Where Everybody Knows You're Numb

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

a cool thing

Psych Lit · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

A kindness:
She assured me Mom was being well taken car of, and I told her I appreciated that. She asked me if I wanted to come inside, out of the heat, but I balked, and indicated the dog, who was clearly not allowed inside.

And here's the "kindness" part: she then insisted we BOTH come inside, in the air conditioned waiting area, and if anyone had a problem with it, they could talk to HER, and so that's exactly what we did.

Someone (I think it was the physical therapist) brought me a bottle of water to drink. Big hairy not hot any more dog stretched out on the cool, air conditioned and brightly waxed and buffed floor, with GREAT contentment. I could almost hear him saying: "Hey! I could get USED TO this air conditioning stuff!"

To his credit, I have to say, he was the model dog. Several people came by to interact with him, and some even stopped, and got him to roll over, so that they could give his chest a vigorous rubbing, which of course sent him right into doggie nirvana.

I think we probably sat there for close to two hours. We could have just as easily been sitting outside that door in the heat, and WOULD have been, had it not been for the kindness of one woman, who made a seemingly simple decision about a (or maybe I should say two) strangers, and decided that "rules" are intended to do "good" things, and as long as we sat in chairs away from the general population at the other end of the very short hall, there was no "good" reason the "rule" barring our entry should be upheld.

It was a generosity which touched, and moved me yesterday, and remains with me today. A small thing in some ways -- a huge thing in others. It served as a reminder to me that people DO HAVE a capacity for empathy, and ARE inclined to act upon it, just as often as not. I know that's not a popular point of view these days in a lot of camps, but ... don't believe everything you hear. ;)

So, where ever you are, kind woman, again: my heartfelt thanks. Thanks not only for your specific act yesterday, but also for the affirmation of an inherent "good" in people.

It was, and is ... "a cool thing."

that is a wonderful story. as i was reading i was thinking about you and buck standing in the mid day heat within spitting distance of a nice cool swimming pool and how that must have been torturous. im glad that there are people who havent lost touch with others and can still "get it" without having to be knocked over the head with it. speaks volumes about the medical facility too if one of the head honchos is that tuned into the surroundings.

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

A kindness:

So yesterday was "Senior Wednesday" grocery shopping day for Mom, and her pal Joan. They got a ride to the store, and had their grocery store socializing (with countless clerks and people quietly asking Mom if her pal was an Alzheimer's patient -- her dementia is rapidly advancing.) When they were finished, I loaded up big ole hairy dog and drove the 20 or so miles to pick her up -- first, getting Joan, and her stuff, and delivering her home, which was no easy feat, inasmuch as even with the front passenger door open, and my continually saying "you can get in the front seat, Joan" -- she's used to Mom's being in the front seat, and riding behind Mom, with Buck) she had a hard time breaking away from trying to get in the back seat (with the locked door.) Anyway, I did manage to get her home, and her groceries unloaded, and taken inside, leaving the car running with the AC on, so that big hairy dog wouldn't perish, and then went back to get Mom.

Mom has this thing about buying ANY groceries on a day other than Senior Wednesday, which comes once a month. I think at some point she was told it was the eighth deadly sin, or something. This means, of course, that along with all the cat food and supplies of the month, she typically has at least two overflowing baskets of groceries (and LOTS of canned goods items.) Big hairy dog is, these days, positioned in the back seat, strapped in with his seatbelt (most of the time, until he tires of it, and unbuckles it) Mom goes in the front seat, and her wheelchair just squeezes into the "wayback" part ... that's what we all called the back third of stationwagons in "the day" right?? Then, her groceries are loaded however, and where ever I can squeeze them.

Mom has embarked upon yet another round of physical therapy for her leg which was pretty well pulverized in a car accident a few years ago. Well, not her whole leg, but enough of it. Not a handy thing for a 82-almost 83 year old person to have, and the reason for the wheelchair. The new therapy is in a space on hospital grounds in yet another city, on the OTHER side of her house, when leaving from mine.

The plan was to take her there straightaway from the grocery store (her appointment demanded we not take the extra time to stop at her house on the way) and then, while she was having her physical therapy -- pool therapy, I'd drive back to her house, unload her "dry -- doesn't need to be refrigerated" groceries, which were all she'd had available for me to load, when I returned to get her. The "needs refrigeration" stuff was in another basket, and had been wheeled back into the refrigeration room, for our later retrieval.

Once I got her situated in the therapy setting, I drove back to her house, and unloaded, and stocked "round one." Because big hairy dog had been soooooooo patient throughout all, and had been in the car the whole time, I then took him for a quick walk down the shady alley behind Mom's house, which he greatly enjoys, and then had just enough time to water him, load him back up, and return to the hospital/physical therapy place to pick up Mom, who, according to the time, and our agreement, would be back in her chair, and waiting for me.

When I got to the space, I didn't see her, so rather than leaving big hairy and now hot even though the car AC was on (and remember, we're talking about 100 degrees plus weather) I took him with me on his leash. We finally located Mom, at the outdoor pool area ... quite lovely, really, with a large semi-permanent tarp over all, providing additional shade. Mom was out of the pool, having just seated herself in a chair at the pool's edge. Big hairy dog and I stood on the other side of the wrought iron fence enclosure, and spoke with her, as she regrouped, and prepared to get into the wheelchair beside her. As we waited (and Mom is the eternal social butterfly -- something with which I've just learned I have to deal with, no matter how big a hurry I'm in) I suddenly heard her ask the physical therapist if he could remove something in her arm, and tell her if it looked like a bee stinger.

Yikes. NOT a good thing.
He did, and they came to the conclusion that yeah, it really DID look that way (and the women in the pool were noting that there were two bees in THEIR area) and so I whipped out her ... forget what it's called, stick it into your thigh, and snap it shot thing for just such an occasion.

After that, things were said back and forth on the radio... activity... lots of activity... and all the while, there big hairy dog on leash and I were. The physical therapist wisely noted that rather than our leaving, since we WERE right there at the hospital, it would perhaps be better if we hung out there for a while, to wait and see if she was going to keel over. Made a lot of sense, of course, so that's what we did. They took Mom inside to what I guess was some sort of examination room, or something, where she was attended to by a physician. Big hairy dog and I remained, of course, outside, seated in the shade, but it was still hot. When I'd arrived at the place, Mom had noted that my face was red... I don't know that I'd cooled off much since then, athough the shade was certainly appreciated. One of the people in the pool asked if I wanted some water out of their cooler for big hairy hot dog, which I gladly accepted, and he happily lapped up.

At some point, a woman ... a woman who set off ALL my gaydar alarms ( :) ) came over to talk to me and coo over big hairy hot dog. She was some sort of head honcho, judging from the way others were interacting with her. She assured me Mom was being well taken car of, and I told her I appreciated that. She asked me if I wanted to come inside, out of the heat, but I balked, and indicated the dog, who was clearly not allowed inside.

And here's the "kindness" part: she then insisted we BOTH come inside, in the air conditioned waiting area, and if anyone had a problem with it, they could talk to HER, and so that's exactly what we did.

Someone (I think it was the physical therapist) brought me a bottle of water to drink. Big hairy not hot any more dog stretched out on the cool, air conditioned and brightly waxed and buffed floor, with GREAT contentment. I could almost hear him saying: "Hey! I could get USED TO this air conditioning stuff!"

To his credit, I have to say, he was the model dog. Several people came by to interact with him, and some even stopped, and got him to roll over, so that they could give his chest a vigorous rubbing, which of course sent him right into doggie nirvana.

I think we probably sat there for close to two hours. We could have just as easily been sitting outside that door in the heat, and WOULD have been, had it not been for the kindness of one woman, who made a seemingly simple decision about a (or maybe I should say two) strangers, and decided that "rules" are intended to do "good" things, and as long as we sat in chairs away from the general population at the other end of the very short hall, there was no "good" reason the "rule" barring our entry should be upheld.

It was a generosity which touched, and moved me yesterday, and remains with me today. A small thing in some ways -- a huge thing in others. It served as a reminder to me that people DO HAVE a capacity for empathy, and ARE inclined to act upon it, just as often as not. I know that's not a popular point of view these days in a lot of camps, but ... don't believe everything you hear. ;)

So, where ever you are, kind woman, again: my heartfelt thanks. Thanks not only for your specific act yesterday, but also for the affirmation of an inherent "good" in people.

It was, and is ... "a cool thing."

Psych Lit · Guru

nesea wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Ultimately, even the cynic in me came to the realization this was simply a cool and smart thing.
Lottery Winner Gives Prize to Charity
cynic asks: "Is he dating Julie?"

And the cynic in me says not only is he dating Julie, but Julie is probably the United Way Fundraising Campaign Chair in her county.

SCORE !!

my cynic wants to know how much of his 10k will actually go towards some real program and not on offices, rent, trips, furniture or fat cat salaries.

THE BEST WAYS TO HELP YOUR FELLOW AMERICANS DURING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS

Updated February 18, 2009

The American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) announces its top-rated charities currently offering services to the increased number of Americans suffering from hunger, mental illness, drug or alcohol abuse, homelessness, old age, or others who are in need of human services during this time of economic crisis. As the unemployment rate continues to rise and home foreclosures increase, it is more important than ever that those who are able lend a hand to their neighbors who need it.

AIP, a leading charity watchdog that issues letter grade (A+ to F) ratings of nonprofit groups, identifies the following charities, which are providing aid to people suffering. These charities have received an A or B grade based on the portion of their budget going to program services and their fundraising efficiency.

Note: Links will open in a new window

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (A)

American Red Cross (A-)

Bowery Residents' Committee (A)

Cedars Home for Children Foundation (A)

Coalition for the Homeless (B+)

Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest) (A)

Food Bank for New York City (formerly Food for Survival) (A-)

Habitat for Humanity International - N.O. (A-)

MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger (A)

Mental Health America (A)

National Alliance to End Homelessness (A+)

National Council on Aging (A+)

Salvation Army - Central Territory (A)

Salvation Army - Eastern Territory (A)

Salvation Army - Southern Territory (A-)

Salvation Army - Western Territory (A-)

YMCA of the United States - N.O. (A)

These charities perform favorably in relation to AIPs benchmarks:

1) They generally spend 75% or more of their budgets on program services.
2) They generally spend no more than $25 to raise $100.

