NW & Holiday Update

Is it over yet? The Holidays? OMG I hate them, the clinking glasses , the meaningless toasts, the hugging of strangers and the vague promises for the New Year. But this year and last, very mellow. Why? No relatives, no buying presents, no stress, no ex-wife! Ahhhhhhh!

We had 14" of snow...they have no clue how to cleanup snow here. All they do is whine about how much it will cost...cheap bastards, raise the taxes. They need to discover the wonder of Road Salt. Only two homeless people were found frozen to death. I'd expected dozens. Now the whine is about all the road gravel (almost pea gravel) they put on the streets instead of plowing! Yes, it will scratch your car and break your windshields! Unlike Road Salt that melts!

The Social Agency that helped me get my housing, gave out "Goodies Bags" for Christmas...greedy, annoying fellow tenants went through a bunch of them, taking out the $25 gift cards & what they wanted, and even taking more than one bag! They did the same at the Christmas Dinner...it is quite disgusting to watch.

I hate crowds, so I ate alone with the homeless at the YWCA, a few blocks from my house.. Good enough. Pressed turkey, they ran out of potatoes, but the pumpkin pie was OK, and I got a pair of new socks! Then my DVD player broke and I had to take all my movies back to the Library. At least the $10 TV and the rabbit ears work!

Today was dry and the sun was out, but 8 days of rain are in the forecast. Three days of snow and they start crying "Cabin Fever", but 10 days of rain and gloom is OK? Duh. Everyone must be on drugs.

New Years is a non-event for me, I doubt I'll even stay up. I've only been out on New Years three times in 60 years. More hated crowds! Bah Humbug to holidays!

2009....bring it on!

Damn Grinches Stole My Christmas Presents !

OK, the nice social agency that helped me get my nice warm studio apartment, brought over a shopping bag full of goodies, ranging from toiletries, clothes, food items, gift cards, etc.

Except the greedy "Grinchs" that live in the building, pawed through the bags and took what they wanted for themselves, then left the leftovers for others...like me!

I wouldn't have even known, except that my neighbor brought me my bag, and I went down to thank the agency folks. Then I watched several people take stuff out of their bags. So I went upstairs and looked at mine. Opppssss, no food, 50% of items on the list attached to the bag were missing, the sweatshirt was a woman's medium, etc.. Uh huh.

I fumed and flamed about this overnight, then went to the office and fained, embarrassment, asked what I could do about it. I was told to go to the main agency office and get another bag. So I went with what didn't fit or I didn't need, and the nice folks got me new stuff.

Then today...I'm still pissed off, OK...found out that not only did people (Grinchs) paw through bags taking what they liked...some took two or three bags!

How low can one go but to steal from someone else who is also unfortunate? Like the people who got no bags at all?

Snow, Bitter Cold and Why I am Warm

OMG, it's as cold as anywhere I have lived.......7,000ft elevation in Colorado Springs, SE Michigan, or Oswego, NY by Lake Ontario..

It's now 21F outside and will be for the next week, with lows of 15F. Thank God..literally, I am not "Urban Camping" this winter. Last winter it sure rained a lot, but it never snowed or was this cold!

Now I have a nice studio with heat, although the thermostat doesn't work....it's on or it's off.........so it was 60F in my unit when I woke up this AM at 7:30. Yet there are hundreds of people out there that are "Urban Camping" in this crap; some by choice, some by circumstance. There is no "day shelter" and the ones you can sleep at night in, such as the Salvation Army, kick you out at 7:00 AM and don't even open until 9:00PM. That makes for a long, cold day. The public librarys double as a day shelter!

It's only four blocks from "The Home" to the Senior Center, so it was a nice walk, with blue sky and sun. However, this far north, the sun won't melt the streets due to all the high-rise buildings, since most streets are in shade 24/7. Alas the many irresponsible building owners fail to shovel or salt most of the sidewalks. I guess a few "slip and fall liability suits" are in order!

Well the prediction is more snow on Wednesday and possible freezing rain on the weekend! Bah humbug. Updates to follow.

The Last Temptation

The Christmas Holiday Season is here. Black Friday has come and gone. Gloom and doom pervade every waking hour of the day and night, around the world. Ho-ho-ho!

Mall shootings are increasing every weekend it seems...yet another reason not to go to the mall and spend money you don't have. People must be reaching their credit limits by now, having spent it one food, late payments, and utilities. People laid off already or soon will be cash short.

Another stake in the heart of a ignorantly conceived economy, based on consumerism, credit, growth instead of sustainability, and waste.

But the ads on TV and in the Sunday paper are look so compelling, the discounts so deep, the perceived need so great. As bad as the economy is this year, it will be at least 10X worse next year. This Christmas is truly the Last Temptation!

Thanksgiving not Thankstaking !

It is the time of the year for free holiday meals throughout the city. Non-Profits, churches, and senior centers all have delicious and free holiday meals starting about one week before the holiday.

Last year, when I was "Urban Camping", I ate at about 6 different places, on 5 different days. It was great, and the main meal of the day for me and many others.

