By Arcabulle Odriscoll (Edited by Debbie Bulloch)
The songs of my adolescence.
When I was younger, I used to listen to a lot of music. I had a special feeling for a group called Dire Straits - a very nice group with very nice singers.
What is interesting is that I was very young back then and did not speak English fluently. Even though I did not understand the lyrics very well I still had a sense of feeling for the music.
hehehehe
Let me now introduce you to a few songs by Dire Straits:
Dire Straits était un groupe de rock britannique créé durant l'été 1977 par Mark Knopfler (guitare et chant), David Knopfler (guitare), John Illsley (guitare basse) et Pick Withers (batterie). Considéré par certains comme l'un des plus grands groupes de rock des 30 dernières années, Dire Straits a vendu plus de 120 millions d'albums depuis ses débuts
The first song is “Money for Nothing” with a very nice interpretation by Sting, Eric Clapton, M. Knopfler and Phil Collins. WOW! I do love this song. I must have listened to this song a thousand times – it really meant a lot to me!
Click here: MONEY FOR NOTHING
Money for Nothing
Now look at them yo-yo's that's the way you do it
You play the guitar on the MTV
That ain't workin' that's the way you do it
Money for nothin' and chicks for free
Now that ain't workin' that's the way you do it
Lemme tell ya them guys ain't dumb
Maybe get a blister on your little finger
Maybe get a blister on your thumb
We gotta install microwave ovens
Custom kitchen deliveries
We gotta move these refrigerators
We gotta move these colour
TV'sSee the little faggot with the earring and the makeup
Yeah buddy that's his own hair
That little faggot got his own jet airplane
That little faggot he's a millionaire
We gotta install microwave ovens
Custom kitchens deliveries
We gotta move these refrigerators
We gotta move these colour
TV'sI shoulda learned to play the guitar
I shoulda learned to play them drums
Look at that mama, she got it stickin' in the camera
Man we could have some fun
And he's up there, what's that?
Hawaiian noises?Bangin' on the bongoes like a chimpanzee
That ain't workin' that's the way you do it
Get your money for nothin' get your chicks for free
We gotta install microwave ovens
Custom kitchen deliveries
We gotta move these refrigerators
We gotta move these colour TV's,
LordNow that ain't workin' that's the way you do it
You play the guitar on the MTV
That ain't workin' that's the way you do it
Money for nothin' and your chicks for free
Money for nothin' and chicks for free
The second song is “So Far Away From Me.” I also must have listened to this song a thousand times – maybe even more. I just understood the entire sense of this song. WOW! This song is very specific to me. I hope that you will enjoy it.
Click here: SO FAR AWAY
So Far Away
Here I am again in this mean old town
And you're so far away from me
And where are you when the sun goes down
You're so far away from me
So far away from me
So far I just can't see
So far away from me
You're so far away from me
I'm tired of being in love and being all alone
When you're so far away from me
I'm tired of making out on the telephone
And you're so far away from me
So far away from me
So far I just can't see
So far away from me
You're so far away from me
I get so tired when I have to explain
When you're so far away from me
See you been in the sun and I've been in the rain
And you're so far away from me
So far away from me
So far I just can't see
So far away from me
You're so far away from me
The third song I chose for you is “Why Worry?”
Click here: WHY WORRY
Why Worry
Baby I see this world has made you sad
Some people can be bad
The things they do, the things they say
But baby I'll wipe away those bitter tears
I'll chase away those restless fears
That turn your blue skies into grey
Why worry, there should be laughter after the pain
There should be sunshine after rain
These things have always been the same
So why worry now
Baby when I get down
I turn to you
And you make sense of what I do
I know it isn't hard to say
But baby just when this world seems mean and cold
Our love comes shining red and gold
And all the rest is by the way
Why worry, there should be laughter after pain
There should be sunshine after rain
These things have always been the same
So why worry now
Thank you for listening to these beautiful songs by Dire Straits. I love them – I hope you will love then too.
See you all soon.
Byeeee!
Editorial Note: Since I am the editor of this blog I not only get to edit the posts, I also get to add “stuff.” One of my favorite Dire Straits songs (and an all-time rock and roll great) is “The Sultans of Swing.” So to round out Arc’s Dire Straits selections, here is...
