crossed out items already obtained ~~and added two more items~~):

~~medium backpack~~
~~suitable sleeping bag~~
~~sleeping pad~~
~~water container~~
~~flash light~~

When I mentioned my need to someone this evening, they offered to let me [check out and have] the first [two] items on my list, if they are what I am looking for, since they just happen to have such on hand and [with] little use for them [foreseen]. Am also working on a plan B in case those items do not work out and so I can get what I need to sleep out exactly three nights from now.

*Update 1*: Went into town (early Monday evening) to check out the first two items offered to me and now have both a new Summer-type of sleeping bag as well as a good medium-sized backpack. Still need a sleeping pad and it came to mind that I also am in need of both a new and quality water container of some type as well as a flash light that would fit my needs (i.e., function as well as being lightweight). Several people have offered items or options, among them someone within a human services program offering funds up to a certain amount yet enough so I can acquire those items I need. Thank you everyone (end of update #1).

*Update 2*: Found out Tuesday (6/17th) evening that I now have another day before I need to move out, which will be on Thursday morning (6/19th); yet Wednesday's liveblogging session to be hosted on the Montpelier Matters blog is still on of course (end of update #2).

Would much rather have a permanent (read: long term), decent, quiet, safe, affordable apartment that would fit my needs though.

Then I could enjoy camping out as a vacation rather than for pure survival.

All this is of particular concern of course, especially given both the current state of my overall general physical health as well as mental/emotional/spiritual condition and well being, including in terms of energy and overall functioning -- not to mention the higher stress levels and the limits placed on coping and endurance that go with the territory, I am very doubtful of my ability to survive the next four months until I can maybe hope to be temporarily housed again.

As I have mentioned more than once before, I am getting too old for this (I do not know how others do it). That said, somehow I remain hopeful and will try my best, even if that might not prove to be good enough to get me through.

Another hurdle had been what to do with those belongings of mine I cannot manage to either carry on me or keep on hand in some fashion. By chance this weekend the problem became resolved with half of my things ready access to is not required are being stored where I am already storing another item from last year. The other half are items access to can prove crucial when needed and will be stored safely elsewhere as well.

With all these things as well as systemic advocacy concerning these matters and the many others in even more need than myself in mind, if you have time and the inclination to do so, please help spread the word and also take part in a liveblogging event I am hosting on the Montpelier Matters blog on Wednesday, June 18th at 11:00 AM, here (follow link for additional information).

With apologies for not blogging much for a long time, particularly of a personal nature.

*Note*: Third paragraph slightly [edited] for the purposes of clarification and readability; posted an informational update following 3rd paragraph; also updated paragraph 2 and edited list with new or additional info; added a 2nd update & also updated the items needed list again; last updated on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 12:12 AM [EDT].

My Virtual Viper

2008-06-13T09:15:00.002-04:00

*Updated*

[via Battlestar Galactica social networking site, here]

*Update*: After entertaining myself with finishing up last week's task in time this morning as well as getting help to learn how to accomplish this week's task, I got to put the virtual viper back in and out of the shop over and over at various times when I was online and had time to do so today and this evening, with the end result being the following:

[via Battlestar Galactica social networking site, here]

Quotes of the Day

2008-05-24T16:12:00.004-04:00

People that are really very weird can get into sensitive positions and have a tremendous impact on history.
Dan Quayle
US Republican politician (1947 - )

via Quotes of the Day, Quotations Page, here.

Ahhh, there is hope for me yet! If Dan Quayle could do it, then anyone can and, he should know.

My Timeline

2008-05-10T16:44:00.000-04:00

Create your own timeline via dipity!

Mike Gravel TimeTube

2008-05-10T15:54:00.001-04:00

via TimeTube, an excellent video search tool, which searches YouTube videos for a given search term(s) (e.g., Mike Gravel). Read about it, here [via LifeHacker].

Food for Thought:

2008-05-05T03:35:00.000-04:00

People are, if anything, more touchy about being thought silly than they are about being thought unjust.

E. B. White
US author & humorist (1899 - 1985)

[via Quotes of the Day, via Quotations Page, here]

Which Battlestar Galactica Character Are You?

2008-05-02T17:43:00.003-04:00

This is the result from when I took the Battlestar Galactica Personality Quiz:

Mike Gravel Conversation in Brattleboro Vermont

2008-04-25T21:53:00.000-04:00

Sen. Mike Gravel speaks with Chris Grotke on Brattleboro Community TV on April 3, 2008 Gravel recently left the Democratic Party and is campaigning to be the Libertarian presidential candidate. This conversation covers a wide array of subjects and gives Gravel an opportunity to talk about his interests and feelings about contemporary politics and our history of curtailing and controlling democratic impulses.