This year however, I am only eating at the local Senior Center, and cooking a few things for later at my own place.

You see, this year I have been blessed with paid housing, food stamps, and LEAP utility payments. I don't need 6 free holiday meals, and it seems wrong to eat so much, if not truely in need(just because it's free). Unfortunately, many street people think of it as some kind of scam they need to take part in. They push their way to the front of the lines, thinking "me, me!" Get four free coats and sell three, etc. Even when I was "Camping" I thought that was wrong. Now the tanking economy has created even more need, and fewer resources.

So this year, I'll give up my place for others in need. It's the least I can do.

Recession? What Resession?

I went to check out a new Safeway store in the Pearl District. The Pearl is home to $350,000+ high rise condos, and the Baby boomer "yuppies", and their "yuppie puppies".

http://www.explorethepearl.com/

Everything about it is new, upscale, and well, chic. My observation is that none of these folks think they're in an Recession or soon, a coming Depression. One couple, twenty something, was buying six-packs of wine (not Ripple), and had a $30+ floral centerpiece. Remember all those news stories about declining retail sales, and folks barely able to buy food for their baby....well if your buying $30 flowers, your off in a different world.

I live about 15 blocks south of there, and looking out my window, the average car is a BMW or Mercedes. The West Hills, about 4 blocks west, is covered with $Million homes. These folks, lord knows where they work and can afford such digs, have no conception of recession. Their world is peachy keen, bright, and kinda Rosy through those pink glasses. I have heard them talking, while on the Streetcar, and avoiding the "R" word, thinking if they ignore it , they won't be effected. Uh huh.

Then take a further extreme. Folks in the "Home" I live in get/subscribe to lots of upscale magazines like GQ, Details, Architectural Digest, Vogue, etc. Pick one up some time...filled with dozens of ads for $50,000 watches (How many do you need? I'll bet a $30 Timex is as accurate by 5%), diamond jewelry, Aston Martins, BMW, Lexus, Jaguars, private Jets, Mega Yachts etc. Things to entice the masses, while ignoring the fact that most who have such things, got their money the old fashioned way...inheritance!

Which brings me to the crux of the whole matter. Our economy is entirely based on consumerism....buying crap we want, but don't need. Buying on credit for instant gratification. How many shoe stores in a mall do we really need? Many sell the same brands and/or are owned by the same company. Automobiles...do we really need hundreds of various models at various prices that all have four wheels, and go from point "A" to point "B"on the same road?

The Pacific NW prides itself, (a legend in their own minds) on "Sustainability" and "Green" environmental and economic policies, which in reality are a marketing gimmick to sell things and continue growth.

True "Sustainability" maintains a constant level of economy and does not need to grow. It is self sustaining, environmentally friendly by nature, does not require addition limited resources, imported cheap labor, outsourcing, etc. It is a class leveling economy...a truer "Middle Class". Unfortunately, it is also much an illusion.

The Last Election of 2008

Election Day is finally here, thank God. Two years of hell, hours of negative commercials, and rants from folks like Rush Limbaugh. Tonight, the victor will take the spoils of all this home and put it on a shelf!

2008 is the first time I have voted since the fiasco of 2000, and it will also probably be my last vote, for many reasons. One being, who really knows what happens to that ballot once it leaves your hands? Can you say "Hanging Chads"?

I fail to appreciate "Representative Government".....that's not democracy, that's a Republic...like ancient Rome. I would be content on removing all "Professional Politicians" and vote via the Internet, on all major policies. (Yes the Internet is safe for voting. You do your taxes, banking, and pay bills on it don't you?)

From my viewpoint, of the poor and working poor, the future of the USA seems lost in a fog of hopelessness and greed. 2012 approaches and many feel the End is near, in many ways. War, famine, overpopulation, depression, pandemic disease, etc. are just some of the many, and perhaps simultaneous crisis to End our world as we know it.

How does this affect our jobs, lifestyle, retirement, families and businesses?

Well, for one thing, strategic planning for worse case scenarios, can't hurt. Not planning and going ahead with wide eyed optimism may be fatal...to the country, to the world, to your family, and yourself.

More in future posts.

I Am Employed Again !

OK, first came my nice studio apartment. Now I have a part time job at a nice non-profit. All is good.

I looked at some "temp" holiday type jobs, but the downside was not worth it.....paying 30% of my gross for rent, having my food stamps decline considerably for two or three months..then going through the hassel of renewing everything after the job ended. It wasn't worth it.

This non-profit job is part time about 20-24 hr per week. It is about all I can handle through the pain. Best of all it is exempt! Title V rocks!

Thanks to all the folks who have helped me!

Monsoon Season

Finally, the rains of Autumn are here. It has been a long, hot, dry summer! I have never understood those who feel the need for 90F+ weather. Perhaps if you summered on the beach, a lake, or owned a nice boat, it would be enjoyable. But when you don't, or even have AC, I find it annoying.