Click here: SULTANS OF SWING
You get a shiver in the dark
It's been raining in the park but meantime
South of the river you stop and you hold everything
A band is blowing Dixie double four time
You feel all right when you hear that music ring
You step inside but you don't see too many faces
Coming in out of the rain to hear the jazz go down
Competition in all the places
All but the horns keep blowing that sound
Way on downsouth, way on downsouth London town
You check out Guitar George he knows all the chords
Mind he's strictly rhythm he doesn't want to make it cry or sing
And an old guitar is all he can afford
When he gets up under the lights to play his thing
And Harry doesn't mind if he doesn't make the scene
He's got a daytime job he's doing alright
He can play the Honky Tonk like anything
Saving it up for Friday night
With the Sultans, with the Sultans of Swing
And a crowd of young boys they're fooling around in the corner
Drunk and dressed in their best brown baggies and their platform soles
They don't give a damn about any trumpet playing band
It ain't what they call Rock 'n' Roll
And the Sultans, yeah the Sultans played Creole
And then the man he steps right up to the microphone
And says at last just as the time bell rings
"Goodnight now it's time to go home"
and he makes it fast with one more thing
"We are the Sultans, we are the Sultans of Swing"
Showing posts with label Phil Collins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phil Collins. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
THE HOMELESS AMONG US
By Debbie Bulloch
35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was homeless and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you homeless and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25:35-40 (New International Version – NIV)
Over the past few weeks the focus of this blog has shifted slightly. Posts about music, poetry, prose and photography are all well and good – and a lot of fun for me to write and (I hope) for you to read. We should not, however, let fun and games distract our attention away from our mission at Between Homes: to provide a place for homeless SL avis AND in doing so bring into focus the problem of homelessness in RL.
Normally, I do not like to push religion on anyone. I will respect and defend your right to believe in what you wish to believe in, as long as you respect and defend my own rights. That seems fair to me.
There is, however, a simple beauty to the message contained in the Biblical passage from the Gospel of Matthew that I wanted to share it with you. That message rings especially true in these difficult times.
It is very easy for many of us to look at the poor and the homeless and then turn the other way. We can rationalize them away by making statements such as, “Well, I can’t fix it all,” “It is the government’s responsibility,” “It must be their fault, they must have done something ‘wrong’ in order to end up homeless,” or “That could never happen to me or my family.” The last two comments are representative of a dangerous mindset that marginalizes the poor and the homeless making it easier to ignore their plight.
The beauty in the words attributed to Jesus by Matthew is that they reflect the simple fact that the homeless and the poor are us and we are them. In these hard economic times there is only a very thin line separating “them” from “us.” A recent article from the Ventura County Star describes how many of us are one or two paychecks away from falling into a situation that will lead to being homeless. It does not even have to be a matter of losing one’s job (and income). A major illness, a traumatic injury even a divorce can send families, including young children into the streets. The problem is not limited to any particular social or educational group; even middle class professional people can end up on the streets. It is not just the USA that is affected by these issues, even countries with reputedly good social safety nets have seen a recent spike in the number of the homeless in their midst.
In Los Angeles County, for example, the homeless population seems to grow every year. An article by the Los Angeles Times reveals the large number of people who do not have a place to call home. The county where I live - a very affluent county where many wealthy people, including show business stars, make their home - has also seen a rise in the number of the poor and homeless. Compared to Los Angeles County, where poverty and homelessness are endemic, even right under the watchful eyes of the big HOLLYWOOD sign, the number of homeless in Ventura County is miniscule. Of course, that is small consolation to the family who calls home a drafty tent by the river’s bed. Even one homeless person, in what has been billed as the richest country in world history is one too many.
So what can we do to lessen the problem? I do not have answers, but I can offer many suggestions. There many things that you can do to a difference in the lives of the homeless.
1. Never give cash to a homeless person.
Sometimes even well intended gifts are converted to drugs or alcohol - even when the "hard luck" stories they tell are true. If the person is hungry, buy them a sandwich and a cup of coffee. (See my two-part story about meeting Jenny.)
2. Talk to the person with respect.
Taking time to talk to a homeless person in a friendly, respectful manner can give them a wonderful sense of civility and dignity. And besides being just neighborly, it gives the person a weapon to fight the isolation, depression and paranoia that many homeless people face.