[via Google Video, here; posted by Memory Hole Productions (April 3, 2008); length: 45 minutes]

My Ironman Cousin Finishes his 2nd Ironman

2008-04-15T04:37:00.013-04:00

*Update*: Read a Metrowest Daily News article re: Iron will carries Marlborough man toward his goal (4/19/2008).

My Ironman cousin Kevin completed his second Ford Ironman Arizona triathlon held in Tempe, AZ on Sunday, April 13th, finishing with an overall time of 15:19:25 (15 hours, 19 minutes and 25 seconds), here.

On Sunday I watched much of the live video feed online, which included recorded video from earlier in the day, all via the Arizona coverage pages of Ironman Website (here).

The live feed made it possible for me to watch Kevin cross the finish line as well as to even watch until the event ended at midnight (Pacific Time), 3AM (Eastern Time). It was great to get to see him cross the finish line and he looked good when he did so too, particularly after such a tough day.

In fact it was grueling, as evidenced by the fact that a lot of other competitors did not make it in before the 17 hour deadline to be official.

In an e-mail yesterday morning (Monday), Kevin informed me that it was a tough day 100 plus in the desert and 20-30 mph winds to deal with. I also had 2 flats on the bike which slowed me by about 30 minutes.

In my opinion, he did really well on his bicycle section, especially considering
the two flats and that it only slowed him down 30 minutes, that is something; it would have taken me much longer than that to recover from just one flat and then try to get going again.

Last year (2007), he came in just over a half hour under the 17 hour cutoff time, with an overall time of 16:27:22, here [click onto the link for his 2007 Ironman Arizona stats and then click onto the yellow bar with the words Watch Me Finish to view the archived video footage during which he finished].

If you have not already done so, check out the video concerning Kevin via the mini-video viewer within the top of the sidebar of this blog or view it on YouTube, here.

What is next you ask? In 6 months, Kevin will compete in his next Ironman as well as five more after that, all within a 12 month period and with which, like he did with the 2008 Ironman Arizona, he is hoping to continue his effort to raise financial donations for two different charities: i.e.,

Addiction Referral Center (ARC),
located in Marlborough, Massachusetts

Right Turn,
located in Arlington, Massachusetts

Here is what Kevin shared on his Ironman Journey Website about his efforts:

I hope you will feel inspired to help me reach a goal for The ARC & Right Turn of $50,000. They are the best organizations in the world because they help people and their families into RECOVERY, not only for their addictions but also get them back as happy productive people to their families and society. How good is that?

What is an Ironman? It's a 2.4-mile Swim, 112-mile Bike and then a 26.2-mile Marathon. All in succession and held in various places around the world.

Why am I doing this you ask? Its simple. It is time to give back for all the blessings I have in my life. I can think of no better way than to show through my sacrifice for training and completing an Ironman to show people that it is a similar path for those struggling with addiction and when you do the work you see and feel the results. I am trying to live a healthy, recovery inspired life and Ironman is one of the many ways that helps me stay focused on that goal for myself.

Where & When are my next Ironmans? I will be doing Arizona in April of 2008. Then 6 Ironmans within a year starting with Ironman Florida in November 2008, then Ironman Arizona in November 2008, Idaho in June 2009, Lake Placid in July 2009, Louisville in Aug 2009 and ending with Wisconsin in Sept 2009.

Why does Right Turn & The ARC need your help? Its simple. Funding from the Federal and State levels has been so drastically reduced it has forced these places to rely more on people like me to get funding to keep the doors open for the next addict. It is our mission to find a way to continue to help that next person that needs the help to stay alive and become a giver in our society. To become a positive member of our society, to become a father again, a mother again, a husband, a wife, a brother, a sister, a son, a daughter, a friend again and walk with their head high and not counting tiles on the floor. I have seen many, many miracles happen and want that to continue.

What is my goal? $50,000!

I believe that many hands make light work so I am asking you today RIGHT NOW to reach inside of your heart and your wallet and make a donation today on one of the links to the left for The ARC and Right Turn.

They need our help more than ever and I hope you will do what you can God bless you!

[...]

Last year he raised ~~well over $13,000~~[$17,000] in donations for the ARC with his first Ironman.

In addition, it was Kevin who gave me the Univega bicycle when I was visiting last Summer (here).

Thanks again Kevin and congrats on finishing your second Ironman. Well done!

*Note*: last updated on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 11:42 PM [EDT].