Contact your favorite charities to find out the locations where they provide services and if they provide the specific types of aid that you would like to fund, e.g., emergency relief, health care, infrastructure development, education, etc.

DONORS BEWARE

Tips for Making the Most of Your Donation:

· Give to newly created charities only if you have reliable third-party verification of their credibility and/or have knowledge of and trust the officers and directors of the new group.

· Do not assume that a claimed celebrity endorsement is real or that the celebrity has adequately scrutinized the charity.

· Give with check or credit card instead of cash. There is little assurance that coin or currency donations will actually go to the intended beneficiary.

· Be cautious about giving to individual victims that show up on covers of magazines or on television. Unpublicized victims may be more in need than publicized victims who are often flooded with gifts.

· Be cautious about giving in response to a telemarketing call. If you decide to donate, make sure you have reviewed all the information from the charity and ask what percentage of your contribution will fund the pertinent programs. For more tips on giving click here.

SEND A CHECK, NOT GOODS
The best way to help is by sending a check. Cash donations enable charities to buy the most needed types of food, medicine, clothing, shelter materials and other supplies. By buying relief products locally or regionally, charities can reduce shipping costs and more rapidly deliver assistance. Before sending any goods, first contact the charity to find out if they are appropriate and if it will be cost effective to distribute them. For example, after the tsunami in southeast Asia, boxes of donated winter coats, scarves and fuzzy hats, completely useless items in tsunami stricken nations with tropical climates, were sent to these nations.

http://charitywatch.org/hottopics/humanservices.html

nesea · Senior Member

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Ultimately, even the cynic in me came to the realization this was simply a cool and smart thing.

Lottery Winner Gives Prize to Charity
cynic asks: "Is he dating Julie?"

And the cynic in me says not only is he dating Julie, but Julie is probably the United Way Fundraising Campaign Chair in her county.

SCORE !!

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

This isn't JUST a "cool" thing, it's also a SMART thing, because, as the article notes, in making the charity be the winner of the entire amount, it GETS the ENTIRE amount, and he isn't taxed at all.

The cynic in me thought about his personal financial state (he's the CEO of his own business) but hey, who wouldn't just keep the money to maybe buy another car, or something? Then I thought about the "good publicity" he's getting from this, but I'm not sure a biogenetics firm is all that popularily driven.

Ultimately, even the cynic in me came to the realization this was simply a cool and smart thing. smile

Lottery Winner Gives Prize to Charity

AOL / Wire Services

(April 17) - A Michigan man who won $10,000 in the state lottery's Club Keno game has donated his winnings to a charity.

Soon after winning the money on March 11, Jim Dancy of Richland, Mich., decided others needed it more than he did. So he gave it all to the Greater Kalamazoo United Way.

"I was heavily influenced by my close friend Julie, who taught me to think of others first, and to stop and think about what life is really about. I know the needs in the community are great right now, so for me it was the right thing to do," Dancy said in a statement released by the Michigan Lottery.

Mike Larson, the charity's president and chief executive, called the gesture an "incredible act of kindness and generosity" and said the donation couldn't have come at a better time.

He says the economic downturn is making it tough on the agencies that the United Way serves.

Larson said that because United Way is a charitable organization, the winnings will not be taxed.

Dancy is co-founder and chief operating officer of a biological research company in Kalamazoo.

(end of article)

cynic asks: "Is he dating Julie?" biggrin

BoxDog · Guru

Psych Lit wrote:

BoxDog wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

White House invites gay families to Easter event

By GILLIAN GAYNAIR, Associated Press Writer Gillian Gaynair, Associated Press Writer Tue Apr 7, 4:23 pm ETWASHINGTON The White House is allocating tickets for the upcoming Easter Egg Roll to gay and lesbian families as part of the Obama administration's outreach to diverse communities.Families say the gesture shows that the new Democratic administration values them as equal to other families. And for many, being included in the annual tradition dating to 1878 renews hope that they will have more support in their quest for equal rights in matters such as marriage and adoption than under the previous administration.On Tuesday, gays and lesbians gained another victory when Vermont joined Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa in giving gay couples the right to marry. In the District of Columbia, the council voted to recognize gay marriages performed in other states."The Obama administration actually reached out to us as an organization, and said we want gay families there, and they are an important part of the American family fabric," said Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Boston-based Family Equality Council, which is helping spearhead the effort to organize families to attend.

well, hands on hips, i didnt get my invite in the mail. lol. is there a master list out there? a gay census that theyre drawing from? im apparently on a bazillion gay and lesbian mailing lists and the fundraisers never cease to hit me up. despite my never signing up for most of these they contact me. i do know the source of all of those mailings tho and its kind of amusing. i signed a petition many years ago at the march on washington. at the time right there at the top of the page was a blurb that said we will not sell your name to other mailing lists. uh huh. i got a postcard from them a week or so later addressed to me with the title of general. at the time i thought how odd ive never been in the military so over the years i continue to get mail addressed to general only now it comes from all sorts of places and all sorts of causes some of which i really wouldnt dream of supporting and yet im apparently a card carrying member of these organizations. however i didnt get invited to the easter egg hunt. the kid will be disappointed im sure tho im not going to mention it to her mother since shed get all indignant and wed prolly be on the next plane to washington.

"It's my belief that marriage should be between one man and one woman." Barack Obama

So, I just came back from screaming into my pillow, rabidly shaking my head to and fro and wondering what the hell makes this egg roll so magical and awe inspiring. I'm glad Colleen, the 42 y.o. Asst. Professor of Medicine at NYU feels she's done fighting for equality. I'm not. Are you? I also wonder if she realizes Obama disapproves of her "marriage".
oh she prolly does. im not a fan of baby steps more of a throw the bums out and replace them kind of person yet im told that i must be patient with the process of a nation dragged into this process somewhat involuntarily. and btw im hoping that there is a wider variety of gay and lesbian couples represented and not just the high powered well educated already with access to power couples.

Well, I didn't get my offer to attend and it wasn't a national "lottery" of sorts that said it was a hand picked group. Rest assured there won't be any "so you like the crazies" showing up for the hunt. Oh, or military.

Psych Lit · Guru

BoxDog wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

White House invites gay families to Easter event

By GILLIAN GAYNAIR, Associated Press Writer Gillian Gaynair, Associated Press Writer Tue Apr 7, 4:23 pm ETWASHINGTON The White House is allocating tickets for the upcoming Easter Egg Roll to gay and lesbian families as part of the Obama administration's outreach to diverse communities.Families say the gesture shows that the new Democratic administration values them as equal to other families. And for many, being included in the annual tradition dating to 1878 renews hope that they will have more support in their quest for equal rights in matters such as marriage and adoption than under the previous administration.On Tuesday, gays and lesbians gained another victory when Vermont joined Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa in giving gay couples the right to marry. In the District of Columbia, the council voted to recognize gay marriages performed in other states."The Obama administration actually reached out to us as an organization, and said we want gay families there, and they are an important part of the American family fabric," said Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Boston-based Family Equality Council, which is helping spearhead the effort to organize families to attend.

well, hands on hips, i didnt get my invite in the mail. lol. is there a master list out there? a gay census that theyre drawing from? im apparently on a bazillion gay and lesbian mailing lists and the fundraisers never cease to hit me up. despite my never signing up for most of these they contact me. i do know the source of all of those mailings tho and its kind of amusing. i signed a petition many years ago at the march on washington. at the time right there at the top of the page was a blurb that said we will not sell your name to other mailing lists. uh huh. i got a postcard from them a week or so later addressed to me with the title of general. at the time i thought how odd ive never been in the military so over the years i continue to get mail addressed to general only now it comes from all sorts of places and all sorts of causes some of which i really wouldnt dream of supporting and yet im apparently a card carrying member of these organizations. however i didnt get invited to the easter egg hunt. the kid will be disappointed im sure tho im not going to mention it to her mother since shed get all indignant and wed prolly be on the next plane to washington.

"It's my belief that marriage should be between one man and one woman." Barack Obama

So, I just came back from screaming into my pillow, rabidly shaking my head to and fro and wondering what the hell makes this egg roll so magical and awe inspiring. I'm glad Colleen, the 42 y.o. Asst. Professor of Medicine at NYU feels she's done fighting for equality. I'm not. Are you? I also wonder if she realizes Obama disapproves of her "marriage".
oh she prolly does. im not a fan of baby steps more of a throw the bums out and replace them kind of person yet im told that i must be patient with the process of a nation dragged into this process somewhat involuntarily. and btw im hoping that there is a wider variety of gay and lesbian couples represented and not just the high powered well educated already with access to power couples.

BoxDog · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

White House invites gay families to Easter event

By GILLIAN GAYNAIR, Associated Press Writer Gillian Gaynair, Associated Press Writer Tue Apr 7, 4:23 pm ETWASHINGTON The White House is allocating tickets for the upcoming Easter Egg Roll to gay and lesbian families as part of the Obama administration's outreach to diverse communities.Families say the gesture shows that the new Democratic administration values them as equal to other families. And for many, being included in the annual tradition dating to 1878 renews hope that they will have more support in their quest for equal rights in matters such as marriage and adoption than under the previous administration.On Tuesday, gays and lesbians gained another victory when Vermont joined Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa in giving gay couples the right to marry. In the District of Columbia, the council voted to recognize gay marriages performed in other states."The Obama administration actually reached out to us as an organization, and said we want gay families there, and they are an important part of the American family fabric," said Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Boston-based Family Equality Council, which is helping spearhead the effort to organize families to attend.Chrisler said Tuesday she expects more than 100 gay and lesbian-headed families to take part in the egg roll.Overall, officials are gearing up for a bigger turnout than ever before, with families arriving from 45 states and the District of Columbia, said Semonti Mustaphi, deputy press secretary to Mrs. Obama. The majority of egg roll tickets were offered to the public online.Alan Bernstein, a single gay father, is flying to Washington from West Hollywood, Calif., with his 5-year-old son Issac to participate. His 3-year-old twin daughters will stay with their grandparents. It will be Bernstein and his son's first time at the egg roll."I don't think to a 5-year-old it's that extraordinary, but to me it is," said the 43-year-old planning commissioner, calling the invitation an honor.It's not the first time gay and lesbian-headed families will participate.In 2006 during the Bush administration, more than 100 gay families attended the egg roll in part to make the statement that they should be welcome. Some conservatives accused gays and lesbians of trying to "crash" the event and turn it into forum for ideological politicking.This year already feels different, said Colleen Gillespie of Brooklyn, who helped spark the 2006 effort."We feel so welcomed and embraced, and that in a very real way, I think we can just go as a family and enjoy it," said the 42-year-old assistant professor at New York University's school of medicine, who is attending with her wife and their daughters, Ella and Zelda. "We don't have to fight for our right to exist and be treated fairly."Leah McElrath Renna, managing partner at a D.C. communications firm, agreed. She attended the event in 2006 and 2007 with her partner Cathy McElrath Renna and their now 3-year-old daughter, Rosemary."Under Bush, it felt a bit like we were crashing our own party. But this year it feels like we're equally honored guests," Leah McElrath Renna, 44, said. "It's more celebratory."Rosemary is particularly excited to see the Easter Bunny again and already has planned her outfit: A yellow polka-dotted dress and a new straw hat with a pink band."I'm looking forward to seeing the joy on my daughter's face when she sees the Easter Bunny," she said. "And seeing the White House in the background and knowing that America and the future that she lives in will be a more perfect place than it is now."