3. Recognize that homeless people (and their problems) are not all the same.
The homeless are as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. The person you meet may be a battered woman, an abused young person, an addicted veteran, someone who is lacking job skills...the list goes on.
4. Take precautions for your own safety.
Some living on the streets are criminals and fugitives running from the law. Always be prudent while talking with street people. Stay in areas where other people can see you. Don't take unnecessary chances – protect yourself and your family.
5. Encourage the homeless to get help through local shelters and food banks.
Shelters offer food and shelter to the homelessness. Nothing is scarier than sleeping out on the streets, or inside your car, not knowing what will happen to you. Shelters, even if crowded, provide a place to sleep in relative safety. Many shelters also offer long-term rehabilitation programs that deal with the root causes of homeless. Other shelters may also offer "tickets" or “vouchers” that the homeless can exchange for a nutritious meal at a local restaurant, safe overnight lodging at nearby motels even the option of participating in a rehabilitation program. Become familiar with what your local shelters offer and then pass the information along.
6. Support your local shelter.
Most shelters receive little or no government funding. They are supported by caring individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups who see the value of sharing their resources with the less fortunate. Donations of food, books, clothing and money are welcomed. But even if all you have to donate is your time, do it please. Shelters rely on volunteer labor to make up for funding shortages. Go spend time in a soup kitchen serving food - if you have a skill, like cutting hair, go and volunteer – sometimes a fresh haircut can mean the difference between getting a job and being rejected. Lawyers and doctors are especially needed. Lawyers can help with the many legal issues that often affect the homeless. Doctors and nurses, obviously, can help the homeless with health issues. Remember that volunteering your time at a shelter is a mutually rewarding experience – the homeless person gets the benefit of your assistance but YOU receive the joy that comes only from helping our brothers and sisters. To paraphrase those ubiquitous Nike commercial: JUST DO IT!
7. Help a homeless person find a job.
If you own your own business you may be in a position to hire the homeless. Take a chance on the homeless and hire them. Even a part-time, low wage (do not exploit the homeless) job can make a huge difference. If you are not in a position to hire, then maybe you know someone who is hiring, get them to commit to hiring the homeless.
8. “Adopt” a homeless family.
You do not have to bring a homeless family to live with your family – especially if you are concerned for your safety. But you can sponsor a homeless family by agreeing to pay for a week (or longer if you are able to) at a local motel. It does not have to be a fancy place, just a place with a soft bed and a hot shower. Pre-pay for meals at a local restaurant. If you cannot afford to do it all yourself (I know, money is tight) get family members to contribute, get your employer to help out, heck, even make it a neighborhood project. Get your local motel or family restaurant to help out by giving you a break on their costs to house and feed a homeles family. Tell the business about all the goodwill publicity their business will receive – a quid pro quo that may convince many to help! If you can sponsor a family, especially during the holidays when things seem rougher for those without a place to stay, you will be blessing them with a memory they will never forget.
9. “Adopt” a homeless pet.
The large number of job lay-offs and home foreclosures has resulted in a large number of homeless pets. Some people, unable to care for their pets, leave them behind in a foreclosed home or, worse, have them put down. If you have a house with a large yard (or even a modest yard) offer to “babysit” someone’s pet. If you don’t have a place of your own, offer to help pay for vet’s bills
10. Open up your heart and make the commitment to help.
Remember that any kindness, however small, has the potential for changing a life. Also remember that what you do for the less fortunate members of our society you are also doing it for yourself. To paraphrase the Gospel of Matthew: 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for you.'
Thank you for reading. Tomorrow we will go back to our other features. Maybe Spanish phrases of the week (or French or French and Spanish.)
Phil Collins - "Another Day In Paradise"
Peace out!
(Photographs and other images are the sole property of the individual copyright holders.)
35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was homeless and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you homeless and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25:35-40 (New International Version – NIV)
Over the past few weeks the focus of this blog has shifted slightly. Posts about music, poetry, prose and photography are all well and good – and a lot of fun for me to write and (I hope) for you to read. We should not, however, let fun and games distract our attention away from our mission at Between Homes: to provide a place for homeless SL avis AND in doing so bring into focus the problem of homelessness in RL.