Now four to five months of rain may seem gloomy, but then so does -20 below zero, 32 inches of snow! This past winter, this being my second, will be snow free for the first times in my life....having been born in Syracuse, NY and attended college in Oswego, NY. In Oswego, 3 - 5 feet in one storm, (overnight) was not unusual. Today, it is difficult to imagine.

Time to buy a new umbrella, and or a rain suit. I wish I had kept my golfing rain suit. Oh well.

Time to watch the rain out my window, and a movie on my TV!

Trapped in the Pacific NW

OMG...this area of the country is a legend in it's own mind. Of course most people here have never lived any where else, tracing their ancestors back to Lewis & Clark!

Can you say, "Wagons East?"

It is a very old and poor area..........15% wealthy yuppies and boomers, living in one bedroom, $400,000, high rise condos, while smelly homeless people sleep on the sidewalks in front of their buildings, and pee behind the dumpsters! The whole town smells like urine, with lots of trash on the streets.

Detroit makes this place look like a third world ghetto!

But.......I have free public housing and food stamps. I am trapped. I lose it all if I leave, and it took me 6 months to get it. Oh well.

Does Your Town Have Free Public Events?

It must have been a East Coast thing....free public events like the "Woodward Dream Cruise" or "Arts, Beats, & Eats" in the Detroit area. Carnivals and fairs in Upstate NY, or even the minor league baseball games that charge only $4-$6 admission, but have $1 hot dogs and beer days. Here the Portland Beavers cost $9 General Admission. Good grief Charlie Brown!Not so on the West Coast. Even though the event is held in public parks, the fence them off and charge admission. The beer festival last week cost $20.

It is of course another rude and disgusting aspect of life on the left coast!

What is the Appeal of Sidewalk Eating?

I have never understood the appeal of dinning on a sidewalk. What do people say to themselves, "Let's eat out in the hot sun with the bugs and pooping birds?" "I want to be seen and see the people who are not eating, look at my food and watch me chew." Yeah that's it......not!

I suppose this is supposed to be European or something. but most sidewalk eating is simply tables and chairs crowding the 5 foot wide sidewalk. (How do they get away with that, aren't the sidewalks public?) It is not like there is a private patio, closed off with a railing with shade umbrellas or awnings. The smoking laws also allow smoking in these venues, so of course nonsmokers won't be sitting there.

Oh did I mention the critters? Squirrels, birds, and of course dogs! Pit bulls and the oh so rare Labs and Retrievers. Yeah I want to eat with peoples dogs!

Sidewalk Cafes are disgusting!

"You May Be Homeless, But I Am Not!"

OK, I got my nice new 260 sq ft studio apartment that never cost me more than 30% of my income.........as low as 35+ years ago in college. I have been spending 75%-110% of my income for rent. Uh huh. Now to decorate!

The building has a computer and I'll get to write more often. Been messed up with arthritis the last two weeks, could hardly move for days. It sucks.

Went to the fireworks last night....it was really great after I left the "unwashed masses" area full of minorities, tweaks, and poor people. It was like 300 trailer parks got let out. Yuck.

I ended up at the marina by the million dollar yachts......not crowded, and "on the fifty yard line" of the fire works show! No problem leaving or getting to the street car home, except I fell off the platform and landed on my back. Good thing I had my folding chair back there! LOL Yes of course there was a crowd...duh!

Surviving Terrorism by © 2005 Gary L. Benton

With the threat of a terrorist act happening in American being very real today, it is wise to prepare. No, I am not suggesting we all get paranoid, but simply prepare. See, in survival, the big key is being prepared. If you have your equipment ready and your mind prepared, your chances of surviving are greatly increased. Not to mention the fact that you are usually much more comfortable if prepared.

When acts of terror occur, they usually happen when we expect them the least. This surprise comes from the fact that as Americans we have lived pretty safe lives in the past, and also because terrorist’s plan it that way for maximum affect. The less people suspect an act of violence, the more damaging the results. This is especially true of the psychological affects. Remember the terrible feelings all of us experienced when we first heard of the attack on the Twin Towers? Most of us felt deep shock, confusion, anger, and a very profound fear. Those feelings are exactly the type of psychological responses a terrorist hopes to achieve with an attack.

I recommend that all of us, to various degrees, organize our homes in the event of future attacks. I believe most professionals who deal with terrorists, well tell us that it is only a matter of time before we are subjected to more attacks. An attack could affect our water supply, our fresh foods, and even the air we breathe. As the cowardly attack on New York demonstrated, terrorists have a very vivid imagination. An attack could consist of any conceivable weapon at any location. So, just what can we do to prepare our homes and loved ones if something should happen?

Start getting ready now, not tomorrow. Remember what I said above, an attack will most likely happen when you least suspect it. Take a look around your house. If you live like most people, you have many things you can use for emergencies on hand right now. But, do you have special clothing, canned foods, first aid items, battery or self powered radio, or other things that could be placed in storage for emergency use? Don’t get paranoid and put all you own in the closet for emergency use, just those items you seriously don’t use much. Limit it to items you may need later. Also, remember, most of the things I am listing here you already have in use in your household.