"It's my belief that marriage should be between one man and one woman." Barack Obama

So, I just came back from screaming into my pillow, rabidly shaking my head to and fro and wondering what the hell makes this egg roll so magical and awe inspiring. I'm glad Colleen, the 42 y.o. Asst. Professor of Medicine at NYU feels she's done fighting for equality. I'm not. Are you? I also wonder if she realizes Obama disapproves of her "marriage".

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

March 04, 2009

U.S. Supreme Court Rules Against Fred Phelps

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Fred Phelps this week. The antigay pastor had attempted to erect a statue in a government plaza in Kansas condemning homosexuality and slain student Matthew Shepard.

Phelps' monument read, Matthew Shepard Entered Hell October 12, 1998, in Defiance of Gods Warning thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind; it is abomination. Leviticus 18:22."

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that government parks receiving monument donations are not required to accept every offer.

Last month Phelps and his daughter Shirley Roper-Phelps were prevented from entering the U nited Kingdom to protest a production of The Laramie Project because of their extremist behavior.

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

White House invites gay families to Easter event

By GILLIAN GAYNAIR, Associated Press Writer Gillian Gaynair, Associated Press Writer Tue Apr 7, 4:23 pm ET

WASHINGTON The White House is allocating tickets for the upcoming Easter Egg Roll to gay and lesbian families as part of the Obama administration's outreach to diverse communities.

Families say the gesture shows that the new Democratic administration values them as equal to other families. And for many, being included in the annual tradition dating to 1878 renews hope that they will have more support in their quest for equal rights in matters such as marriage and adoption than under the previous administration.

On Tuesday, gays and lesbians gained another victory when Vermont joined Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa in giving gay couples the right to marry. In the District of Columbia, the council voted to recognize gay marriages performed in other states.

"The Obama administration actually reached out to us as an organization, and said we want gay families there, and they are an important part of the American family fabric," said Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Boston-based Family Equality Council, which is helping spearhead the effort to organize families to attend.

Chrisler said Tuesday she expects more than 100 gay and lesbian-headed families to take part in the egg roll.

Overall, officials are gearing up for a bigger turnout than ever before, with families arriving from 45 states and the District of Columbia, said Semonti Mustaphi, deputy press secretary to Mrs. Obama. The majority of egg roll tickets were offered to the public online.

Alan Bernstein, a single gay father, is flying to Washington from West Hollywood, Calif., with his 5-year-old son Issac to participate. His 3-year-old twin daughters will stay with their grandparents. It will be Bernstein and his son's first time at the egg roll.

"I don't think to a 5-year-old it's that extraordinary, but to me it is," said the 43-year-old planning commissioner, calling the invitation an honor.

It's not the first time gay and lesbian-headed families will participate.

In 2006 during the Bush administration, more than 100 gay families attended the egg roll in part to make the statement that they should be welcome. Some conservatives accused gays and lesbians of trying to "crash" the event and turn it into forum for ideological politicking.

This year already feels different, said Colleen Gillespie of Brooklyn, who helped spark the 2006 effort.

"We feel so welcomed and embraced, and that in a very real way, I think we can just go as a family and enjoy it," said the 42-year-old assistant professor at New York University's school of medicine, who is attending with her wife and their daughters, Ella and Zelda. "We don't have to fight for our right to exist and be treated fairly."

Leah McElrath Renna, managing partner at a D.C. communications firm, agreed. She attended the event in 2006 and 2007 with her partner Cathy McElrath Renna and their now 3-year-old daughter, Rosemary.

"Under Bush, it felt a bit like we were crashing our own party. But this year it feels like we're equally honored guests," Leah McElrath Renna, 44, said. "It's more celebratory."

Rosemary is particularly excited to see the Easter Bunny again and already has planned her outfit: A yellow polka-dotted dress and a new straw hat with a pink band.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the joy on my daughter's face when she sees the Easter Bunny," she said. "And seeing the White House in the background and knowing that America and the future that she lives in will be a more perfect place than it is now."

Psych Lit · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Don't know about that last question, but yes, I think it is nationwide. The one caveat is, though, that they have to have lost their employement and insurance after March 31st, and be on unemployment.

most of the poor women i work with dont have any insurance and few are able to hold jobs. there are clinics for the low income. they charge 30 dollars for an office visit. for most of these folks it might as well be 3000. this is a very good thing that walgreens is doing. hopfully this will catch on like the 4 dollar prescriptions did!

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

Psych Lit wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Walgreen's offers free health care for jobless
Aaron Crowe

Walgreen Co. is the latest company to use the tactic of helping the unemployed, offering free visits to its clinics for people who lose their jobs and don't have insurance.

From free dress shirts for job interviews, to printing resumes for free or offering to buy back the new car you just bought if you lose your job, many businesses are finding that it makes good business to offer deals or giveaways to the jobless.

Walgreen's Take Care health clinics will offer free visits for the rest of the year to adults who lose their jobs on or after March 31, according to a Reuters story. Spouses, domestic partners and children also qualify if they don't have their own health insurance. A certification form must be completed. Walgreen has a short video on the program.Quest Diagnostics Inc. is offering certain free laboratory tests, such as strep throat and urine cultures, in the "Take Care Recovery Plan." People must prove they are getting government unemployment benefits to qualify for the free visits.

According to the clinic's question and answer web page, the offer includes most services offered at the clinics, including for common family illnesses such as colds, cough, flu, upper respiratory conditions and minor skin conditions. It doesn't apply to healthcare services outside of Take Care Clinics. It also doesn't include wellness services provided at the clinics, such as physicals, vaccinations and health evaluations.

wow is that nationwide? im gonna add that to my resource list. so many people wait to be seen until they have some major infection or problem. and no 400 dollar er bill for some kids ear infection. wonderful! and are they one of those that match wallyworlds 4 dollar prescription program?

Don't know about that last question, but yes, I think it is nationwide. The one caveat is, though, that they have to have lost their employement and insurance after March 31st, and be on unemployment.

BoxDog · Guru

nesea wrote:

BoxDog wrote:

nesea wrote:

9 patients made nearly 2,700 ER visits in Texas

Wed Apr 1, 6:17 pm ET

AUSTIN, Texas Just nine people accounted for nearly 2,700 of the emergency room visits in the Austin area during the past six years at a cost of$3 million to taxpayers and others, according to a report. The patients went to hospital emergency rooms 2,678 times from 2003 through 2008, said the report from the nonprofit Integrated Care Collaboration, a group of health care providers who care for low-income and uninsured patients.

"What we're really trying to do is find out who's using our emergency rooms ... and find solutions," said Ann Kitchen, executive director of the group, which presented the report last week to the Travis County Healthcare District board.

The average emergency room visit costs $1,000. Hospitals and taxpayers paid the bill through government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, Kitchen said.

Eight of the nine patients have drug abuse problems, seven were diagnosed with mental health issues and three were homeless. Five are women whose average age is 40, and four are men whose average age is 50, the report said, the Austin American-Statesman reported Wednesday.

9 patients made nearly 2,700 ER visits in Texas

This is stunning ..

-- Edited by BoxDog on Friday 3rd of April 2009 04:07:25 PM

I think the $1000 is an "average" patient cost. I think this article is trying to show the huge discrepancy between a typical er visit and an er visit from this group of 9 they are reporting on. Not sure what you're questions are regarding the 3 million dollars or the ages of the women.

It's disturbing that 40 something year old women represent 55% of this study. One could almost accept or rationalize sick babies, elderly and homeless, and abuse issues. A problem, as I see it, is that an emergency room triage should always include an eval and community referral. It doesn't take a thousand dollars of anything to determine someone is drunk, emotionally distraught or just suffering climatary woes from being homeless. Emergency rooms are not intended to be walk-in clinics for free coffee and donuts. Of course it's a double edged sword. The people gravitate to "safe havens" where they think they are entitled services, all kinds. They aren't. It's that simple. Footnot, fortysomething represents this womans primary "dating pool", that concerns me. Are they simply fitting into society on a normal day, or lost? An emergency is clearly defined as the imminent threat to life and limb. Period.

Psych Lit · Guru

nesea wrote:

AUSTIN, Texas Just nine people accounted for nearly 2,700 of the emergency room visits in the Austin area during the past six years at a cost of $3 million to taxpayers and others, according to a report. The patients went to hospital emergency rooms 2,678 times from 2003 through 2008, said the report from the nonprofit Integrated Care Collaboration, a group of health care providers
who care for low-income and uninsured patients.

"What we're really trying to do is find out who's using our emergency rooms ... and find solutions," said Ann Kitchen, executive director of the group, which presented the report last week to the Travis County Healthcare District board.

The average emergency room visit costs $1,000. Hospitals and taxpayers paid the bill through government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, Kitchen said.

Eight of the nine patients have drug abuse problems, seven were diagnosed with mental health issues and three were homeless. Five are women whose average age is 40, and four are men whose average age is 50, the report said, the Austin American-Statesman reported Wednesday.