Normally, I do not like to push religion on anyone. I will respect and defend your right to believe in what you wish to believe in, as long as you respect and defend my own rights. That seems fair to me.
There is, however, a simple beauty to the message contained in the Biblical passage from the Gospel of Matthew that I wanted to share it with you. That message rings especially true in these difficult times.
It is very easy for many of us to look at the poor and the homeless and then turn the other way. We can rationalize them away by making statements such as, “Well, I can’t fix it all,” “It is the government’s responsibility,” “It must be their fault, they must have done something ‘wrong’ in order to end up homeless,” or “That could never happen to me or my family.” The last two comments are representative of a dangerous mindset that marginalizes the poor and the homeless making it easier to ignore their plight.
The beauty in the words attributed to Jesus by Matthew is that they reflect the simple fact that the homeless and the poor are us and we are them. In these hard economic times there is only a very thin line separating “them” from “us.” A recent article from the Ventura County Star describes how many of us are one or two paychecks away from falling into a situation that will lead to being homeless. It does not even have to be a matter of losing one’s job (and income). A major illness, a traumatic injury even a divorce can send families, including young children into the streets. The problem is not limited to any particular social or educational group; even middle class professional people can end up on the streets. It is not just the USA that is affected by these issues, even countries with reputedly good social safety nets have seen a recent spike in the number of the homeless in their midst.
In Los Angeles County, for example, the homeless population seems to grow every year. An article by the Los Angeles Times reveals the large number of people who do not have a place to call home. The county where I live - a very affluent county where many wealthy people, including show business stars, make their home - has also seen a rise in the number of the poor and homeless. Compared to Los Angeles County, where poverty and homelessness are endemic, even right under the watchful eyes of the big HOLLYWOOD sign, the number of homeless in Ventura County is miniscule. Of course, that is small consolation to the family who calls home a drafty tent by the river’s bed. Even one homeless person, in what has been billed as the richest country in world history is one too many.
So what can we do to lessen the problem? I do not have answers, but I can offer many suggestions. There many things that you can do to a difference in the lives of the homeless.
1. Never give cash to a homeless person.
Sometimes even well intended gifts are converted to drugs or alcohol - even when the "hard luck" stories they tell are true. If the person is hungry, buy them a sandwich and a cup of coffee. (See my two-part story about meeting Jenny.)
2. Talk to the person with respect.
Taking time to talk to a homeless person in a friendly, respectful manner can give them a wonderful sense of civility and dignity. And besides being just neighborly, it gives the person a weapon to fight the isolation, depression and paranoia that many homeless people face.
3. Recognize that homeless people (and their problems) are not all the same.
The homeless are as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. The person you meet may be a battered woman, an abused young person, an addicted veteran, someone who is lacking job skills...the list goes on.
4. Take precautions for your own safety.
Some living on the streets are criminals and fugitives running from the law. Always be prudent while talking with street people. Stay in areas where other people can see you. Don't take unnecessary chances – protect yourself and your family.
5. Encourage the homeless to get help through local shelters and food banks.
Shelters offer food and shelter to the homelessness. Nothing is scarier than sleeping out on the streets, or inside your car, not knowing what will happen to you. Shelters, even if crowded, provide a place to sleep in relative safety. Many shelters also offer long-term rehabilitation programs that deal with the root causes of homeless. Other shelters may also offer "tickets" or “vouchers” that the homeless can exchange for a nutritious meal at a local restaurant, safe overnight lodging at nearby motels even the option of participating in a rehabilitation program. Become familiar with what your local shelters offer and then pass the information along.
6. Support your local shelter.
Most shelters receive little or no government funding. They are supported by caring individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups who see the value of sharing their resources with the less fortunate. Donations of food, books, clothing and money are welcomed. But even if all you have to donate is your time, do it please. Shelters rely on volunteer labor to make up for funding shortages. Go spend time in a soup kitchen serving food - if you have a skill, like cutting hair, go and volunteer – sometimes a fresh haircut can mean the difference between getting a job and being rejected. Lawyers and doctors are especially needed. Lawyers can help with the many legal issues that often affect the homeless. Doctors and nurses, obviously, can help the homeless with health issues. Remember that volunteering your time at a shelter is a mutually rewarding experience – the homeless person gets the benefit of your assistance but YOU receive the joy that comes only from helping our brothers and sisters. To paraphrase those ubiquitous Nike commercial: JUST DO IT!