What types of things should you consider storing? I have broken it down to some very simple items. Keep in mind, each household has different supply requirements and the purpose of this article is to get you thinking about an emergency. One of the things you need to consider is the needs’ of yourself and your family. If you have a handicapped member, or a person with special needs (i.e. medication or special care), you may have to evaluate your situation much closer than most people. But, for most of us we need the same things we need to survive in the bush.

Food is always on the top of most people’s desires during survival. I know most of it is psychological, but regardless, the desire is very deep in all of us. Food leads us to feeling content and that all is well around us. I prefer to keep Meals Ready to Eat, MRE’s, on hand. I ate them by the hundreds in the military and they are actually quite good. I keep the complete meals on hand, because I eat them a little at a time to get the maximum enjoyment out of one pouch (the meal lasts longer that way).

Other options are air-dried foods, they last a long time and are cost affective. I recommend them for those who wish to feed more than two people and for those who want a large quantity of a single food item they may prefer.

Freeze dried foods are pretty good too, in my humble opinion. The only drawback to them is the water needed in preparation. If your water source is limited freeze-dried foods are not a wise choice. Never eat dehydrated foods without lots of water on hand, your body will take water from your system to process waste. You can find all different kinds of menu items offered commercially.

One last area I want to suggest you evaluate is a B-4 unit (Basic 4 food groups, wheat, dairy, sugar, & salt, necessary for meal preparation), which has various food items in large #10 cans. Also, you can buy canned goods in bulk at any supermarket and keep the cans boxed for easy storage. I usually buy veggies, canned meats and fruits in cans. As long as I don’t have to pack them very far and can stack them to the roof, I go for the bulk foods.

Regardless of the type of foods you prefer, remember to maintain a healthy diet. Make sure you get as close to the daily minimums as you can (keep vitamins stored too). Actually, if you can afford to do so and have the storage space, go beyond the daily minimums. If you can store the foodstuffs, why go hungry? Plus, remember, in a survival situation we tend to burn more calories just attempting to stay alive.

Once our food problem is behind us, we can start considering what I feel is our primary concern, water. The first step here is to procure several large water storage containers. Depending on the number of people you are responsible for you will need to evaluate your water needs carefully. Most survival professionals will recommend a bare minimum of a gallon a day. You will need much more if you plan on cooking and washing in it, or if the temperature goes way up. Make sure your water containers are designed to store water in and are not discarded chemical containers. Mark each container in large letters, WATER ONLY. Store only water in these containers.

Another tool you will need to have on hand is a water filtering system. A chemical attack on your primary water source may prevent you from being able to use it, so you may have to use water from ponds, lakes, or streams. There are many different types of filters available and at various costs. The key here is, once again, the number of people who will need good clean drinking water. Remember, filtering systems will not protect you from nuclear fallout or some types of chemical agents. If you believe you have sustained an attack in one of those two categories, use pre-stored or packaged (canned, bottled or in bags) water.

Prepackage water is sold in different quantities. I have seen water sold in pouches, plastic two liter bottles, and in cans. The size of the container may vary, but most survival pouches or cans are around ten to twelve ounces. I recommend everyone have some prepackage water placed in storage as a precaution. It is relatively inexpensive and it could become your only source of clean, safe, water. Once again, you need to evaluate the number of people and their water needs.

Finally, my old favorite, water purification tablets. I keep a bottle in my survival vest, in my tackle box, in my truck, and in the house. They are easy to use, just drop two tablets in the water container, usually a canteen, but check on the label to see how much water the tablets treat. An old vet trick here, add a little flavored drink powder to your treated water to mask the chemical smell and taste.

Let’s see, we have food and we have water…I think our next concern is clothing. If an attack happens with no warning, you may have to react very quickly. You may have set aside a portion of your basement, garage, or other area for emergency storage, so you need to store special clothing items there. You may not have the time to look for jackets, rain gear, or special boots. Keep what you need stored and never use it for day-to-day use. Keep in the mind, all the equipment there is for emergencies only. Aren’t your day-to-days clothes good enough? Nope, not at all.

I feel that survival gear should be tough and comfortable. That is why during most of my outdoor trips I wear military surplus or heavy jeans. I have discovered that cheap imitations of military gear fall short in the long run. I wear some of my old Battle Dress Uniforms (BDU’s) and they are perfect. Remember, BDU’s have been proven tough, even in combat. I don’t plan to fight any wars anymore, but that makes them strong enough for most survival situations. Jeans are good too, but usually are too tight and restrictive, compared to BDU’s . Also, with jeans you don’t get all the pockets to put survival items in. Another added incentive for me to buy BDU’s is the low cost when compared to jeans.

Other clothing requirements will depend on where you live. If you need rain gear often, then have it available. If your area gets little rain, then decide on what you do need. Consider socks, underwear (perhaps long and insulated), parkas, gloves, good quality boots, and the list goes on. It all situations have a cap, a wide brimmed hat, and at the very least, a nylon windbreaker. Even the desert can get cold at night.