9 patients made nearly 2,700 ER visits in Texas

This is stunning ..
it is stunning when you consider that works out to something like 50 visits a year for each of the 9. 3 million dollars. lets say they paid for supportive housing for those 6 years, drug rehab and after care and psychiatric care or medication to keep them from self medicating or relapsing and access to medical care. how much would the taxpayers have saved? seems to me they might have saved 2 million of that cost. this is what happens when we take away all of the safety nets.

nesea · Senior Member

BoxDog wrote:

nesea wrote:

9 patients made nearly 2,700 ER visits in Texas

Wed Apr 1, 6:17 pm ET

AUSTIN, Texas Just nine people accounted for nearly 2,700 of the emergency room visits in the Austin area during the past six years at a cost of$3 million to taxpayers and others, according to a report. The patients went to hospital emergency rooms 2,678 times from 2003 through 2008, said the report from the nonprofit Integrated Care Collaboration, a group of health care providers who care for low-income and uninsured patients.

"What we're really trying to do is find out who's using our emergency rooms ... and find solutions," said Ann Kitchen, executive director of the group, which presented the report last week to the Travis County Healthcare District board.

The average emergency room visit costs $1,000. Hospitals and taxpayers paid the bill through government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, Kitchen said.

Eight of the nine patients have drug abuse problems, seven were diagnosed with mental health issues and three were homeless. Five are women whose average age is 40, and four are men whose average age is 50, the report said, the Austin American-Statesman reported Wednesday.

9 patients made nearly 2,700 ER visits in Texas

This is stunning ..

-- Edited by BoxDog on Friday 3rd of April 2009 04:07:25 PM

I think the $1000 is an "average" patient cost. I think this article is trying to show the huge discrepancy between a typical er visit and an er visit from this group of 9 they are reporting on. Not sure what you're questions are regarding the 3 million dollars or the ages of the women.

BoxDog · Guru

nesea wrote:

9 patients made nearly 2,700 ER visits in Texas

Wed Apr 1, 6:17 pm ET

AUSTIN, Texas Just nine people accounted for nearly 2,700 of the emergency room visits in the Austin area during the past six years at a cost of$3 million to taxpayers and others, according to a report. The patients went to hospital emergency rooms 2,678 times from 2003 through 2008, said the report from the nonprofit Integrated Care Collaboration, a group of health care providers who care for low-income and uninsured patients.

"What we're really trying to do is find out who's using our emergency rooms ... and find solutions," said Ann Kitchen, executive director of the group, which presented the report last week to the Travis County Healthcare District board.

The average emergency room visit costs $1,000. Hospitals and taxpayers paid the bill through government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, Kitchen said.

Eight of the nine patients have drug abuse problems, seven were diagnosed with mental health issues and three were homeless. Five are women whose average age is 40, and four are men whose average age is 50, the report said, the Austin American-Statesman reported Wednesday.

9 patients made nearly 2,700 ER visits in Texas

This is stunning ..

-- Edited by BoxDog on Friday 3rd of April 2009 04:07:25 PM

nesea · Senior Member

9 patients made nearly 2,700 ER visits in Texas

Wed Apr 1, 6:17 pm ET

AUSTIN, Texas Just nine people accounted for nearly 2,700 of the emergency room visits in the Austin area during the past six years at a cost of $3 million to taxpayers and others, according to a report. The patients went to hospital emergency rooms 2,678 times from 2003 through 2008, said the report from the nonprofit Integrated Care Collaboration, a group of health care providers who care for low-income and uninsured patients.

"What we're really trying to do is find out who's using our emergency rooms ... and find solutions," said Ann Kitchen, executive director of the group, which presented the report last week to the Travis County Healthcare District board.

The average emergency room visit costs $1,000. Hospitals and taxpayers paid the bill through government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, Kitchen said.

Eight of the nine patients have drug abuse problems, seven were diagnosed with mental health issues and three were homeless. Five are women whose average age is 40, and four are men whose average age is 50, the report said, the Austin American-Statesman reported Wednesday.

9 patients made nearly 2,700 ER visits in Texas

This is stunning ..

Psych Lit · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Walgreen's offers free health care for jobless
Aaron Crowe

Walgreen Co. is the latest company to use the tactic of helping the unemployed, offering free visits to its clinics for people who lose their jobs and don't have insurance.

From free dress shirts for job interviews, to printing resumes for free or offering to buy back the new car you just bought if you lose your job, many businesses are finding that it makes good business to offer deals or giveaways to the jobless.

Walgreen's Take Care health clinics will offer free visits for the rest of the year to adults who lose their jobs on or after March 31, according to a Reuters story. Spouses, domestic partners and children also qualify if they don't have their own health insurance. A certification form must be completed. Walgreen has a short video on the program.Quest Diagnostics Inc. is offering certain free laboratory tests, such as strep throat and urine cultures, in the "Take Care Recovery Plan." People must prove they are getting government unemployment benefits to qualify for the free visits.

According to the clinic's question and answer web page, the offer includes most services offered at the clinics, including for common family illnesses such as colds, cough, flu, upper respiratory conditions and minor skin conditions. It doesn't apply to healthcare services outside of Take Care Clinics. It also doesn't include wellness services provided at the clinics, such as physicals, vaccinations and health evaluations.

wow is that nationwide? im gonna add that to my resource list. so many people wait to be seen until they have some major infection or problem. and no 400 dollar er bill for some kids ear infection. wonderful! and are they one of those that match wallyworlds 4 dollar prescription program?

Date: Thu Apr 2 10:50 AM, 2009

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Walgreen's offers free health care for jobless
Aaron Crowe

Walgreen Co. is the latest company to use the tactic of helping the unemployed, offering free visits to its clinics for people who lose their jobs and don't have insurance.

From free dress shirts for job interviews, to printing resumes for free or offering to buy back the new car you just bought if you lose your job, many businesses are finding that it makes good business to offer deals or giveaways to the jobless.

Walgreen's Take Care health clinics will offer free visits for the rest of the year to adults who lose their jobs on or after March 31, according to a Reuters story. Spouses, domestic partners and children also qualify if they don't have their own health insurance. A certification form must be completed. Walgreen has a short video on the program.Quest Diagnostics Inc. is offering certain free laboratory tests, such as strep throat and urine cultures, in the "Take Care Recovery Plan." People must prove they are getting government unemployment benefits to qualify for the free visits.

According to the clinic's question and answer web page, the offer includes most services offered at the clinics, including for common family illnesses such as colds, cough, flu, upper respiratory conditions and minor skin conditions. It doesn't apply to healthcare services outside of Take Care Clinics. It also doesn't include wellness services provided at the clinics, such as physicals, vaccinations and health evaluations.

It's good to see not just the outreach and community participation in this financial meltdown but also that there appears to be some sound consideration to the areas of assistance focused on. Colds and URI's can easily turn into pneumonia and find an otherwise healthy, vital person on a vent for the rest of their life. And minor skin conditions easily turn into access points for bacteria that are abx resistant. Of course the combination of keeping the community healthy and reducing the strain on hospitals and the Medicaid system is an ideal proactive direction. Sounds cold put that way, but what a good thing Walgreens is doing, and Quest!

Cynic me:
Of course we do realize there are people that will go out and buy new cars knowing full well their jobs are on the line and they can return them to Hyundai or have the payments made by GM and Ford for a year?

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

Walgreen's offers free health care for jobless
Aaron Crowe

Walgreen Co. is the latest company to use the tactic of helping the unemployed, offering free visits to its clinics for people who lose their jobs and don't have insurance.

From free dress shirts for job interviews, to printing resumes for free or offering to buy back the new car you just bought if you lose your job, many businesses are finding that it makes good business to offer deals or giveaways to the jobless.

Walgreen's Take Care health clinics will offer free visits for the rest of the year to adults who lose their jobs on or after March 31, according to a Reuters story. Spouses, domestic partners and children also qualify if they don't have their own health insurance. A certification form must be completed. Walgreen has a short video on the program.Quest Diagnostics Inc. is offering certain free laboratory tests, such as strep throat and urine cultures, in the "Take Care Recovery Plan." People must prove they are getting government unemployment benefits to qualify for the free visits.

According to the clinic's question and answer web page, the offer includes most services offered at the clinics, including for common family illnesses such as colds, cough, flu, upper respiratory conditions and minor skin conditions. It doesn't apply to healthcare services outside of Take Care Clinics. It also doesn't include wellness services provided at the clinics, such as physicals, vaccinations and health evaluations.

Psych Lit · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

UPDATE:

This guy's really goin' to town.
He's got the next party planned, and is setting up a blog site -- just for the parties.
Kinda neat, to watch this thing unfold. Makes me smile, every time I see something from him. And it's not like he's some rich dude -- he's just a guy in my town, who decided to make a difference.

Here's his latest post:
Free Dinner Update/Chub of Ground beef (40th Street & Baseline)

and this is the way big things happen. they start out with one person with an idea and then it grows. next thing yanno the pols will be knocking on the door since they now have a grassroots group going. im so hoping that you go to the next one:) i wanna see pix! lol.

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

UPDATE:

This guy's really goin' to town. biggrin

He's got the next party planned, and is setting up a blog site -- just for the parties.

Kinda neat, to watch this thing unfold. Makes me smile, every time I see something from him. And it's not like he's some rich dude -- he's just a guy in my town, who decided to make a difference.

Here's his latest post:

Free Dinner Update/Chub of Ground beef (40th Street & Baseline)

Reply to: sale-1049396431@craigslist.org ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}
Date: 2009-02-24, 8:08PM MST

First, I have a 3 pound chub of ground beef - just bought 2 days ago, quite fresh, still quite good.

Just starting to give away food to anyone near enough that needs it. I'm taking seriously the fact that people are hurting to the point of hunger and already have given away some good food, want to continue with that.

Second, I'm having difficulty trying to determine a good weekend for the next party. There's St. Patrick's Day coming up and if I recall correctly, that is also somewhere near Spring Break, when lots of folks leave town.

So, are people actually leaving town? Sure, some are, don't wonder if many are cutting back on their plans.

However, I have determined that the 28th of March is a good date.
So that's what I'm setting it at.

This is what I orginally called a "Free Sunday Dinner/Foreclosure Party".

