I am not a fan of the 'Evil Empire' AKA 'Starbucks', even so, I was gobsmacked that a lady in New York recently received her cuppa with "BITC." written on the take away cup. Who would do such a thing at 'Starbucks'?? Surely not the ever so friendly baristas who rattle the tip jar on the counter as you fork over a small fortune for a cuppa.
Many moons ago in a different city, this old geezer would go to a Starbucks early in the AM, it was only place open at half 5, to get a cuppa and some toast. Went every day I did. Until a barista came up to and told that I was 'cheap', never put a donation into the 'tip' jar. Went so far as to tell me that if I could not do that, perhaps I should go to McDonald's...
I marched out and rang up the main office and complained. The barista was fired but I never went back to Starbucks. I knew my business was not wanted. I did not fit in with the fancy customers willing to pay high prices and leave huge tips.
The old geezer in the clip is a bit over the top. Language is most colourful. Mind, I doubt he will ever go back to have a cuppa at the 'Evil Empire'...
To my mind, Susan Boyle is best remembered as a plain ordinary older woman who surprised people with her voice. Will forever remember her as she appeared on the talent show in the UK. I beleive that was her charm and the reason she captured the imagination of the world.
Susan Boyle dressed up in outfits that clearly do not work miss the mark. It just does not look like Susan Boyle.
I received loads of emails from folks who felt I was down on Susan. I am not. I just Susan to 'knock my socks off', 'rock the house'. My view is that she did not do that in San Francisco.
Years ago I remember going to a Barbara Cook concert. Barbara Cook had been a Broadway star. She was a pretty little thing. Over the years, Barbara put on a massive amount of weight. She was massive. But she still sang like a bird.
Her concert was her solo on stage with only a pianist. No fancy lights and no drama. Just Barbara doing her thing.
What stage presence. She worked the audience like a champ. She knew the audience loved her and she wanted the audience to feel her love for them. She gave several WOW moment and made the audience beg for more.
I left that concert more in love with Barbara Cook than ever. Every time I played one of her albums, I relived that evening at the concert. The warm feeling I had stayed with me. Does to this day.
Susan Boyle walked out onto the talent show stage in UK and changed her life. She WOWED the whole world. I know she has it in her. Just not going to happen with this tour of America.
The normal ingredients of a traditional full English breakfast are bacon, poached or fried eggs, fried or grilled tomatoes, fried mushrooms, toast with butter and sausages, usually served with a cuppa. Baked beans and hash browns are also commonly considered an important part of the breakfast. As nearly everything is fried in this meal, the term "fry-up" is quite accurate. Originally a way to use up leftover vegetables from the main meal of the day before, bubble and squeak, shallow-fried leftover vegetables with potato, has become a breakfast feature in its own right. Onions, either fried or in rings, occasionally appear. When an English breakfast is ordered to contain everything available it is often referred to as a Full English, or a Full Monty.
Let us be clear about one thing. This blog is all about MOI.
Truth be told, I think I am bloody brilliant these days. Who would have thought the old geezer would be 'normal' size...
Rather think I have well formed legs. I do think I wear an ALOHA shirt with a certain flair.
There are some who feel that the old geezer does not 'smile' enough. As you can see from the snap, the old geezer has a brilliant smile.
Lame I may be but do not think am near the emotional cripple have been in the past. There is much love in me life and am right pleased to have picked a lovely 'circle of life' to be a part of.
As is oft the case, I was in bed wondering what was going to be the theme of this morning's post. Out of the blue came a single word., 'kindness'..... Lovely word, is it not?
KINDNESS. I am not talking about the silly kind. I am talking about the random acts of kindness we have in us that make a difference in the live round us and in our own.
If you stop and think on it, bet there have been many, many you may have overlooked. "No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves." I know that I am the sum total of all of the kindness received. Were it not for the many kindnesses received, this old geezer would have turned out quite differently. Now an again, I have to stop meself and remember that. It takes the bite out of me words and makes me strive to be a better person. That is not to say that kindness is always well received. Either be me, or the person I am trying to be kind to. I like to think I am a work in progress. As time goes on, the 'kindness' in me will get stronger and stronger. I hope I never forget that were it not for kindness received, me world would be very mean. I was going to list acts of kindness. Name folks. That would be silly, would it not? Do you not think that the people known to me, already know? Funny thing about 'kindness', it makes you feel so damn good.