The biggest key to survival clothing, is making sure what you store is tough and comfortable. If needed, and in a pinch, you can use sheets, blankets and rope to make some additional items of clothing. Nope, I agree, you won’t win any best-dressed awards from Hollywood wearing it, but you can survive with it. If needed, you can always do like our forefathers had to do if you don’t have it on hand, make it. Keep your imagination moving and active!

What about cooking? Yep, we are back to food once more. You have the stored foods, but how can you prepare them? Well, hopefully your electric or gas stove will still work. Determine in advance if you have a separate tank of propane for your gas stove. You should know that by the bills from the company that periodically fills the tank. If you have a tank, the odds are it will still work. However, depending of the target of a terrorist attack, you may be without electrical power or a source of gas for cooking. If this is all that happens then you don’t have much of a real problem, except one of comfort (and perhaps the loss of some refrigerated foods). That is as long as you are prepared with the items I discuss. Make sure before using ANY gas appliance you check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, do NOT us any open flames. Do not use a charcoal grill or other open flames in the house or in a closed space, ventilation is required to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

The MRE’s we discussed above can be eaten uncooked and so can many of the other our emergency food items. While not very palatable or appetizing, they are safe to eat. I, however, always had a problem eating MRE’s cold. They seemed to give me indigestion and heartburn. Each individual is different, but they can be eaten uncooked with no serious side affects.

I recommend that you use the perishable food from the fridge first. Save your canned or stored foods for later use if need be. Use the meats, veggies, and other stuff way before you hit your survival items. Also, if you have ice, place foods in a container before they thaw completely out. They will stay high quality longer if they are stored in a good quality ice chest before they are thawed out.

In your inventory sheet for your survival items be sure and list what you think are the bare necessities. Consider plastic or normal ceramic plates (not paper), eating utensils, pots, pans, drinking glasses, cups, and any other special items you may want. I suggest these items because in today’s society many people live off of paper plates and the microwave. Remember to include a can opener, or you will have to discover an alternate method of opening and most are messy. Many of the item’s you may need can be taken from your normal day-to-day utensils, so you will not have to purchase them. This will also keep your cost down. Nonetheless, list what you have on hand.

If you are without a stove, you may have to cook outside, if it is safe to do so. I would never cook indoors with an open flame due to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. I just don’t feel it is worth the risk. I will write other articles on outdoor cooking, as well as fire starting, and you will find them in future updates of the Survival, Search and Rescue Web Site. Make sure you use good fire safety sense and control your fire.

Ok, let’s look at sanitation and waste methods. All of us will need to use the toilet at times, but you may use it less often in survival situations. For some medical reason the production of human waste is slowed down when the diet is reduced and stressed is increased. I could get into why, but all you need to know is that it is normal for most of us. Nonetheless, you have to prepare for human waste disposal. If your water is working, all is great. If you water source is not there, you may have a slight problem.

I suggest you store a portable toilet with your survival items. No, it is not really needed, but many men, women and children, just do not like alternate methods. You can buy a toilet commercially, or go back in history and make a honey bucket. A honey bucket is a large bucket used to collect human waste. It can be a mop bucket, or an empty coffee can. Regardless of which choice you make, sooner or later, someone will be forced to empty the thing.

Make sure human waste is not discarded along rivers, streams, lakes, or other potential sources of drinking water. Select a spot that is a good distance from your living area. In the old days in Europe, before gunpowder was popular, the flight of an arrow was considered a good distance for toilets. And, that was only popular and followed by a select few.

You can buy biodegradable toilet tissue, sanitizing chemicals, and other accessories as you feel the need. Remember, if need be a magazine or newspaper can do the same job as tissue. Yes, I am as concerned about nature as the next person, perhaps more so, but we are talking about survival here. If you centralize your dumping spot, it will be easier to clean up your waste once the emergency is over.

One last item and I will get off of my soapbox. A list of additional miscellaneous items I think would be helpful.

A portable radio with extra batteries or a Solar or wind-up powered one.
Condoms for water storage, unlubricated.
Good quality blankets and sleeping bags (make sure they are adequate for your temperature zone).
Any prescription medications your family may need. Make sure you check the expiration dates. Talk to your doctor about special needs you may have.
A good professional type first aid kit, with booklet or manual. You may be the only medical help available in an emergency.
A good survival manual or book (I recommend one from our service branches or the British SAS). Videos are great too, but they are of no use if you are without power.
A magnesium fire starter, along with some type of tender (cotton lint from the dryer).
Several boxes of waterproof matches and a lighter.
A small waterproof match container that can be carried in a pocket. This could come in handy if you have to leave the survival area looking for food or water.
Any special needs items you or your family may have in an emergency (medication or diet concerns).
The lists of items I have suggested in this article are just that, suggestions. In no way am I suggesting this list is complete for any and all emergency survival situations. I want you to think about what you need. While each individual is different and unique, so is each family. Keep in mind; you may have to improvise to survive.