7. Help a homeless person find a job.
If you own your own business you may be in a position to hire the homeless. Take a chance on the homeless and hire them. Even a part-time, low wage (do not exploit the homeless) job can make a huge difference. If you are not in a position to hire, then maybe you know someone who is hiring, get them to commit to hiring the homeless.
8. “Adopt” a homeless family.
You do not have to bring a homeless family to live with your family – especially if you are concerned for your safety. But you can sponsor a homeless family by agreeing to pay for a week (or longer if you are able to) at a local motel. It does not have to be a fancy place, just a place with a soft bed and a hot shower. Pre-pay for meals at a local restaurant. If you cannot afford to do it all yourself (I know, money is tight) get family members to contribute, get your employer to help out, heck, even make it a neighborhood project. Get your local motel or family restaurant to help out by giving you a break on their costs to house and feed a homeles family. Tell the business about all the goodwill publicity their business will receive – a quid pro quo that may convince many to help! If you can sponsor a family, especially during the holidays when things seem rougher for those without a place to stay, you will be blessing them with a memory they will never forget.
9. “Adopt” a homeless pet.
The large number of job lay-offs and home foreclosures has resulted in a large number of homeless pets. Some people, unable to care for their pets, leave them behind in a foreclosed home or, worse, have them put down. If you have a house with a large yard (or even a modest yard) offer to “babysit” someone’s pet. If you don’t have a place of your own, offer to help pay for vet’s bills
10. Open up your heart and make the commitment to help.
Remember that any kindness, however small, has the potential for changing a life. Also remember that what you do for the less fortunate members of our society you are also doing it for yourself. To paraphrase the Gospel of Matthew: 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for you.'
Thank you for reading. Tomorrow we will go back to our other features. Maybe Spanish phrases of the week (or French or French and Spanish.)
Phil Collins - "Another Day In Paradise"
Peace out!
(Photographs and other images are the sole property of the individual copyright holders.)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Just Another Day In Paradise
By Debbie Bulloch
She calls out to the man on the street
"Sir, can you help me?
It's cold and I've nowhere to sleep,
Is there somewhere you can tell me?"
He walks on, doesn't look back
He pretends he can't hear her
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
Seems embarrassed to be there
Oh think twice, it's another day for
You and me in paradise
Oh think twice, it's just another day for you,
You and me in paradise
She calls out to the man on the street
He can see she's been crying
She's got blisters on the soles of her feet
Can't walk but she's trying
Oh think twice...
Oh lord, is there nothing more anybody can do
Oh lord, there must be something you can say
You can tell from the lines on her face
You can see that she's been there
Probably been moved on from every place
'Cos she didn't fit in there
Oh think twice, it's another day for
You and me in paradise
Oh think twice, it's just another day for you,
You and me in paradise
Oh think twice….
“Another Day in Paradise” is the title of a 1989 song written by singer / songwriter Phil Collins to bring attention to the problem of homelessness. Almost twenty years later the problem of homelessness continues unabated.
Worldwide, homelessness is the Number One human rights issue facing us. No other issue is as important or as far reaching as the problem of homelessness. Global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer do not matter a damn to a child living out on the streets, with no roof over his head, no pillow under is head and no food in his belly. In the United States, the richest and most powerful country in the world, as many as 3.5 million people experience homelessness in a given year (that is 1% of the entire U.S. population or 10% of its poor).
Worldwide, North – South from Canada to Argentina and East – West from Australia to Russia millions of people, including women, the elderly and children do not have a place to call home, have no shelter from the cold and rain, and have no food to eat. It is the single, biggest shame of our era that at a time when we can communicate at the speed of light thanks to the miracle of our Internet-wired world we still have not figured out a way to shelter and feed all of our brothers and sisters.
One of the reasons why homelessness is such a pervasive, hard-to-fix problem is because many of us, just like the man in the song, wish to pretend that the problem does not exist.
He walks on, doesn't look back
He pretends he can't hear her
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
Seems embarrassed to be there.
We would like to pretend that the homeless are different from the rest of us and that somehow they brought the situation unto themselves. The reality of the situation, however, is that the homeless represent a cross-section of the population at large. In fact, the homeless are very much just like you and me.