It is now a "We Will All Make It Through This Together" Party. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to come, whether you're hurting or not financially.

Even those of us still employed are wondering - mostly every day - whether we will still have that status tomorrow.

We must remain optimistic and hopeful.

For those of you that have lost jobs and homes, I truly feel for you.

Perhaps you're on this free site just because of the fact that you're in that position right now.

Coming to this party is not about me. It's about all of us. Together. Call me a nutcase, call me whatever you will.

This is a good thing. I have had more people offering to help out than I can possibly recount at this point. I will be contacting every single person that emailed me concerning any desired part in this joint effort. My property is medium sized - about 8,000 square feet of actual property with a 2,000 square foot home sitting on it - should be good for enough people to congregate.

To reveal my situation - I received a threat letter about my past-due mortgage - like many of you have. But, they failed to take into account that I paid up January, I am presently 24 days past due. My situation? I lost hours at work - but thankfully did not lose my job. I took in tenants in empty bedrooms to make up the difference. It's paying the bills and thankfully they are good people.

Pleasee RSVP for this party. If you RSVP and have a change of plans, please also let me know about that as well. I need to have an actual count of people showing up to determine how much food and drink to buy.

For those of you - the many of you - that have emailed me and offered help in so many different ways, thank you. God bless all of you.

I will be setting up a blogsite for more information, stay tuned.
However, the date is set at March 28th, 2009, which is a Saturday, festivities to begin at noon and go on for however long people want to stay.

If anyone realizes this is a bad date because of a holiday or whatever, please email me and I will change it to the weekend after.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"We will all make it through this together party" How can you not love that??

BoxDog · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

BoxDog wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Psych Lit wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

I thought this was a cool ad too -- the first paragraph, mostly...

that is cool and especially cool considering that these folks are out of work. and i like the attitude of gratitude for the futon rather than negativity. (didja go get the dogloo and rug? might be cool for buckie to have his own space!)

DID think about the dogloo, but ... really too far to drive to get it, and even if I did drive there, there'd be 1.) no guarantee it'd still be there, and 2.) I'm not sure it'd fit in my vehicle.

Also, he really does have "his own space" -- it's where ever he chooses it to be. :)
Recently, he's gotten his own backyard lounging space, though. None of the people folk in this house are doing much jumping these days, anyway. He took right to it, and now identifies it (aurally) as his "bed." There's a reason I needed to find a box for the fire wood. Eventually, he learned to scoot up a little, and the last pic is his most typical placement on the thing. I figure it'll be good for his bones -- which doesn't matter so much now, but as he gets older, especially. And too, since it's up off the ground, and air can get through the bottom (in the middle part) it will be more cool for him in the summer. Of course he IS still a week away from being two years old, so ... <sigh> I don't imagine he's fully done growing, yet.

-- Edited by Nightowlhoot3 at 06:24, 2009-02-23

OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYGGGGGOOOOOOOOOODDD

Awwwwwwwww.... What a CUTE PIC of Stitch! I think this may be my favorite you've posted so far.

I call this photo:

"I don't know what changing the oil means but why is that man under my van".

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

BoxDog wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Psych Lit wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

I thought this was a cool ad too -- the first paragraph, mostly...

that is cool and especially cool considering that these folks are out of work. and i like the attitude of gratitude for the futon rather than negativity. (didja go get the dogloo and rug? might be cool for buckie to have his own space!)

DID think about the dogloo, but ... really too far to drive to get it, and even if I did drive there, there'd be 1.) no guarantee it'd still be there, and 2.) I'm not sure it'd fit in my vehicle.

Also, he really does have "his own space" -- it's where ever he chooses it to be. :)
Recently, he's gotten his own backyard lounging space, though. None of the people folk in this house are doing much jumping these days, anyway. He took right to it, and now identifies it (aurally) as his "bed." There's a reason I needed to find a box for the fire wood. Eventually, he learned to scoot up a little, and the last pic is his most typical placement on the thing. I figure it'll be good for his bones -- which doesn't matter so much now, but as he gets older, especially. And too, since it's up off the ground, and air can get through the bottom (in the middle part) it will be more cool for him in the summer. Of course he IS still a week away from being two years old, so ... <sigh> I don't imagine he's fully done growing, yet.

-- Edited by Nightowlhoot3 at 06:24, 2009-02-23

OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYGGGGGOOOOOOOOOODDD

Awwwwwwwww.... biggrin What a CUTE PIC of Stitch! I think this may be my favorite you've posted so far. biggrin

Psych Lit · Guru

OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYGGGGGOOOOOOOOOODDD

yep, that was my reaction too. and your pup is looking mighty cute. does he kayak?

BoxDog · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Psych Lit wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

I thought this was a cool ad too -- the first paragraph, mostly...

that is cool and especially cool considering that these folks are out of work. and i like the attitude of gratitude for the futon rather than negativity. (didja go get the dogloo and rug? might be cool for buckie to have his own space!)

DID think about the dogloo, but ... really too far to drive to get it, and even if I did drive there, there'd be 1.) no guarantee it'd still be there, and 2.) I'm not sure it'd fit in my vehicle.

Also, he really does have "his own space" -- it's where ever he chooses it to be. :)
Recently, he's gotten his own backyard lounging space, though. None of the people folk in this house are doing much jumping these days, anyway. He took right to it, and now identifies it (aurally) as his "bed." There's a reason I needed to find a box for the fire wood. Eventually, he learned to scoot up a little, and the last pic is his most typical placement on the thing. I figure it'll be good for his bones -- which doesn't matter so much now, but as he gets older, especially. And too, since it's up off the ground, and air can get through the bottom (in the middle part) it will be more cool for him in the summer. Of course he IS still a week away from being two years old, so ... <sigh> I don't imagine he's fully done growing, yet.

-- Edited by Nightowlhoot3 at 06:24, 2009-02-23

OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYGGGGGOOOOOOOOOODDD

Psych Lit · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

DID think about the dogloo, but ... really too far to drive to get it, and even if I did drive there, there'd be 1.) no guarantee it'd still be there, and 2.) I'm not sure it'd fit in my vehicle.

Also, he really does have "his own space" -- it's where ever he chooses it to be. :)
Recently, he's gotten his own backyard lounging space, though. None of the people folk in this house are doing much jumping these days, anyway. He took right to it, and now identifies it (aurally) as his "bed." There's a reason I needed to find a box for the fire wood. Eventually, he learned to scoot up a little, and the last pic is his most typical placement on the thing. I figure it'll be good for his bones -- which doesn't matter so much now, but as he gets older, especially. And too, since it's up off the ground, and air can get through the bottom (in the middle part) it will be more cool for him in the summer. Of course he IS still a week away from being two years old, so ... <sigh> I don't imagine he's fully done growing, yet.

-- Edited by Nightowlhoot3 at 06:24, 2009-02-23

i wanna thank you for the belly laugh today. i am expecting now amazing buck trips with buckie jumping on the trampoline and catching a frisbee all at the same time. lol. really that prolly is cooler at least now. when the weather hits 120 i dont think that faux leather surround will feel good on his skin. btw. i have that very same model! i take it out and look at it once a week. im not sure anyone in this house is up for jumping these days either but it sure seems like a better idea when its peeking out from under the bed! now im thinking hey that dog bed idea isnt a bad idea at all. its raised and when the mutt comes in from outside where water and mud season is in progress this raised thing isnt a bad idea.

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

Psych Lit wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

I thought this was a cool ad too -- the first paragraph, mostly...

that is cool and especially cool considering that these folks are out of work. and i like the attitude of gratitude for the futon rather than negativity. (didja go get the dogloo and rug? might be cool for buckie to have his own space!)

DID think about the dogloo, but ... really too far to drive to get it, and even if I did drive there, there'd be 1.) no guarantee it'd still be there, and 2.) I'm not sure it'd fit in my vehicle.

Also, he really does have "his own space" -- it's where ever he chooses it to be. :)
Recently, he's gotten his own backyard lounging space, though. None of the people folk in this house are doing much jumping these days, anyway. He took right to it, and now identifies it (aurally) as his "bed." There's a reason I needed to find a box for the fire wood. Eventually, he learned to scoot up a little, and the last pic is his most typical placement on the thing. I figure it'll be good for his bones -- which doesn't matter so much now, but as he gets older, especially. And too, since it's up off the ground, and air can get through the bottom (in the middle part) it will be more cool for him in the summer. Of course he IS still a week away from being two years old, so ... <sigh> I don't imagine he's fully done growing, yet.

-- Edited by Nightowlhoot3 at 06:24, 2009-02-23

Psych Lit · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

I thought this was a cool ad too -- the first paragraph, mostly...

that is cool and especially cool considering that these folks are out of work. and i like the attitude of gratitude for the futon rather than negativity. (didja go get the dogloo and rug? might be cool for buckie to have his own space!)

FREE 'Dogloo' doghouse & outdoor patio rug (Surprise)

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

I thought this was a cool ad too -- the first paragraph, mostly...

FREE 'Dogloo' doghouse & outdoor patio rug (Surprise)

Reply to: sale-1046105633@craigslist.org ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}
Date: 2009-02-22, 5:47PM MST

I picked up a futon that I needed last night from this section and wanted to give back so I found a couple of items. If we all just gave what we dont need to others, this world would be a much better place during these hard times. Thank you to the person who gave up the futon, my Uncle who got laid off last year is staying here and had no bed and I am out of work as well.

#1 Dogloo is the 'Large' size and will fit anything from a small dog up to a german shepardish size. You would want a extra large for a Great Dane etc. It does have the name 'Killer' which was drilled into it with tiny dots (I know, stupid idea lol) but they could be filled in with your finger and a tube of caulking in like 10 seconds ... they are very tiny holes. See the picture, its right over the door. Basically the Dogloo is in great condition except for a little dust.

#2 I have a thin (but stays put) outdoor patio rug which is about a 9x7 size which is bigger than the standard size of 5x7. It got weak on one side due to two years of sun and my kitty sharpening his claws on it BUT it is reversable! The other side is pretty decent looking. It has some loose fibers on the edges which could be trimmed with scizors easily. It is also light enough for one person to lift into a car trunk with fold down back seat or a truck. Its a neutral color... it is very light blue and beige - mostly beige. It looks better than it does in the picture. In the picture it looks all stainy but its the shadows from bushes lol. If you dont already have a patio rug for your backyard you really should grab this one :)

17657 W. Marshall Lane 85388
West of 175th Ave between Bell and Greenway

The two items are on the curb out front. First come first served! Have a great day CL Freebie Fans!

