Tweets & Posts Update (August 23 - September 4, 2011)

For those of you not on Twitter or Facebook, the following are some highlights from That Poverty Project's postings from the previous  two weeks:

Facebook Page ("Likes" grew from about 97 to 136 while each Post gets between 200 and 514 impressions)

AUGUST 23rd - The bridging of two worlds. Sleeping in a tent (nice night by the way), wearing dirty clothes, thinking in terms of the best places to go bottle picking . . . while also scheduled to do two interviews today (one with Global TV and the other a telephone interview with PalTalk News Network). I'm grateful for the exposure, and grateful for the growing understanding about poverty . . . but especially grateful that I'll be doing laundry today.  . . . (and then later) . . . Results from the recent blog survey indicate . . . 0% of respondents thought I would find "nothing" . . . 9% of people thought I would find "less than $2" . . . 42% thought I would find "between $2 and $5" . . . and 48% said that I would find "more than $5". That means that 90% of the respondents are more confident in my bottle picking abilities than me. I guess we'll see.

AUGUST 24th -  Hi ho . . . Hi ho . . . It's bottle pickin' I go!! I hope I'm cheerful 4 hours from now. My lunch depends on it.  . . . (and then later) . . . SCORE! A crushed beer can in the gutter is my first find of the day. . . . (and then later) . . . Sitting under an overpass right now. The highway was slim pickings for bottles until I got here. Jackpot!! Filled a third of a garbage bag . . . half water bottles, half beer cans.  . . . (and then later) . . . Yeah baby!!! Just found an unopened beer! That Poverty Guy is going to have a cool one tonight!!. . . . (and then later) . . . Four hours of bottle pickin' . . . one black garbage bag of bottles . . . many, many kilometers walked . . . $7.30 earned. I discovered some strange things along the way . . . today's blog is going to be quite interesting with lots of photos.

AUGUST 25th -   It's been a strange day. Physically feeling the bottle picking from yesterday (geez, those in poverty have to be hardy . . . not soft like me). Emotionally challenged by a vicious tweet attack late last night by someone who called me every four letter word I knew (and a few I didn't). He apparently had a problem with me trying to raise awareness about poverty. But mentally and spiritually engaged and more committed than ever to this cause. Time to drink the free beer I found.

AUGUST 26th - Stinky mackerel Batman! Has anybody ever heard of "Freegans"? I never had until I read the linked article . . . but I guess freeganism started in the mid-1990's and they only eat free food that they find. While it wouldn't be my choice, it does make an interesting commentary on the price of food AND that perfectly good food just gets thrown away.

 

New York 'Freegans' enjoy world's cheapest barbecue with food salvaged entirely from dustbins

www.dailymail.co.uk

Freeganism is an anti-consumerist lifestyle where people employ alternative living strategies - and these New Yorkers showed how to have a free summer feast.

 

AUGUST 28th - Now I know why some homeless people have dogs . . . they love you no matter what and they're warm. Wonder if I'll be able to convince my dog to sleep in the tent when it gets cold? Probably not . . . unless I stuff my sleeping bag with kibble'n bits.

 

AUGUST 29th - If you haven't seen it yet, I would highly recommend a movie called The Soloist. I saw it a couple of years ago, and it just came to mind. Starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. it is an interesting look at street homeless.

AUGUST 30th - Great sleep . . . cool morning . . . literally walking into a storm. Black clouds looming and thunder rumbling. Methinks I may get wet! Blessings to all today . . . and may we find sunshine amidst whatever storms we face. . . . (and then later) . . . Managed to stay dry . . . mostly. Upon returning to the tent, I found it had a leak . . . but only a small one. Just read about two guys who are running across Canada to raise awareness about child poverty in Canada (they say 1 in 9 kids are in poverty . . . I had heard 1 in 10 . . . either way IT'S TOO MANY!!). They're in Alberta and you can check on their site to see when they will be places. (www.onenationrun.ca)

AUGUST 31st - For the first time since I don't know remember when . . . I was "in bed" (i.e. in my sleeping bag) at 7:30 PM last night. I NEVER go to bed that early. However, with it raining and cool I had nothing else to do . . . and it takes a lot of energy staying warm so I was tired. Anyway . . . it turned out to be not too cold a night (about 6C), and I had a GREAT sleep.  . . . (and then later) . . . Experiencing a dilemma . . . stay in the dry tent but be chilly OR venture out into the rain and get wet, but be moving and get to a place with warm tea. Leaning towards the latter. . . . (and then later) . . . I've decided!! Going for tea . . . so what if I get wet, at least I'll be moving.