According to recent statistics:
Familial composition:
• 40% are families with children—the fastest growing segment.
• 41% are single males.
• 14% are single females.
• 5% are minors unaccompanied by adults.
1.37 million (or 39%) of the total homeless population are children under the age of 18.
Ethnicity:
• 49% are African American.
• 35% are Caucasian.
• 13% are Hispanic.
• 2% are Native-American.
• 1% is Asian-American.
Health-concerns:
• 22% are considered to have serious mental illnesses or are disabled.
• 30% have substance abuse problems.
• 26% report acute health problems such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, or sexually transmitted infections.
• 46% report chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer.
• 55% report having no health insurance (compared to 16% of general population).
• 58% report having trouble getting enough food to eat.
Backgrounds:
• 23% are veterans (compared to 13% of general population).
• 25% were physically or sexually abused as children.
• 27% were in foster care or similar institutions as children.
• 21% were homeless at some point during their childhood.
Location:
• 71% reside in central cities.
• 21% are in suburbs.
• 9% are in rural areas.
In the United States, the Los Angeles region is thought to have the largest concentration of homeless persons in the country. In its biannual census of 2005, Los Angeles counted nearly 90,000 homeless persons living in the County at any given night. A quarter of a million are expected to be homeless at any time of the year. A 50-block area in downtown Los Angeles called Skid Row has a homeless population as large as the homeless population of all of San Francisco.
The numbers above are not unique to the USA. In other industrialized countries, the percentages above are very similar to the US percentages.
In other words, we are the homeless and the homeless are us. The next person that you meet may be a homeless person or may have been a homeless person at some point in his or her life. Think about that the next time that you are tempted to complain about the presence of homeless people in your community, or want to blame them for their situation, or feel that their requests for money or support are unjustified
With the worldwide economic downturn, the problem will get bigger not smaller. The rank of homeless men, women and children will grow.
So what should we do? Should we look the other way, like the man in the song, and pretend that the problem does not exist? Or should we use the power that we have, the power of a million ideas, and resolve to one day reach the goal of eliminating homelessness from the face of our planet.
We created Between Homes © to provide homeless SL avis, with a place to call their own; a place to hang out, relax and have a good time. But SL is a “just a game,” after all technically there is really no such thing as a homeless avis. So what is the real reason for creating BH?
We, of course, want our residents to have fun and enjoy a good time while in-world. But we also want you to think about the homeless in your town, in your country in the world. We want you to think about possible solutions to the problem and then we want you to act upon those solutions. What it means to take action will depend on each one of you.
Action could mean something like donating time as a volunteer at your local homeless shelter. Action could mean something like donating money to your shelter or pushing your local politicians to do something about the problem. Or, action could mean something as simple, and powerful, as stopping treating the homeless as if they are invisible people who do not exist; smile at a homeless person give her a few words of encouragement and reassure her that the world does care.
I can tell you that those few words of hope and encouragement could make all the difference in the life of a homeless person.
Thank you for reading this; I hope that you will take this call to action seriously. We are each individual agents for change.
As Mother Teresa once said:
In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.
Go do small things with lots of love!
She calls out to the man on the street
"Sir, can you help me?
It's cold and I've nowhere to sleep,
Is there somewhere you can tell me?"
He walks on, doesn't look back
He pretends he can't hear her
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
Seems embarrassed to be there
Oh think twice, it's another day for
You and me in paradise
Oh think twice, it's just another day for you,
You and me in paradise
She calls out to the man on the street
He can see she's been crying
She's got blisters on the soles of her feet
Can't walk but she's trying
Oh think twice...
Oh lord, is there nothing more anybody can do
Oh lord, there must be something you can say
You can tell from the lines on her face
You can see that she's been there
Probably been moved on from every place
'Cos she didn't fit in there
Oh think twice, it's another day for
You and me in paradise
Oh think twice, it's just another day for you,
You and me in paradise
Oh think twice….
“Another Day in Paradise” is the title of a 1989 song written by singer / songwriter Phil Collins to bring attention to the problem of homelessness. Almost twenty years later the problem of homelessness continues unabated.