BoxDog · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

BoxDog wrote:

Psych Lit wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Update: Free Sunday Dinner/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Reply to: sale-1037627001@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-02-16, 4:34PM MST

The responses from people wanting to help with another party has been overwhelming.
The emails from hurting people - people that have worked all their lives and are now unemployed and have been so for 2 month; 3 months, 6 months, one even a year - was equally overwhelming.
The party itself was put together quickly and we had a great time - there are some wonderful people in the Phoenix area!
We're going to do another free dinner party - but this time something like a month from now. I will be writing a post in the near future with a date - either on a Saturday or a Sunday.
These are tough times for a lot of people, my only goal in all of this was to make a statement: we aren't going to get through this alone, we can get through this together. This spirit of giving is still alive and well in America, just want to bring it to a personal level.
If you think you would be interested in helping with the next party - which will be for everyone and anyone regardless of whether you're doing great or if you are suffering greatly - please reply to this message and what you would like to help with. Food;drinks; cooking; chairs; tables; etc etc etc.

YAY Ben!!!!

I'll second that. But really, if I were a true cynic I never would have presented the option that he was an angel or mass murdering squatter. It would simply have been the latter. Now I will always remember Ben as the Angel with beer and chicken. ;)

Yeah, and maybe, he's just a guy, just a person, like all the rest of us, who had a spur-of-the-moment idea, and followed through with it, without fear. Maybe he just exemplifies human nature when left to its own devices, without "stanger danger" frights hanging over us. I though it was courageus -- having complete strangers into his home -- sad thing is, I wouldn't have thought that 30 years ago, or so. I think he has sort of hit on that commonality many of us share, but feel foolish in so doing. Maybe it's good to remember FDR's words about fear, and incorporate that into our mindsets again.

Like necessity is the mother of re-invention?

Psych Lit · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Yeah, and maybe, he's just a guy, just a person, like all the rest of us, who had a spur-of-the-moment idea, and followed through with it, without fear. Maybe he just exemplifies human nature when left to its own devices, without "stanger danger" frights hanging over us. I though it was courageus -- having complete strangers into his home -- sad thing is, I wouldn't have thought that 30 years ago, or so. I think he has sort of hit on that commonality many of us share, but feel foolish in so doing. Maybe it's good to remember FDR's words about fear, and incorporate that into our mindsets again.

i think that this is important to remember. that one person who sees something they would like to change can move toward change and in doing so come upon like minded people who share that vision and all sorts of amazing things can happen.

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

BoxDog wrote:

Psych Lit wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Update: Free Sunday Dinner/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Reply to: sale-1037627001@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-02-16, 4:34PM MST

The responses from people wanting to help with another party has been overwhelming.
The emails from hurting people - people that have worked all their lives and are now unemployed and have been so for 2 month; 3 months, 6 months, one even a year - was equally overwhelming.
The party itself was put together quickly and we had a great time - there are some wonderful people in the Phoenix area!
We're going to do another free dinner party - but this time something like a month from now. I will be writing a post in the near future with a date - either on a Saturday or a Sunday.
These are tough times for a lot of people, my only goal in all of this was to make a statement: we aren't going to get through this alone, we can get through this together. This spirit of giving is still alive and well in America, just want to bring it to a personal level.
If you think you would be interested in helping with the next party - which will be for everyone and anyone regardless of whether you're doing great or if you are suffering greatly - please reply to this message and what you would like to help with. Food;drinks; cooking; chairs; tables; etc etc etc.

YAY Ben!!!!

I'll second that. But really, if I were a true cynic I never would have presented the option that he was an angel or mass murdering squatter. It would simply have been the latter. Now I will always remember Ben as the Angel with beer and chicken. ;)

Yeah, and maybe, he's just a guy, just a person, like all the rest of us, who had a spur-of-the-moment idea, and followed through with it, without fear. Maybe he just exemplifies human nature when left to its own devices, without "stanger danger" frights hanging over us. I though it was courageus -- having complete strangers into his home -- sad thing is, I wouldn't have thought that 30 years ago, or so. I think he has sort of hit on that commonality many of us share, but feel foolish in so doing. Maybe it's good to remember FDR's words about fear, and incorporate that into our mindsets again.

BoxDog · Guru

Psych Lit wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Update: Free Sunday Dinner/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Reply to: sale-1037627001@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-02-16, 4:34PM MST

The responses from people wanting to help with another party has been overwhelming.
The emails from hurting people - people that have worked all their lives and are now unemployed and have been so for 2 month; 3 months, 6 months, one even a year - was equally overwhelming.
The party itself was put together quickly and we had a great time - there are some wonderful people in the Phoenix area!
We're going to do another free dinner party - but this time something like a month from now. I will be writing a post in the near future with a date - either on a Saturday or a Sunday.
These are tough times for a lot of people, my only goal in all of this was to make a statement: we aren't going to get through this alone, we can get through this together. This spirit of giving is still alive and well in America, just want to bring it to a personal level.
If you think you would be interested in helping with the next party - which will be for everyone and anyone regardless of whether you're doing great or if you are suffering greatly - please reply to this message and what you would like to help with. Food;drinks; cooking; chairs; tables; etc etc etc.

YAY Ben!!!!

I'll second that. But really, if I were a true cynic I never would have presented the option that he was an angel or mass murdering squatter. It would simply have been the latter. Now I will always remember Ben as the Angel with beer and chicken. ;)

Psych Lit · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Update: Free Sunday Dinner/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Reply to: sale-1037627001@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-02-16, 4:34PM MST

The responses from people wanting to help with another party has been overwhelming.
The emails from hurting people - people that have worked all their lives and are now unemployed and have been so for 2 month; 3 months, 6 months, one even a year - was equally overwhelming.
The party itself was put together quickly and we had a great time - there are some wonderful people in the Phoenix area!
We're going to do another free dinner party - but this time something like a month from now. I will be writing a post in the near future with a date - either on a Saturday or a Sunday.
These are tough times for a lot of people, my only goal in all of this was to make a statement: we aren't going to get through this alone, we can get through this together. This spirit of giving is still alive and well in America, just want to bring it to a personal level.
If you think you would be interested in helping with the next party - which will be for everyone and anyone regardless of whether you're doing great or if you are suffering greatly - please reply to this message and what you would like to help with. Food;drinks; cooking; chairs; tables; etc etc etc.

YAY Ben!!!!

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

Update: Free Sunday Dinner/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Reply to: sale-1037627001@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-02-16, 4:34PM MST

The responses from people wanting to help with another party has been overwhelming.
The emails from hurting people - people that have worked all their lives and are now unemployed and have been so for 2 month; 3 months, 6 months, one even a year - was equally overwhelming.
The party itself was put together quickly and we had a great time - there are some wonderful people in the Phoenix area!
We're going to do another free dinner party - but this time something like a month from now. I will be writing a post in the near future with a date - either on a Saturday or a Sunday.
These are tough times for a lot of people, my only goal in all of this was to make a statement: we aren't going to get through this alone, we can get through this together. This spirit of giving is still alive and well in America, just want to bring it to a personal level.
If you think you would be interested in helping with the next party - which will be for everyone and anyone regardless of whether you're doing great or if you are suffering greatly - please reply to this message and what you would like to help with. Food;drinks; cooking; chairs; tables; etc etc etc.

Psych Lit · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

The next was, as we were saying our goodbyes (it was REALLY a nice exchange -- this woman is moving her kids to Salem Oregon which is near one of my favorite places on earth) I asked if she'd sold her house yet, and she said: "Well, we're in foreclosure."

Instantly put (again) a human face on this whole economic thing.

That said, it really WAS a great exchange, and she's asked me to send her email pics of the birds using the fountain at my house, which of course I will. Was a cool thing. :)
thats very sad. the good news is that she has a place to go to. ive wondered about that with all of these folks having their credit ruined how will they ever get an apartment? at a time when shelters are downsizing due to lack of funding (something im sure will worsen when the weather gets warmer) how will all of these people manage?

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

Psych Lit wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Ben seems either an angel or the inspiration for Saw VII. Take your mom and Jeremy! Ben really has that BEER thing under control, eh? A couple of THIRTY PACKS? Go on, get out of the house, I just hope for your sake it really is his house and not someone elses he squats at. ;)

lol youre such a cynic! im liking ben and i dont even know him. i like people who take action to change what bothers them yanno? we have all of these news channels blasting all the ills of the world and heres ben trying to change his little piece of it. he wants a world where people reach out to others and get to know the neighbors and by god hes going to create it. i wish the world were full of bens itd be a far more pleasant place to live. er..assuming that whoever shows up at the door would be someone who wasnt a total whackjob or who would leave eternal love poems on the keg or something.

And yeah, Ben has mentioned that beer in every missive. I think he may have had it, and asked himself: "What am I going to do with all this beer?" And himself answered: "Have a PARTY!"

lol well its better than the alternative which would be sitting and drinking them all himself! that party has only one predictable end!

and a sidenote. in the grocery store the other day i overheard two people talking over by the bar cheese..ok i was eavesdropping i admit it i cant help myself sometime, you never know when someone will drop a delicious quotable comment... and the woman was sharing that her hubby had apparently lost his job and the guy she was speaking to was really supportive and encouraging to her and her family. she sounded scared. he was giving her really sound practical advice. i saw that as a positive aspect of this economic crisis. people dropping that materialistic facade of bigger, faster, better and relating to another human to human without comparing the latest toys.

There were two ... sorta "quirk" things which happened when I was picking up my birdbath yesterday ... the first was, the woman's (I would guess three years old) spunky daughter (one of three kids) ran right up to me, and asked me, first question out of her mouth was: "Do you have a brudder?"

The next was, as we were saying our goodbyes (it was REALLY a nice exchange -- this woman is moving her kids to Salem Oregon which is near one of my favorite places on earth) I asked if she'd sold her house yet, and she said: "Well, we're in foreclosure."

Instantly put (again) a human face on this whole economic thing.