SEPTEMBER 1st - Hello September, my old friend. Tell ya what . . . I'll be nice to you if you're nice to me. Deal? . . . (and then later) . . . Phew! THAT's better!! Sun is shining and my sleeping bag and blanket are airing. Did some adjustments on the tent and cleared the debris that accumulates . . . it was smelling like a locker room . . . but now it smells like . . . well, to be honest . . . AIR . . . which is good. . . . (and then later) . . . To many I'm a middle aged guy imposing some restrictions on his lifestyle pretending to be homeless. Actually, I'm NOT. Like many in poverty, I'm a middle aged man with some lifestyle restrictions trying to be a normal middle aged man. The difference between me and those in poverty is they have it worse, and whereas mine is temporary they need a little help to end theirs.

SEPTEMBER 2nd - My first recollection of encountering a homeless person was 25 years ago. I worked at a DQ, and this dirty smelly guy would come use the washroom. He would be in there forever! Now I get it . . . when inside using the facilities I find myself lingering, too. I'm sorry that I thought so badly of that fellow. . . . (and then later) . . . Forecast is for 0C tonight. Harumph! (that's a sound of disgust) My toque is at the ready in case needed . . . and to cocoon!

SEPTEMBER 3rd - So much for getting down to 0C . . . try -2C! Slept okay, albeit in fits as I woke often to adjust the blanket. I'm thinking a little nap in the sun might be in order later. My heart is heavy for those who are not as blessed as I, and don't have a tent . . . or wool socks . . . or a blanket. Kudos to shelters, programs, and projects for the homeless for the lifesaving work they do. . . . (and then later) . . . YEEHAW! . . . YAHOO! . . . YES! YES! YES! . . . and YABBA DABBA DOO!!!!! The sunshine is glorious, and the forecast low tonight is 6C. As my friends in Sierra Leone say . . . "Tell Papa God TENKI !!!" (Thank God!) . . . (and then later) . . . NEW That Poverty Project Poll!! What will be the coldest night time temperature endured by That Poverty Guy in Phase I (ending Thanksgiving Weekend, October 7th)? WHAT DO YOU THINK? (ON RIGHT SIDE OF THIS PAGE)

SEPTEMBER 4th - I hope that the day is as beautiful where you are as it is where I am!

Twitter Account (@thatpovertyguy . . . "Followers" increased from 155 - 560 including many mentions and retweets by others . . . and many postings in The #socialjustice Daily and The Good Works Daily by mlf.org)

AUGUST 23rd - As thrilling as it sounds, wearing dirty clothes actually sucks. . . . (and then later) . . . Brain imaging studies show giving activates the same neural pleasure circuit that's engaged by fatty foods. But no calories!

AUGUST 24th - Never in my life have I appreciated the morning sun as much as when I'm outdoors all night. It warms my soul.

AUGUST 25th - Gotta hand it to the poor . . . they're hardy, not soft like many of us. My body is feeling the bottle picking yesterday.

AUGUST 26th - Listening to the birds. I wonder what wisdom they have to share? Ironic that I don't understand them, and yet I tweet. . . . (and then later) . . . Rain in the forecast, I'll have to postpone laundry until tomorrow.  . . . (and then later) . . . Just connected with a fellow I worked with in Sierra Leone, West Africa many years ago re former child soldiers. :)

AUGUST 27th - SCORE!! Warm water WITH SOAP used for window cleaning was still clean enough for my laundry! First soap for my clothes in 36 days.

AUGUST 28th - Cooler night . . . Beautiful morning . . . Grateful to be alive. . . . (and then later) . . . Hmmm ... Fall's coming. All inner leaves on the tree I'm sitting by are yellow. Feeling some trepidation.

AUGUST 29th - Looks like the stretch of summer weather is over . . . need to brace myself for Fall. Hmmmm. :|

AUGUST 30th - Study finds that lower classes are more generous than those with high incomes.

AUGUST 31st - Almost half the world (over 3 billion people) live on less than $2.50 per day! . . . (and then later) . . . I've learned that from a wise person . . . people are more important than projects.

SEPTEMBER 1st - One in seven people will go to bed hungry tonight . . . and we can do something about it. . . . (and then later) . . . Poor conditions lead to deteriorating mental health on Canadian reserve and a rash of suicides.

SEPTEMBER 2nd - BUSTING MYTHS re poverty . . . myths stand in the way of people getting the help they need.  . . . (and then later) . . . Hoodie, blanket, and sleeping bag - check. Layers on - check. Toque at the ready - check. Going possibly below freezing tonight.