In today’s uncertain world, we are susceptible to terrorist acts from a single person or large groups. We face the risks of the types of attacks history has never seen before. Our choice is simple, we can live in fear and cringe each time the power goes off, or we can be prepared. We can prepare by storing what we will need and preparing our minds on how we will survive. Once the emergency hits, while others are attempting to buy what they need in crowded stores, if they can find one open, we will be comforted in knowing we have what it takes to survive. Be a survivor.

The Rude, The Bad, and the Ugly!

OK, tow "tweakers" broke their way into the public housing tower I live in last night. Went into the day rooms restroom and smoked a crack pipe.

I told them they were trespassing, but they said since they are homeless and this was "public housing" they can come in if they want! Uh huh

When the riots start the body count will be high!

Wheelchair Bullies

I am sure you have come across those aggressive people in their motorized wheelchairs. You know, the ones who think they are special and deserve to run over anyone in their way! the ones who drive down the sidewalk at 15mph...faster than a bike or skateboard in "stealth" mode!

Half the ones here have the giant, "fit my 300 pound ass" chairs. The seat is as wide as a love seat and they blast along as fast as they can, barge their way aboard streetcars, buses, and light rail trains. "Stop your life, I am here!" they seem to scream, then get annoyed when regular folks don't bow before them. Uh huh.

These things cost from $3,000 to $10,000...most are "free" thanks to insurance...the sad joke is, almost all of them can walk! If you try to help them, say open a door, carry something, etc. They get all pouty and prissy..."I can do it" is their motto!

And yet, those of us with "hidden disabilities" never get a break. What's that about?

Like cyclelists who don't obey the traffic laws, bullies in wheelchairs don't have the right of way!

"Hey White Boy!"

Excuse me? You black racist pig.

I get this stuff all the time here on the west coast. I have been threatened with death 4 times since October 2007...all from blacks.

I get the white boy stuff, "old white guy", "what's up fool", etc. Every time I go near a bunch of blacks. If I called them "Hey Negro", or worse, a riot would start.

Or is racism just limited to us white folks? It is total bullshit.

Take the BET (Black Entertainment Television) a sad series of all black shows, all black commercials, where comidians make fun of whites and asians. Uh huh. Where is my "WET" White Entertainment Television...all white, all the time. No PC commercials featuring a person of every color, urban hip hop[ gingles, etc. Blacks would be screaming!

I lived in Detroit, MI which is 85% black for 8 years and never, ever had any types of slurs there. Of course two blacks at work lost me my job for various reasons, but hey, why point fingers?

West Coast Negros need to behave!

Dreams or Memories ?

I am reading a book called "The Reincarnationist". It is interesting.

Several years ago I wondered if perhaps some of my very detailed dreams might not be memories, instead of dreams. Reincarnation speaks of past lives, yet some of my dreams take place in the future. are dreams, "souls", subject to space time?

Something new to research. Comments appreciated.

End Times: Countdown

There are many "signs" to see that the End Times are here. I pass along several web sites that deal with news, prophecies, etc. Civilizations that are seperated by thousands of years and thousands of miles, maintain similar end dates? Perhaps because they are true?

http://www.13moon.com/prophecy%20page.htm

http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/prophecy/prophecies.html

http://prophecy.org/index2.htm

http://www.prophecyupdate.com/

www.BePrepared.com

Coming Soon: Weekly Podcasts

Coming soon, in about two or three weeks, this blog will be available by Podcast.

The content will be new, different, and yet similar to the blog. I hope to include more original content, with writings, video, and original music.

Stay tuned !

A Home of My Own!

OK, I move into my own place on Monday afternoon! It's in a 20 story building in the West Hills, so is my view the same as that of a $450,000 high rise condo? No, I'm on the ground floor! Hey, it's free and for the first time in 40 years I am living alone...ahhhhhhh!

No more compromise, no more sharing, whining, listen or dealing with other family members or "friends" problems. The rest of my life is all about ME.

I can't wait to cook for the first time in almost a year! Yum yum, what will I make?

Job Hunting? No, Income Hunting!

OK, I am going through "Voc Rehab" to try and secure some type of employment that I can physically and psychologically do.

I am not motivated to do this at all. Applying for work, listening to annoying co-workers and a boss everyday does not appeal to me. Too many hoops at age 60. I have been homeless and broke since July 2007...28 more months won't matter to me. I have too many debts, that even if I paid $10,000/yr I couldn't pay them off in my remaining lifetime...(school loans).

The tests I have taken so far, show that my previous employment as a design/builder, business analyst, retail management, etc. It is what I like to do. It is what I am educated to do...duh!

I have been there, done that...It got me where I am today! Uh huh.

I don't want a job, I want an income. I have had three blogs for over three years. I have not made a dime, even with great advertisers, and frequent updates. I think they look good and equal to many out there, perhaps better than some. I don't get it. Unfortunately, I am limited to one hour of computer time per day at the Library, so "creating" interest is some what limited! I'll keep plugging away.