That said, it really WAS a great exchange, and she's asked me to send her email pics of the birds using the fountain at my house, which of course I will. Was a cool thing. :)

Psych Lit · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Ben seems either an angel or the inspiration for Saw VII. Take your mom and Jeremy! Ben really has that BEER thing under control, eh? A couple of THIRTY PACKS? Go on, get out of the house, I just hope for your sake it really is his house and not someone elses he squats at. ;)

lol youre such a cynic! im liking ben and i dont even know him. i like people who take action to change what bothers them yanno? we have all of these news channels blasting all the ills of the world and heres ben trying to change his little piece of it. he wants a world where people reach out to others and get to know the neighbors and by god hes going to create it. i wish the world were full of bens itd be a far more pleasant place to live. er..assuming that whoever shows up at the door would be someone who wasnt a total whackjob or who would leave eternal love poems on the keg or something.

And yeah, Ben has mentioned that beer in every missive. I think he may have had it, and asked himself: "What am I going to do with all this beer?" And himself answered: "Have a PARTY!"

lol well its better than the alternative which would be sitting and drinking them all himself! that party has only one predictable end!

and a sidenote. in the grocery store the other day i overheard two people talking over by the bar cheese..ok i was eavesdropping i admit it i cant help myself sometime, you never know when someone will drop a delicious quotable comment... and the woman was sharing that her hubby had apparently lost his job and the guy she was speaking to was really supportive and encouraging to her and her family. she sounded scared. he was giving her really sound practical advice. i saw that as a positive aspect of this economic crisis. people dropping that materialistic facade of bigger, faster, better and relating to another human to human without comparing the latest toys.

-- Edited by Psych Lit at 22:54, 2009-02-15

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

BoxDog wrote:

Psych Lit wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Well, I was so moved, I shot him an email last night telling him I wasn't coming; that I had a roof over my head, and really was a lot better off than a lot of people, and if I had the money, I'd shoot him some to contribute to the fund ... but that I couldn't. I told him though, that what he was doing was pretty dang wonderful, and had made my month. I got a reply from him awhile ago:

aww you should go and support the idea. itd be good for you to get out for awhile and away from the construction chaos. bring a dish and a beer or two and have a blast. its a chance to meet like minded people and all sorts of things can happen from that:)

------------------------------------------------
Well, you're welcome to come anyway!

Okay, enough people are interested, in fact, too many! Lol. I'm going to limit this to about 20 people - just cause' I can't spend TOO much money on this venture.

I'm sending this same email to everyone - individually in case you don't want your email addy to show to everyone else - so forgive if it seems "impersonal".

My house is located at 4129 E Ridge Rd.
Ridge road is the first sidestreet north of Baseline road off of 40th street.
In other words, if you were at Baseline road and started heading north on 40th street, the 1st little side street you come to is Ridge road.
It's the 6th house down on the right.

You'll see some junky houses and some nice houses all mixed in together. I have a new house and my property is starting to come together in terms of landscaping.

Losing hours at work - like a lot of other people - sorta put the projects on hold, but - it's all good.

I will have a sign out in front of my house that will say something like "Craigslist party here".

If you want to bring something, cool, if you don't - no worries and please come anyway.

I will need help cooking food - I'm a good cook, in the kitchen, not on a grill. I can do it, but - I know others can do it better than me. I'll have 2 or 3 30 packs of bud light; piles of chicken, hamburgers and limited steaks; probably do a big thing of coleslaw; some chips and dip, soda for the non-drinkers and whatever else I come up with.

This is kind of impromptu - the idea just popped in my head today and I decided to act on it - but I will be ready for everyone by the time it starts. Figure about noon Sunday is a good time to start showing up - or anytime after that. Stay as long or as short as you like, but I figure around 6:00 pm I'll be shutting it down if everyone hasn't left before then.

Please RSVP - meaning write back and simply put in the subject line of your message that you are coming and how many are coming with you. It will be easier than opening up 20 plus emails.

My landline number is 602-774-0192 if you need to talk to me in person - if I don't answer, just leave a message and I'll get back to you before too terribly long (hopefully).

Look forward to meeting and visiting with everyone!
ben

----------------------------

Ben seems either an angel or the inspiration for Saw VII. Take your mom and Jeremy! Ben really has that BEER thing under control, eh? A couple of THIRTY PACKS? Go on, get out of the house, I just hope for your sake it really is his house and not someone elses he squats at. ;)

Well, I might, were it not for the fact that my life is essentially one of being under house arrest. Any time I'm gone for more than half an hour, the dog starts destroying the house, and today I'm picking up my birdbath which is pretty far in exactly the opposite direction. One trip a day without him is a risk -- two is ... well, impossible.

And yeah, Ben has mentioned that beer in every missive. I think he may have had it, and asked himself: "What am I going to do with all this beer?" And himself answered: "Have a PARTY!"

BoxDog · Guru

Psych Lit wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Well, I was so moved, I shot him an email last night telling him I wasn't coming; that I had a roof over my head, and really was a lot better off than a lot of people, and if I had the money, I'd shoot him some to contribute to the fund ... but that I couldn't. I told him though, that what he was doing was pretty dang wonderful, and had made my month. I got a reply from him awhile ago:

aww you should go and support the idea. itd be good for you to get out for awhile and away from the construction chaos. bring a dish and a beer or two and have a blast. its a chance to meet like minded people and all sorts of things can happen from that:)

------------------------------------------------
Well, you're welcome to come anyway!

Okay, enough people are interested, in fact, too many! Lol. I'm going to limit this to about 20 people - just cause' I can't spend TOO much money on this venture.

I'm sending this same email to everyone - individually in case you don't want your email addy to show to everyone else - so forgive if it seems "impersonal".

My house is located at 4129 E Ridge Rd.
Ridge road is the first sidestreet north of Baseline road off of 40th street.
In other words, if you were at Baseline road and started heading north on 40th street, the 1st little side street you come to is Ridge road.
It's the 6th house down on the right.

You'll see some junky houses and some nice houses all mixed in together. I have a new house and my property is starting to come together in terms of landscaping.

Losing hours at work - like a lot of other people - sorta put the projects on hold, but - it's all good.

I will have a sign out in front of my house that will say something like "Craigslist party here".

If you want to bring something, cool, if you don't - no worries and please come anyway.

I will need help cooking food - I'm a good cook, in the kitchen, not on a grill. I can do it, but - I know others can do it better than me. I'll have 2 or 3 30 packs of bud light; piles of chicken, hamburgers and limited steaks; probably do a big thing of coleslaw; some chips and dip, soda for the non-drinkers and whatever else I come up with.

This is kind of impromptu - the idea just popped in my head today and I decided to act on it - but I will be ready for everyone by the time it starts. Figure about noon Sunday is a good time to start showing up - or anytime after that. Stay as long or as short as you like, but I figure around 6:00 pm I'll be shutting it down if everyone hasn't left before then.

Please RSVP - meaning write back and simply put in the subject line of your message that you are coming and how many are coming with you. It will be easier than opening up 20 plus emails.

My landline number is 602-774-0192 if you need to talk to me in person - if I don't answer, just leave a message and I'll get back to you before too terribly long (hopefully).

Look forward to meeting and visiting with everyone!
ben

----------------------------

Ben seems either an angel or the inspiration for Saw VII. Take your mom and Jeremy! Ben really has that BEER thing under control, eh? A couple of THIRTY PACKS? Go on, get out of the house, I just hope for your sake it really is his house and not someone elses he squats at. ;)

Psych Lit · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Well, I was so moved, I shot him an email last night telling him I wasn't coming; that I had a roof over my head, and really was a lot better off than a lot of people, and if I had the money, I'd shoot him some to contribute to the fund ... but that I couldn't. I told him though, that what he was doing was pretty dang wonderful, and had made my month. I got a reply from him awhile ago:

aww you should go and support the idea. itd be good for you to get out for awhile and away from the construction chaos. bring a dish and a beer or two and have a blast. its a chance to meet like minded people and all sorts of things can happen from that:)

------------------------------------------------
Well, you're welcome to come anyway!

Okay, enough people are interested, in fact, too many! Lol. I'm going to limit this to about 20 people - just cause' I can't spend TOO much money on this venture.

I'm sending this same email to everyone - individually in case you don't want your email addy to show to everyone else - so forgive if it seems "impersonal".

My house is located at 4129 E Ridge Rd.
Ridge road is the first sidestreet north of Baseline road off of 40th street.
In other words, if you were at Baseline road and started heading north on 40th street, the 1st little side street you come to is Ridge road.
It's the 6th house down on the right.

You'll see some junky houses and some nice houses all mixed in together. I have a new house and my property is starting to come together in terms of landscaping.

Losing hours at work - like a lot of other people - sorta put the projects on hold, but - it's all good.

I will have a sign out in front of my house that will say something like "Craigslist party here".

If you want to bring something, cool, if you don't - no worries and please come anyway.

I will need help cooking food - I'm a good cook, in the kitchen, not on a grill. I can do it, but - I know others can do it better than me. I'll have 2 or 3 30 packs of bud light; piles of chicken, hamburgers and limited steaks; probably do a big thing of coleslaw; some chips and dip, soda for the non-drinkers and whatever else I come up with.

This is kind of impromptu - the idea just popped in my head today and I decided to act on it - but I will be ready for everyone by the time it starts. Figure about noon Sunday is a good time to start showing up - or anytime after that. Stay as long or as short as you like, but I figure around 6:00 pm I'll be shutting it down if everyone hasn't left before then.

Please RSVP - meaning write back and simply put in the subject line of your message that you are coming and how many are coming with you. It will be easier than opening up 20 plus emails.

My landline number is 602-774-0192 if you need to talk to me in person - if I don't answer, just leave a message and I'll get back to you before too terribly long (hopefully).

Look forward to meeting and visiting with everyone!
ben

----------------------------

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

Psych Lit wrote:

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Saw this on craigslist today. Made me feel good. Made me smile. Thought I'd share:
Free Sunday Lunch/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)
Reply to: sale-1033562881@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-02-13, 2:01PM MST

Well, I'm not being foreclosed on - yet - just barely hanging on. This freebie is for the folks that are really hurting right now. I'm gonna have a few steaks, some burgers, coleslaw - whatever - throw together a little party for total strangers - be a couple 30 packs of bud light too ( for the over 21 crowd, thanks). This isn't a sex party, orgy, ain't gonna be no drugs. Just decent food and hopefully some good conversation. I miss the "old" days when total strangers used to wave at each other walking down the street - Phoenix area USED to be like that. Now - people flip each other off and call each other stupid, vile names for no more reason than they're in a bad mood, I guess.

