Ironic – Foreclosures Providing Homes for Homeless

Welcome back!

I opened my local paper this morning and saw a huge feature on a city close to my heart but hundreds of miles away…Cleveland.  It seems America’s floreclosure crisis has created a uniqe situation for the homeless in Cleveland and other cities in the U.S.

 Apparently on any given night the homeless are outnumbered in some cities by vacant houses, according to the Toronto Star.

Brian Davis, director of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless tells the Star:

Many homeless people see the foreclosure crisis as an opportunity to find low-cost housing (free!) with some privacy.

Of course there are huge safety issues here…floors can cave in, drug dealers set up shop in some, and likely a host of other structural and social dangers lay wait for the unsuspecting squatter.

The Star reports that there are 3.5 million homeless people in the United States in any given year.  There are 444,000 Americans who are homeless on any given night.  Last year there were 2.2 million U.S. foreclosures.

Sombering stats.

What are You doing for Spring Break?

It’s hard to believe that the Spring Break season is almost here. If you’re planning on leaving your community for sites a little warmer or a little different remember there are plenty of wonderful locations not that far away from home. Visit Expedia Travel Trendwatch for a top ten list of popular local destinations for 2008 and travel cost comparisons.

If a trip like that is not in your budget this year, make sure to see what specials are being offered by key venues in your own community. There are likely some interesting things to do or rediscover close to home.  Investigate now so you can book early for any popular events that will end up selling out fast. I speak from experience!

From interactive and compelling museum or art displays to jazz bands, book readings and tours–most urban centers and rural towns make the most of the Spring Break by highlighting the best that they have to offer that is unique to that town or city. Make sure to check out your local theaters, galleries, conservation parks, science centers, cafes, bookstores and universities for ideas of what to do with friends and family during this much needed respite from cold weather and work.

Pictured above is the “notorious” new addition to the very old, traditional museum in my town. The addition, designed by world famous architect, Daniel Libeskind, is called the “Crystal” and it is as enormous and imposing as it appears in the picture. For some it is unsightly and to others breath taking. One thing is for sure…it generates discussion about our museum and gets people in the doors. We’ll be visiting this spring break just to see what it looks like inside…

New Urban Mom Entrepreneurs

I’d like you to meet Carrie Lauth (pictured here). Carrie is a natural living specialist and host of the popular internet radio program, Natural Moms Talk Radio. I posted about Carrie today because she’s written an exceptional business guide that I think many new urban moms will appreciate, especially if you’re thinking about becoming an entrepreneur.

As a new urbanist, I’m so thankful be living in a town that makes it easy for me and my family to access natural products and services. I’ve already posted about our farmers’ markets that help urbanites like me to feast on the best regionally grown and developed produce and products. Deciding to buy food that is grown locally is gratifying because I know its good for my family and my community.

But for many savvy new urban moms and other women the desire to live green is about more than what we eat and buy it’s about how we work.

There are many women making the transition to working in the green or “natural business” economy by creating their own businesses. Examples abound and include writers, gardeners, lactation consultants, nutritionists, event organizers, marketers, researchers, natural cosmetic consultants, home decor consultants, caterers and many other specialists and experts who are part of the growing natural business sector. If this is something you’re thinking about then I think there’s a guide that you really ought to take some time to read.

The Natural Mom Business Guide is an exceptional resource that I read in one hungry sitting. If you’re ready for a practical, step-by-step business guide for setting up your natural family living business click here.

Showing the World the Upside of Democracy

Our system of democracy may not be perfect, but when America has popular presidential candidates from groups that have been marginalized and discriminated against for centuries I think it’s a moment to celebrate.

When you read or hear pundits in the media expressing surprise at the results-40% of whites voting for an African American male-Barack Obama; unprecedented support for a female candidate (Hillary Clinton won the top two largest states in the primaries – California and New York) and unbelievable levels of participation from among our youth (tied democratic front leader Obama won a majority of voters under 30 in most states)–you know something is up. This will not be business as usual in American politics.

As we look at the horrific murder and mayhem resulting from elections in places like Kenya and countries in the middle east and South America, we can only hope that the news coming from the U.S. can serve as some kind of hope or inspiration to oppressed peoples in those countries.

Let’s not let this moment pass without marking it for what it is – a new and positive age. Perhaps we’re finally letting go of old thinking and habits that have maligned Americans over the years and that we are beginning to appreciate what people of a different color or gender or belief can bring to the table based on their skills, knowledge, ability and love for America. Period.

Best Reality TV – Super Tuesday

This morning the NPR morning newscaster referred to today’s “Super Tuesday” primaries as a ratings bonanza for television networks as it’ll provide better reality TV than any ”reality” show currently on the tube.

I’m no fan of reality TV shows  (especially since I don’t find it rooted in reality at all) but I sure am addicted to televised events that are actually going to make a difference in the country.  It’s been ages since an election engaged so many people across gender, race, class and most importantly AGE.  An awful lot of young people (including my kids – YAAY!) are following these primaries with real interest.  So many people not just paying attention but getting involved in the debate has  got to bode well for the county.

So who are you betting on tonight? New urbanist champion Richard Flordia (author of Rise of the Creative Class) predicts Barack Obama will do better than expected tonight.

Take a look at Richard’s democract delegate counter.