SEPTEMBER 3rd - YIKES! Hit -2C last night! I'm more blessed than most who sleep outside. My heart goes out to those with no supplies. . . . (and then later) . . . Had some food, chill in my bones is gone, my laundry's done ... and I feel exhausted! Need a nap in the sun.

SEPTEMBER 4th - Beautiful days must be savoured with body, mind, and soul.



Hey!! I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Never Again (Day 43 - September 3, 2011)

I will never ever . . . EVER . . . look at a street person sleeping on a park bench in the middle of the day and think that they are lazy.  Well . . . never ever again.

It's way too easy to fall prey to the traps set before us by stereotypes and our own prejudices, and see "a bum" lying in the park on a nice day while thinking he is "lazy" (or worse).  The truth is we have absolutely no idea what is going on for him or her lying there on the hard ground or on the even harder, but likely drier, bench.  In fact, if we are to apply Occam's razor (the law of parsimony . . . which states the simplest of two or more competing explanations is preferable), then the only thing we should rightly conclude from someone sleeping in the park is that they are tired.

But, of course, as curious creatures that like some drama we don't usually want to stop at that conclusion.  We want to know . . . "WHY?"  We make assumptions about street homeless not having jobs (which is not true as quite a number do) and not having anything to do (which is also not true, unless you don't count surviving) . . . and we want to create for ourselves a story that explains why that person is sleeping in a public place in the middle of the day.  Alright, twist my arm . . . I'll give you some suggestions as to what might actually be going on for the "sleepy head" in question.

Last night was cold!  It was the coldest yet of my 42 nights in the tent as the mercury dipped to -2C.  For the most part I slept alright, I guess, although my sleep was extremely fitful.  I awoke every time part of me squirmed out of the warm little cocoon I created, which was way too often.  So I didn't have the best sleep ever, but add to that it had been cooler weather much of the previous 3 days.  When it's cold, the body uses more energy simply trying to keep warm.  As a result of the less than ideal sleep and days of my body using more energy, by about noon today I felt completely wiped.  I needed a nap and, after a chilly night, I gravitated to a bench in the sun and took a snooze.

I have to confess, it wasn't the first time I've ever taken a midday nap on that bench.  A few years back I was in a deep clinical depression.  One day, I actually had the energy to get out of the house, but by the time I reached that bench my energy had waned.  I sat down, and mired in my own anguish, I soon found myself lying down and sleeping.  In other words, I was so depressed that I only had enough energy to take a nap on a park bench.  Sounds weird unless you've been depressed, but if you know of what I speak then it's completely understandable.

So back to our "sleepy head" in the park.  Sure, it may be that the person is sleeping off whatever binge he or she was on the night before.  However, isn't it at least equally plausible that the person is just plain tired and needing a little snooze in the warmth of the sun because . . . it is draining being outside all the time . . . it was a cold fitful night with little sleep . . . or the person is homeless, but employed, and worked a night shift cleaning toilets or stocking shelves?  Or perhaps, as is the case with many people on the street, the person is depressed (or suffering from another mental illness) and doesn't have energy enough to do anything but have a sleep.   As for me, I'm going to give the person the benefit of the doubt from now on and not assume something that is not very nice . . . and likely wrong.

That Poverty Guy (Sean Krausert)
Day 43 - Enjoying the Sun / 220 lbs

Weekly Update - As it is Saturday, I should give you my usual update.  With respect to my weight, I lost 3 lbs this week!  I'm now at 220 lbs and have dropped 13 lbs in the last 6 weeks.  I didn't change my habits at all from weeks past, but I think the colder weather caused my body to burn more calories than usual.  And, regarding my finances, I made a few little purchases but was also the benefactor to another small donation from that little old lady . . . and so I have $20 plus some change.  I actually have an idea about what I am going to need it for, but more about that on Monday.



Hey!! I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WACHOOKANDU.

"I believe . . ." (Day 42, September 2, 2011)

Every so often it is important to reflect on what you believe and why you do what you do . . .

And, here's some context for the piece . . .

*Almost 1 Billion people have insufficient food to be properly nourished (i.e. hungry).

Source:  World Food Programme (http://www.wfp.org/hunger/stats)

*Nearly 1 Billion people lack access to safe drinking water and 2.5 Billion people do not have proper sanitation.