Like the bird featured in the snap above, the old geezer tries to catch every precious drop of life from the faucet of Life.
Call me weird but I looked at the featured snap and it got me to thinking. There be some that feel the old geezer thinks too much.
However hard or mean life has been at times, I always knew that LIFE renewed, that the waters of Life were not always muddied and the next offering just might be refreshing. Just like the bird, the old geezer was willing to fly in close and catch that drop that made the flight to, all the more rewarding.
Of late, the old geezer has been catching lots of drops from the faucet of LIFE. Each drop treasured.
They call the Daily Mail, The Housewives Rag in UK. Whatever. This old geezer adores the newspaper. Where else is MOI going to get so much news? Drama?? Giggles??
Not the only newspaper read, but as these things go, it gives much to think on. Mind, it also provides a different slant on life in America. Truly.
Like the song says, 'if it is in the Daily Mail, it must be true'...
As the world's richest man, you might think Bill Gates would part with some loose change to pay someone to do his dishes. But the billionaire won't have any of that.
He likes to do them himself - to his own exacting standards every night.
MOI has always loathed folks who tell one story in front of a 'friend' and quite a different tale behind back. One never knows where they stand, and they seem offended when found out. Even this late in life, the old geezer makes mistakes in trusting some folks.
Friendship is not a life long love fest. Like anything of value, a friendship has times when it is tested. That is what makes it special.
How horrid it would be if one never voiced true feeling. Does not mean that the friend has to agree, but be civil enough to hear one out.
This old geezer does not always get his way. Truth be told, MOI can be quite stubborn at times. Just wish that true mates would understand that not liking something does not mean that it is a breaking point in a friendship.
The featured filmed clip is from Matt Glickstein - Songs For A Better World. It is well worth giving a look and just might make you think a little about homelessness.
Let's start this post with some simple truths. 'THERE IS NO AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN HAWAII'. There has not been for some time and housing is hard to come by for even the folks who work long and hard. 'THE POOR WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US'. It is just the way of it, there will always be folks who do not have cash, or so little of it, that life is an endless grind. 'THERE WILL ALWAYS BE HOMELESSNESS'. Charles Dickens told stories of the plight of the homeless in London in the 1800's, while getting some things changed, homelessness is not one of them. There are folks still living uncovered in London, as there are all over the world. Hawaii is not unique.
Regardless of the efforts of well meaning individuals toiling in non-profits, regardless the massive sums we give non-profits to deal with the homeless problem, there will always be members of the community living in horrid conditions.
Non-profits in Hawaii get tens of millions of dollars to deal with the homeless situation. There is some change, but the problem still remains. No doubt the programs that deal with women and children who are homeless, and programs dealing with families without shelter meet with better results. Truth be told, the plight of women and children living on the road is one that touches society deeply and great effort is made to protect this vulnerable segment of society. Single men facing horrid conditions is not treated with the same level of compassion.
The old geezer tossed and turned all night and sleep was most troubled. The events of the day were to blame. Not to mention some of the comments heard.
'YOU HAVE NOT WALKED THE WALK', was the comment most haunted by in sleep. It was hurled at MOI by one of the 'bright young things' connect with IHS.
There is ample proof to be had that this old geezer has indeed 'walked the walk'. Has for many more years than the gentleman who works at IHS. I may not be a 'paid professional' but have always tried to make a difference in any community a part of. This old geezer does not walk through life with blinkers on and has tried always, to stop to offer a hand to someone less fortunate. Daily, the horrid conditions of the homeless are observed in Waikiki and other parts of Honolulu.
I have always been curious, and that desire to learn more has made MOI stop and try to hear the stories of folks in trouble. One comes away with an entirely different attitude about homelessness, when you learn how or way, one is sleeping on a bench, or begging on the pavement.