Worldwide, homelessness is the Number One human rights issue facing us. No other issue is as important or as far reaching as the problem of homelessness. Global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer do not matter a damn to a child living out on the streets, with no roof over his head, no pillow under is head and no food in his belly. In the United States, the richest and most powerful country in the world, as many as 3.5 million people experience homelessness in a given year (that is 1% of the entire U.S. population or 10% of its poor).
Worldwide, North – South from Canada to Argentina and East – West from Australia to Russia millions of people, including women, the elderly and children do not have a place to call home, have no shelter from the cold and rain, and have no food to eat. It is the single, biggest shame of our era that at a time when we can communicate at the speed of light thanks to the miracle of our Internet-wired world we still have not figured out a way to shelter and feed all of our brothers and sisters.
One of the reasons why homelessness is such a pervasive, hard-to-fix problem is because many of us, just like the man in the song, wish to pretend that the problem does not exist.
He walks on, doesn't look back
He pretends he can't hear her
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
Seems embarrassed to be there.
We would like to pretend that the homeless are different from the rest of us and that somehow they brought the situation unto themselves. The reality of the situation, however, is that the homeless represent a cross-section of the population at large. In fact, the homeless are very much just like you and me.
According to recent statistics:
Familial composition:
• 40% are families with children—the fastest growing segment.
• 41% are single males.
• 14% are single females.
• 5% are minors unaccompanied by adults.
1.37 million (or 39%) of the total homeless population are children under the age of 18.
Ethnicity:
• 49% are African American.
• 35% are Caucasian.
• 13% are Hispanic.
• 2% are Native-American.
• 1% is Asian-American.
Health-concerns:
• 22% are considered to have serious mental illnesses or are disabled.
• 30% have substance abuse problems.
• 26% report acute health problems such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, or sexually transmitted infections.
• 46% report chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer.
• 55% report having no health insurance (compared to 16% of general population).
• 58% report having trouble getting enough food to eat.
Backgrounds:
• 23% are veterans (compared to 13% of general population).
• 25% were physically or sexually abused as children.
• 27% were in foster care or similar institutions as children.
• 21% were homeless at some point during their childhood.
Location:
• 71% reside in central cities.
• 21% are in suburbs.
• 9% are in rural areas.
In the United States, the Los Angeles region is thought to have the largest concentration of homeless persons in the country. In its biannual census of 2005, Los Angeles counted nearly 90,000 homeless persons living in the County at any given night. A quarter of a million are expected to be homeless at any time of the year. A 50-block area in downtown Los Angeles called Skid Row has a homeless population as large as the homeless population of all of San Francisco.
The numbers above are not unique to the USA. In other industrialized countries, the percentages above are very similar to the US percentages.
In other words, we are the homeless and the homeless are us. The next person that you meet may be a homeless person or may have been a homeless person at some point in his or her life. Think about that the next time that you are tempted to complain about the presence of homeless people in your community, or want to blame them for their situation, or feel that their requests for money or support are unjustified
With the worldwide economic downturn, the problem will get bigger not smaller. The rank of homeless men, women and children will grow.
So what should we do? Should we look the other way, like the man in the song, and pretend that the problem does not exist? Or should we use the power that we have, the power of a million ideas, and resolve to one day reach the goal of eliminating homelessness from the face of our planet.
We created Between Homes © to provide homeless SL avis, with a place to call their own; a place to hang out, relax and have a good time. But SL is a “just a game,” after all technically there is really no such thing as a homeless avis. So what is the real reason for creating BH?
We, of course, want our residents to have fun and enjoy a good time while in-world. But we also want you to think about the homeless in your town, in your country in the world. We want you to think about possible solutions to the problem and then we want you to act upon those solutions. What it means to take action will depend on each one of you.
Action could mean something like donating time as a volunteer at your local homeless shelter. Action could mean something like donating money to your shelter or pushing your local politicians to do something about the problem. Or, action could mean something as simple, and powerful, as stopping treating the homeless as if they are invisible people who do not exist; smile at a homeless person give her a few words of encouragement and reassure her that the world does care.
I can tell you that those few words of hope and encouragement could make all the difference in the life of a homeless person.
Thank you for reading this; I hope that you will take this call to action seriously. We are each individual agents for change.
As Mother Teresa once said:
In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.
Go do small things with lots of love!
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