Finally I get My Space!

The light seeps through the cloud covered sky, while rain drips like tears off the dying blooms of spring.

The disrupted reflections of life fade into the distance and into the past. Another day in paradise.

Finally at the bottom of the well of sadness, a gleam of hope slowly rises. A room alone for the first time in 40+ years awaits in the new month. Pessimism keeps emotions in check until the final bell rings dimly in the distance, a nearby church tolls the hour.

My Space !

From sea to sea, and state to state, My Space is being invaded by the rude and annoying!

It matters not, that I am the only person in a 200 seat theater, a 100 seat dinning area. The very next person that shows up will sit next to me or in front of me! What the hell is this about? One of my Graduate School advisors wrote his Phd. thesis on this subject.

This really pisses me off. Many times I will move, say "Excuse me, do you mind ?", or just go postal and ask, "Do you want to be my special friend?"

Come on now. If I am sitting at an empty table with personal papers such as taxes in front of me, why on earth would you sit across or next to me with 100 other empty chairs? Could it be that you are an obnoxious annoying noisy prick? I think so!

And when I am urinating, I really don't need any help or a witness to my actions. Oh, and by the way...wash your hands afterwards, you pig!

Wisdom from the Homeless !

Wisdom from the ranks of the homeless is more than abundant.

Elderly "statesmen of the street", some with 20+ years experience, convey their "survival" ploys to the young new comers on a daily basis.

Among the more interesting:

Financial advice from the chronic unemployed and homeless. One manages his kids 401Ks.

Tips on how to get cash for tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. Root for cans, hold a sign, beg, etc.

Veterans give advice on how to get disability checks.

Sage homeless health suggestions from people who hack, snore, and cough 24/7. Several have severe mental problems such as OCD. Think "Monk" on crack.

One sad note, having dealt with attempting disability at age 60 and being denied, there are many between 21-40 who claim to get a check or are attempting to get a check. Their problem....fear of work?

Everyday brings new insights. If the downtrodden, homeless and unemployed are so smart, why are they in their current plight? How can homeless people have new laptops, IPhone, and PSP systems, and fancy cell phones?

Where are these young guys parents? Why would you let your kid live in a shelter at age 22? Is there no family to help?

Out of 90 folks in the shelter about 10% are Latino, who barely or never speak spanish. do they have green cards or are they illegals? How can illegals get social services?

Preview of the Obama Administration

Our shelter is about 20% black, Negro, African-American, whatever! They decided to "take over" the TV area at night and to choose what is being watched......not "vote" on a movie or channel like we have done for months!

The stuff they like to watch? Racist black comedians, black martial art flicks, at best a "C" grade movie, anything that doesn't have too many "white people" in the movie. Their words, not mine.

I say this is a preview of an Obama Administration. Not because of Obama's views or edicts, but by the "entitlement" mentality of urban dwellers who happen to be black!

They will be demanding their share, their entitlement, their reparations for 200 years of servitude to the "white man". Uh Huh!

This is the reason Obama will never be President. No way, no how!

Whiners Need Institutions to Live

OMG, many, at least 50% of the shelter residents will never be on their own. They require institutions to survive...shelters, prison, soup kitchens, etc. They are incapable of cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, or working for their daily needs.

Many residents are former prison inmates who were fed, clothed, and housed for several years. Now they "work" they system as one black resident, who represents 7% of the Portland population, but 25% of the shelter population (much like prison).

March 31 is my last day in the shelter, and will soon be camping and heading for the coast and Seattle for the summer.

I won't miss these people, nor will they miss me!

Update for Disaster

Bah, got turned down for an apartment, due to a "credit" problem on a previous lease! Screw it, I really don't care bacause I'll be out of here then.

The shelter is filling up with ex-cons, blacks, and (illegal?) Mexicans. so much for the "old folks home" aspect when I first moved in in January.

The economy by everything I think and read is going to tank (read that as a full blown "Depression", sometime in 2009 or 2010), gasoline will be $8.47 gallon, the DIA will drop to 5, 000 and unemployment will be 20%+ in the USA and Europe!

Do you have your 72 hour kit packed yet? www.BePrepared.com

Housing Dismay

WOW, I have one more month in the shelter. I am 8th on a list in getting into a brand new one bedroom in a new building...which is now fulland 27th in another building!

My "housing counselor" says that they will put me into a "market value" studio and pay all expenses until I can get into a subsidized housing! Uh huh.

I'll half believe all this while, I appeal my disability claim. Worse case scenario... I am back on the streets and will head for the beach! I'll be a beach bum all summer!

Meanwhile I am supposed to look for part time work. Uh huh, hello "Monster, Career Builder, Net Temps, and Craig's List"!

Meanwhile, I am still amazed at all the flowering spring plants blooming, even roses! And I chuckle at the snow storms in NY and Michigan! I don't think I can ever live in the rust belt again!

Nice!