This is my attempt to revert this trend. Plus, damn - so many people losing their jobs, I hate it. My company just announced more layoffs - I dodged the bullet, thank God, but - it's happening everywhere.

what a great idea. i hope that it takes off and ends up being even bigger and better than he/she plans on. really, one person can make so much of a difference in the way that things go. i hope they post a follow up on cl so we can all find out what happened!

Well, I was so moved, I shot him an email last night telling him I wasn't coming; that I had a roof over my head, and really was a lot better off than a lot of people, and if I had the money, I'd shoot him some to contribute to the fund ... but that I couldn't. I told him though, that what he was doing was pretty dang wonderful, and had made my month. I got a reply from him awhile ago:

------------------------------------------------
Well, you're welcome to come anyway!

Okay, enough people are interested, in fact, too many! Lol. I'm going to limit this to about 20 people - just cause' I can't spend TOO much money on this venture.

I'm sending this same email to everyone - individually in case you don't want your email addy to show to everyone else - so forgive if it seems "impersonal".

My house is located at 4129 E Ridge Rd.
Ridge road is the first sidestreet north of Baseline road off of 40th street.
In other words, if you were at Baseline road and started heading north on 40th street, the 1st little side street you come to is Ridge road.
It's the 6th house down on the right.

You'll see some junky houses and some nice houses all mixed in together. I have a new house and my property is starting to come together in terms of landscaping.

Losing hours at work - like a lot of other people - sorta put the projects on hold, but - it's all good.

I will have a sign out in front of my house that will say something like "Craigslist party here".

If you want to bring something, cool, if you don't - no worries and please come anyway.

I will need help cooking food - I'm a good cook, in the kitchen, not on a grill. I can do it, but - I know others can do it better than me. I'll have 2 or 3 30 packs of bud light; piles of chicken, hamburgers and limited steaks; probably do a big thing of coleslaw; some chips and dip, soda for the non-drinkers and whatever else I come up with.

This is kind of impromptu - the idea just popped in my head today and I decided to act on it - but I will be ready for everyone by the time it starts. Figure about noon Sunday is a good time to start showing up - or anytime after that. Stay as long or as short as you like, but I figure around 6:00 pm I'll be shutting it down if everyone hasn't left before then.

Please RSVP - meaning write back and simply put in the subject line of your message that you are coming and how many are coming with you. It will be easier than opening up 20 plus emails.

My landline number is 602-774-0192 if you need to talk to me in person - if I don't answer, just leave a message and I'll get back to you before too terribly long (hopefully).

Look forward to meeting and visiting with everyone!
ben

----------------------------

Psych Lit · Guru

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Saw this on craigslist today. Made me feel good. Made me smile. Thought I'd share:
Free Sunday Lunch/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)
Reply to: sale-1033562881@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-02-13, 2:01PM MST

Well, I'm not being foreclosed on - yet - just barely hanging on. This freebie is for the folks that are really hurting right now. I'm gonna have a few steaks, some burgers, coleslaw - whatever - throw together a little party for total strangers - be a couple 30 packs of bud light too ( for the over 21 crowd, thanks). This isn't a sex party, orgy, ain't gonna be no drugs. Just decent food and hopefully some good conversation. I miss the "old" days when total strangers used to wave at each other walking down the street - Phoenix area USED to be like that. Now - people flip each other off and call each other stupid, vile names for no more reason than they're in a bad mood, I guess.

This is my attempt to revert this trend. Plus, damn - so many people losing their jobs, I hate it. My company just announced more layoffs - I dodged the bullet, thank God, but - it's happening everywhere.

what a great idea. i hope that it takes off and ends up being even bigger and better than he/she plans on. really, one person can make so much of a difference in the way that things go. i hope they post a follow up on cl so we can all find out what happened!

MyCat8it · Senior Member

Nightowlhoot3 wrote:

Saw this on craigslist today. Made me feel good. Made me smile. Thought I'd share:
Free Sunday Lunch/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)
Reply to: sale-1033562881@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-02-13, 2:01PM MST

Well, I'm not being foreclosed on - yet - just barely hanging on. This freebie is for the folks that are really hurting right now. I'm gonna have a few steaks, some burgers, coleslaw - whatever - throw together a little party for total strangers - be a couple 30 packs of bud light too ( for the over 21 crowd, thanks). This isn't a sex party, orgy, ain't gonna be no drugs. Just decent food and hopefully some good conversation. I miss the "old" days when total strangers used to wave at each other walking down the street - Phoenix area USED to be like that. Now - people flip each other off and call each other stupid, vile names for no more reason than they're in a bad mood, I guess.

This is my attempt to revert this trend. Plus, damn - so many people losing their jobs, I hate it. My company just announced more layoffs - I dodged the bullet, thank God, but - it's happening everywhere.

Anyway, as I said, a few steaks, maybe some chicken and burgers, throw it on the grill. Anyone a good grill chef out there? French fries, coleslaw, maybe some dessert, you get the pic - yes, I'll be drinking several Bud Lights as well - you can join me.

If I get 10 people - whether that's a family and some strangers - 10 strangers; couples, whatever - that I'll do it. If not - well - what can I say. Just want a good group of people

RSVP today - Sunday's only 2 days away! Festivities to start late morning/early afternoon and go on however long people want to stay.

Location: East Phoenix
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

How cool! I love seeing people come together in hard times for all.

Funny thing, true story. I was heading north on US19 recently, and there's a huge sign hanging on the fence of an apartment complex:

"Foreclosure Friendly!"

Sign of the times, I suppose. hmm

Nightowlhoot3 · Guru

Saw this on craigslist today. Made me feel good. Made me smile. Thought I'd share:

Free Sunday Lunch/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Reply to: sale-1033562881@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-02-13, 2:01PM MST

Well, I'm not being foreclosed on - yet - just barely hanging on. This freebie is for the folks that are really hurting right now. I'm gonna have a few steaks, some burgers, coleslaw - whatever - throw together a little party for total strangers - be a couple 30 packs of bud light too ( for the over 21 crowd, thanks). This isn't a sex party, orgy, ain't gonna be no drugs. Just decent food and hopefully some good conversation. I miss the "old" days when total strangers used to wave at each other walking down the street - Phoenix area USED to be like that. Now - people flip each other off and call each other stupid, vile names for no more reason than they're in a bad mood, I guess.

This is my attempt to revert this trend. Plus, damn - so many people losing their jobs, I hate it. My company just announced more layoffs - I dodged the bullet, thank God, but - it's happening everywhere.

Anyway, as I said, a few steaks, maybe some chicken and burgers, throw it on the grill. Anyone a good grill chef out there? French fries, coleslaw, maybe some dessert, you get the pic - yes, I'll be drinking several Bud Lights as well - you can join me.

If I get 10 people - whether that's a family and some strangers - 10 strangers; couples, whatever - that I'll do it. If not - well - what can I say. Just want a good group of people

RSVP today - Sunday's only 2 days away! Festivities to start late morning/early afternoon and go on however long people want to stay.

Location: East Phoenix
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Where Everybody Knows You're Numb

Lottery Winner Gives Prize to Charity

Lottery Winner Gives Prize to Charity

Lottery Winner Gives Prize to Charity

White House invites gay families to Easter event

White House invites gay families to Easter event

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U.S. Supreme Court Rules Against Fred Phelps

White House invites gay families to Easter event

9 patients made nearly 2,700 ER visits in Texas

9 patients made nearly 2,700 ER visits in Texas

9 patients made nearly 2,700 ER visits in Texas

9 patients made nearly 2,700 ER visits in Texas

Free Dinner Update/Chub of Ground beef (40th Street & Baseline)

Free Dinner Update/Chub of Ground beef (40th Street & Baseline)

I thought this was a cool ad too -- the first paragraph, mostly...

that is cool and especially cool considering that these folks are out of work. and i like the attitude of gratitude for the futon rather than negativity. (didja go get the dogloo and rug? might be cool for buckie to have his own space!)

I thought this was a cool ad too -- the first paragraph, mostly...

that is cool and especially cool considering that these folks are out of work. and i like the attitude of gratitude for the futon rather than negativity. (didja go get the dogloo and rug? might be cool for buckie to have his own space!)

I thought this was a cool ad too -- the first paragraph, mostly...

that is cool and especially cool considering that these folks are out of work. and i like the attitude of gratitude for the futon rather than negativity. (didja go get the dogloo and rug? might be cool for buckie to have his own space!)

I thought this was a cool ad too -- the first paragraph, mostly...

that is cool and especially cool considering that these folks are out of work. and i like the attitude of gratitude for the futon rather than negativity. (didja go get the dogloo and rug? might be cool for buckie to have his own space!)

I thought this was a cool ad too -- the first paragraph, mostly...

that is cool and especially cool considering that these folks are out of work. and i like the attitude of gratitude for the futon rather than negativity. (didja go get the dogloo and rug? might be cool for buckie to have his own space!)FREE 'Dogloo' doghouse & outdoor patio rug (Surprise)

I thought this was a cool ad too -- the first paragraph, mostly... FREE 'Dogloo' doghouse & outdoor patio rug (Surprise)

Update: Free Sunday Dinner/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Update: Free Sunday Dinner/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Update: Free Sunday Dinner/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Update: Free Sunday Dinner/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Update: Free Sunday Dinner/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Free Sunday Lunch/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Free Sunday Lunch/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Free Sunday Lunch/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

Free Sunday Lunch/Foreclosure Party! (East Phoenix)

that is cool and especially cool considering that these folks are out of work. and i like the attitude of gratitude for the futon rather than negativity. (didja go get the dogloo and rug? might be cool for buckie to have his own space!)

FREE 'Dogloo' doghouse & outdoor patio rug (Surprise)

I thought this was a cool ad too -- the first paragraph, mostly...

FREE 'Dogloo' doghouse & outdoor patio rug (Surprise)