Not all who are homeless want help. Quite a few of the homeless have found a way to live rent free and with responsibility. Many get a government check and food stamps and like the idea of not paying for anything. They like not taking responsibility for their anti-social behaviour. That is the way of it. They have the right to refuse help to change. So, one moves on.
It is a whole different story to get into the mentally ill, the alcoholics and the drug addicts. One could go on and on. Best to leave that for a different post.
The second thing heard yesterday, that made sleep hard to come, was one made by Colin Kippen.
In his remarks to the attendees of yesterday's conference, he made strong reference to bringing all members of the community together to deal with the homeless problem. He talked movingly about Aloha and Ohana.
In my darkest hour, it was members of the community, my 'family', that provided me with the courage to carry. NOT a non-profit.
When the courage was found to make the call to a long time friend, it was met with the disbelief that the old geezer would not believe that some cared about and wanted to. See how spot on Colin is in his belief that Aloha and Ohana of the community is valid and necessary to solve homelessness.
The worst 17 days of me life were spent at IHS. Mind, over the years stories had been heard of the horrid place that it is. At least the men's shelter. Street wise professional homeless seem to thrive there. They know how to work the system. IHS is not the place the weak, old or different go to. The battle to keep from being abused or robbed is too hard to fight. Truth be told, it was not the correct place for young men with AIDS to go either, in years past. Stories make the rounds among the homeless of a fate worse than death in going into the shelter.
COMMUNITY. Ordinary folks doing extraordinaire things to help fellow members of society who need a bit of help and compassion. Like my good friend. A simple man who tries to help homeless in Waikiki. Having jobs performed by homeless, to give a little cash to for food and toiletries ad clothes washing.
If you get the impression that no love is to be had for IHS, you would be correct. Pray, let me explain my reasons.
Whatever IHS was in the past, is a far cry from what it is today. Millions and millions of dollars pour into the coffers of IHS. So completely have they convinced the powers to be that they deserve as much as they ask for. Duplication of effort and bad mistakes seems to matter little and IHS has the 'data' to prove how brilliant they are. More's the pity that IHS does not admit that they are no more capable in ending homelessness than any other organization.
I came away from the homeless conference, more convinced than ever, that while some do wondrous things to help disadvantaged members of the community, there are non-profits who receive far more than they should. That turf defending is alive and well among the non-profits. That IHS, regardless of how well and slick they self promote, do not have all of the answers. That duplication of services offered is expensive and may well be best done by not placing all of the eggs in one basket.
Lastly, it would be so very wrong to allow the voice of a former priest of the Catholic Church, to drown out other voices. Regardless of his connection with IHS, he is but one member of the community and when last looked does not walk on water.
This weekend,Saturday and Sunday, Ron, AKA "The Diva", will be holding another of his fab garage sales. Mind, 'garage sale' is a wee bit mis-leading, as Ron places tables round the car park and loads them to breaking point with all sort of treasures collected since he last did a sale.
Having an apartment complex in Waikiki is the perfect way to gather many items for sale. Folks move to Hawaii, thinking that life will be more perfect than when they came from, tire of all of the sun and living in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and give up their collections to Ron, rather than pack up to ship back to the mainland. Truth be told, it can be rather dear to ship home things.
Ron is a fixture in Waikiki, and all during the week folks drop by and leave things they no longer want or need. There also are people who 'find' treasures and leave with Ron. One is constantly gobsmacked at the amount of things that pile up, waiting for another sale.
Some twenty years ago, if not longer, MOI had set up a flat down the road from Ron. Not having any furniture, the old geezer made a beeline to Ron's, and in short order had a complete one bedroom fitted out quite nicely. So good were the furnishings that when MOI made another of his moves back to the mainland, the items purchased from Ron some years back, brought a small profit...
There are 'garage sales' and there are "Garage Sales". Never fails that as the date nears for the sale, the car park fills up with a most interesting collection. There are 'rare' pictures, tellies, cameras, computer parts, furniture, records, dishes, cutlery, pots and pans, clothing and linen. You might well find the kitchen sink there as well.