Wow, what a nice three day weekend. It got up to 60F+, and sunny. Very nice not to have rain...everyday.

I am kind of getting bored. Nothing changes...nothing bad, nor exteamly good happens. Each day seems to run into the next, like mist wispering through the forest.

Dew happens!

OMG, I am a Senior Citizen and Handicapped

Yeah baby, I got my "Honored Citizen Card" that allowes me to get a monthly bus pass for $23. It covers the buses, light rale, trolly, and tram! I'll be a traveling man now!

The SS denied my claim of disability, geeze two years before 62! I'll be appealing and getting a lawyer since they didn't take any xrays or even see the old ones to make their determination. My current doctor will be on my side, and took xrays. I also have documentation for my disability to get housing! Just more crap to go through.......oh well, the back pay check will just be bigger.

The govenment thinks I am OK to work all day in extream pain. Sure, no problem....I've been doing it for the last 4 years or more, unfortunately it keeps getting worse. My current doc want me to have a full body MRI, and well surgery, but they won't do it without insurance! I am not sure I want anyone opening up my spine!

Anyway, Sunday and Monday may be sunny and in the low 70'sF!

Day by Day

Ahhhhhhh, another day, another donut. Actually "Krispy Kream" last weekend!

Lots of walking, but the sun is out and its in the mid 50'F.

OMG, I gained 8 #s the last three weeks, due to the fantastic suppers volunteers have cooked! One, stir fry, I had three helpings! Oink, oink!

Still looking for housing and part time work. Life is boring, but I am not bored! Getting lots of reading done...three books+ per week, even have branched out to non-fiction, "Cosmology" and history.

Time is running out, can't blog from the shelter. I hope to go to the coast in March or April!

Food for Thought

I got to cook for 95 staff and residents at the shelter Saturday night.

I made lemon pepper chicken, spicy garlic baby back ribs, and pork chops. for sides, I had applesauce, buttered egg noodles, and corn.

No one died, and many thought it was good. There was none leftover!

I'll do it again if the shelter gets me some food to work with and the time. They asked for a "cook" at 3:30 PM, with dinner at 7:00 PM...........all the meat was frozen!

Whats up? Not Much!

This is pretty much the view today!


OK here it is almost the end of January. The Superbowl is set. The economy is tanking as I predicted, yea, two years later than predicted, but tanking none-the-less.

It's cold and sunny today....well its 34F which for the NW is cold. Bah, it's nothing.....and, it's not raining!

Job market is getting tight here..like it wasn't already. Layoffs locally are increasing.....daily. Yet $500,000 condos keep getting built. Some are even being rented as apartments.....for $1850/mo!

Do I really care? No not really. I have food, shelter, clothes. Even when I last worked full time (32+ hrs/wk), I didn't make enough to live and pay all my bills on time, so the lack of income or money is meaningless. Oh well.

Time to write another blog, in another blog.

Ohhh, the Agony & Pain

Yeah that darn Neurologist made me move body parts in ways they haven't moved in years. Two days later I can barely move & feel like an old man!

The really strange part is that he never saw my previous x-rays or made any attempt to take new ones or an MRI......so I am pretty sure I am being set up for rejection! Uh huh. One good part he got to hear my neck bones crack and grind, something I hear every time I move.

I am getting annoyed at "the rules"...I don't like being told what to do at age 59..HELLO? Lights out, lights on, TV on, TV off, chores this, chores that, etc. Total BS!

Yippie, Next Week a Neurologist Exam

Gee, I get to go to a neurologist next week to check on the arthritis's progress pinching my spinal column and find out about my hip problem.....it's pretty hard climbing stairs!

Perhaps the damp weather here aggravates it.....since it is raining again! Duh!

OMG, I am pain again today and that is after my daily 500 mg Naproxin. Of course I have walked about 20 blocks to find a branch library and cross the river bridge. A bus pass would be nice!

Some dumb ass in the shelter coughed....like hacking up a lung......all night long. I said to someone he needs to go to the hospital. They claim he just came back. Several suggested putting him out of his misery with a pillow! Yes, he was that annoying!

Another day, another donut!

SSDI ............Mandatory Psych Exam

I am pretty sure my shrink went to his own, after my visit!

Do I hear voices? Was I abused? (DUH!) Do I abuse drugs and alcohol? Is a 12 pack pr week abuse? Uh huh.

I tell him my main problem is my arthritis in my neck and back....pain in my back and hips. How long can I stand or sit........."er, about 1 hour?" hey I can stand all day, sit all day, walk all day.......but I am in severe pain all day!

Some days when I worked in the bookstore 8 hours, with an hour for lunch, 90 minutes each way on the bus.....so basically I was gone from my house for 12 hours! I could barely move and walk the last two blocks from the bus stop home...........OMG! Ouch.

So he asked and tested my memory, asked about my 14+ years of depression/anxiety since I first began treatment, asked about sleeping, eating, weight loss....215# in August 2006 to 174 now! Blah, blah, blah.

Quite strange.