Source:  (http://water.org/learn-about-the-water-crisis/facts/)

*More people die from poverty ANNUALLY (9 - 12 Million deaths from malnutrition and water borne illness) than AIDS (1.6 - 2.1 Million deaths), malaria (1 Million deaths), TB (1.7 Million deaths), and natural disaster (varies - 2010 was a high year with almost 300,000 deaths)  COMBINED.

Sources: Poverty.com based upon statistics from World Food Programme, Oxfam, and UNICEF . . .  http://www.poverty.com/index.html ;  http://water.org/learn-about-the-water-crisis/facts/ ; http://www.avert.org/worldstats.htm ; http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/what/development-policies/intervention-areas/humandev/humandevhealth3_en.htm ;

and United Nations News Centre – January 24, 2011

*Over 1 Billion people do not have adequate shelter . . . 100 Million homeless people worldwide, 15.4 Million refugees worldwide, 27.5 internally displaced people worldwide, and 1 Billion people worldwide living in slum conditions.

Sources: http://www.homelessworldcup.org/content/homelessness-statistics ; http://www.refugeesinternational.org/get-involved/helpful-facts-%2526-figures ; and http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats

*Re Children Worldwide - 1 Billion of the world's 2.2 Billion children live in poverty (i.e. almost 50%).  2.2 Million children die each year because they are not immunized while 270 Million children have no access to health care.   121 Million children are not able to attend school. 640 Million  do not have adequate shelter and 400 Million children do not have access to safe drinking water.

Source: http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats

*3.5 Million Canadians live in poverty, including 1 out of every 10 children.

Source: Make Poverty History (http://www.makepovertyhistory.ca/learn/issues/end-poverty-in-canada)

BUT . . . we CAN do something about it!!

For example, the estimated additional cost to get everyone basic education, health care, nutrition, water, sanitation, and reproductive health for all women is approximately 5% of what is spent on military worldwide.  (http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats)  While I do think the world would be a safer place if that 5% of military spending was spent on these things, my point in making this example is to show that WE DO HAVE THE RESOURCES.

It's simply a matter of asking . . . what are our priorities?

Do you think society's priorities should change?

Please share with others . . . and leave your comments below.

Hey!!  I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WACHOOKANDU.

Busting Myths about Street Homeless

The following is episode #3 of a 5 part video interview with Deb Runnalls, Street Level Manager with The Mustard Seed.  The Mustard Seed has served the street homeless for over 25 years.

Please leave your comments below and feel free to share this with others . . . we have to put an end to myths as they prevent real people just like you and me from getting the help they desperately need.

 

For more information about The Mustard Seed and its programs, go to www.theseed.ca.

Hey!!  I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WACHOOKANDU.

Fresh Start . . . Sort Of (Day 41 - September 1, 2011)

A lot of interesting things happen after 40 days . . .

Biblically speaking, 40 days is a recurring theme.  Noah had to sail around in the ark for 40 days and nights while it rained (and then wait another 40 days before opening a window).  Moses was up on the mountain for 40 days a couple of times, one of which produced the Ten Commandments.  Goliath taunted the Israelites for 40 days before being killed by David.  Jesus spent 40 days and nights being tempted in the wilderness.  These are just a few examples, but each one of them resulted in a "fresh start" . . .  for civilization via Noah, the Israelites via Moses and later David, and for Jesus as he started his ministry.

While 40 days is the period of time that ancient astronomers used to keep track of the passing year, it also has other significance for us.  It is often said that it takes 6 weeks to break a habit or start a new habit (i.e. roughly 40 days).  And, often broken bones are estimated to heal in 6 weeks (give or take).  In both of these cases . . . a fresh start.

So, in honour of having completed 40 full days of this project . . . I am noting some of the fresh starts from today . . .

September 1st - Fresh snow on the Three Sisters.

*A really fresh start this morning . . . 3C and a new blanket of white on the mountain tops.

*After 40 days of living in it, with the last two being completely shut due to rain, my tent was smelling like a locker room and was full of debris that had been tracked in over time.  Therefore, I took everything out of the tent to be aired, swept up, washed my pillow cases (and laundry) . . . a fresh start for the tent.

*I've done a lot of thinking to make sure I was on track with the project, and recorded a short video where I get back to the basics stating what I believe and why I am doing the project.  Not really a fresh start . . . but a fresh restating that I will provide you tomorrow.

One final fresh start to mention . . . at any given moment of any given day each and every one of us can assess what we believe and the priorities we hold.  And, when we do so, if we are open to it, we can give ourselves a fresh start on how we see the world, how we see those around us, and how we will play a role in making the world a better place for us all.    Something to think about.


Hey!!  I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WACHOOKANDU.