As usual, Ron will be joined at his sales by a good mate. Roy has a shop in Chinatown, sells art and the like, makes jewelry and been known to paint a lovely picture or two. Roy has been round Waikiki almost as long as Ron and between the two, there will be in-fighting, to see who runs up the most sales. There will be other local colourful characters at the sale, meaning that chins will wag all the day long.
Truth be told, MOI is of the opinion that Ron gets more out of the meeting folks from all over the world, then he does from the money generated from the sale. Ron has been known to meet a new resident to Hawaii, like them and gift them with all sort of things to furnish their flats. Not rubbish but rather useful items. There might be a chair, rattan of course, with lovely cushions, just perfect for the person to love being in Hawaii. Or there might be a set of curtains. Dishes and glasses and all sort of items for the kitchen.
Being that MOI is here before the sale starts, he got to look over some of the items. MOI loves to travel light, and clothing was sorely needed. To my delight, several pairs of shorts (Tommy Bahama) revealed self. There were shirts as well, Ralph Lauren, Harley Davidson, Greg Norman, to name but a few. Not worn out items of clothing but items ever so slightly used and in some cases not even used. For less than a 'fiver' me wardrobe has increased big time. Having gone through the shops in Waikiki, know full well that some of the items are $40.00 plus retail. Am over the moon at all of the cash saved.
The sale will last all day long, rain or shine. If past is any clue, come late Sunday, the tables will be quite empty.
Am quite looking forward to the crowds that will gather to lock up real bargains. Curious I am to see if all goes...
As always, there was an article in Daily Mail that got MOI to think. Mind, always knew that shoes told much about a person, even did a blog on shoes last year...
SHOES HAVE CACHE - February 2011
My dears, this old geezer was out looking for bargains the other day when this post presented self.
I was in a shop looking for a smart shirt to add to collection of colourful shirts already had. Being a bit hard to spend cash, was in the mood for one that was 'on sale'. All of the colourful shirts seen were of a certain value and I did not want to part with so much cash to look smart. The lovely lady who worked in the shop was trying to get MOI to purchase something. Went so far as to tell that it was her mission to....
I told the lovely lady that I was but a 'poor, old geezer' and was in need of a mark down. This got the lovely lady to laugh rather loudly and tell that she just knew that was not the case. When I pressed the lovely lady to tell how she came to such an opinion, she told that it had everything to do with the shoes I was wearing.
To tell true, the shoes upon feet were not hand made, and did not come from a famous fashion house. Mind, there were a bit dear but not so dear that this old geezer had to fight self to open pocketbook to purchase.
You, the avid reader of me blog, know that I have bad bones. That I limp, is understatement. Given that I walk oddly, it is most important that my feet are well looked after. It simply would not do to not be able to walk due to poor foot care. So far as is known, the problem with me bones has not gone to me feet, and I would rather it did not. It follows that wearing good shoes would make the feet co-operate during my wanderings down the road. That the shoes are well made is a given but I never thought them to be of singular beauty...
Have oft heard lady friends bang on about their shoes. No clue why it was most important to purchase footwear that cost more than a house. Right, so I tend to colour the cost a bit, but is quite true that ladies do spent massive amounts on shoes.
Have met many coppers who tell that they tend to purchase shoes that cost a packet. Looks have nothing to do with, just the comfort of have feet pampered during long shifts.
You do see where I am going with this?
Getting back to the lovely lady in the shop.
No matter how hard I tried to convince the lovely lady that there was no massive pile of cash under bed, she was of the mind that it was not so. I pride self on trying to get bargains and was at complete loss with this lady. The bloody shoes had done me in.
I did not purchase anything. Not for lack of trying. A case of need not matching up with want. I have no doubt that I shall return to the shop in the future. It may well come to pass that I will find a shirt that begs to be added to me wardrobe. That remains to be seen. I do know that I will not wear me smart shoes on the next visit and might get lucky and the lovely lady will not remember from past visit.
If nothing else, I learned that me shoes added to me cachet. How grand is that?
Other clues are less obvious. Practical and functional shoes belong to agreeable people, ankle boots are worn by aggressive personalities and calm personalities wear uncomfortable looking shoes.
.jpg)
