URM Winter Shelters | John's Story from Union Rescue Mission on Vimeo.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A little bit about the winter shelter program in the video posted
This is a video from the folks at Union Rescue Mission and Andy Bales.
Putting some photos together for a possible book
I am trying to put some photos together for a possible book. I have just begin the selection process. Most are from the Los Angeles area but there are many others to be considered, about 3,000 at this point. Here is a bit of what I have at the moment.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Help a friend of mine help others in Haiti
A friend of mine at http://www.cupcapesfalmouth.com/ ( the finest cupcakes in the world? ) is doing her part to support the relief effort in Haiti. As a side note, her husband is a doctor and is talking to Cape Cod Hospital about donating medical supplies. Please pass this along and if you are anywhere near Falmouth Mass please stop in and buy a truckload of cupcakes for you and all your friends!
As a side note, the owner of Cupcapes of Falmouth is a major contributor to support the effort to help the homeless of Los Angeles even though she is on the opposite side of the United States!
If you are too far to drive to get some great cupcakes or other great baked items but wish to help:
Donations may also be mailed to the store. Checks should be made out to CupCapes of Falmouth C/O Children's Relief Fund.
As a side note, the owner of Cupcapes of Falmouth is a major contributor to support the effort to help the homeless of Los Angeles even though she is on the opposite side of the United States!
If you are too far to drive to get some great cupcakes or other great baked items but wish to help:
Donations may also be mailed to the store. Checks should be made out to CupCapes of Falmouth C/O Children's Relief Fund.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
A letter to www.dtownla.com - a trendy website which made me angry
This is a letter I wrote this morning to the folks at a website. When I was downtown one night there was a billboard for these folks. I took a photo of the billboard with my cellphone as a reminder to look at the website when I was back at a PC. This morning I looked at the website.
Like most things in life, it is human nature to try to look at the beauty in life and turn our heads and vision from things that may not be comfortable to face. Countless industries, jobs, sub-cultures and groups of people are supported by this basic human trait. Magazines that focus on fashion, expensive property, cars, airplanes and the like are too numerous to be counted. I could go on and on.
I am not complaining. I am just asking myself why some of these publications which focus on one side of life do not make more space available in their publications to find a creative way to make some mention of those less fortunate and find some creative way to assist? I realize that many large companies and individuals contribute to these causes every day. I know there are good people in the world. I have had many of my own good friends step forward and help me in my own activity and effort to help a handful of the homeless on the streets of Los Angeles.
What is the point of this post? I think all I am accomplishing here is to show that I am a typical human being who can be emotional and overwhelmed by certain things in life just as most of us can be depending on the situation.
I have been spending a lot of time in the street with the homeless of Los Angeles. I spend most of my evenings on skid row and am learning that it does carry a price. In my case the price at times can be a bit of anger toward those that in many cases have worked very hard to obtain a life that they deserve, a good life. At times I have the same anger that many of the people of the streets have. Maybe I see their point? Maybe I am being more like the environment that I fit into on occasion? It is probably many things.
Part of my time downtown has the benefit of learning about the lives of others. Part of the time I learn more about the city where I was born and raised. Part of the time I learn more about myself. Part of the time I feel as if I am doing something that carries a lot of value; making a long night a little more tolerable for others in a small way. I also feel as if I am doing something to help some of the veterans on the street who are my brothers in some ways.
In my younger years I went to military school. Later in life I went into the military. I thought I knew all about the psycology of military life and boot camp and thought I was immune to the tactics of boot camp. During graduation from boot camp when the Star Spangled Banner was played I wept as did everybody else. Yes, they had gotten to me even though was sure I was immune. Yesterday I attended a photographic art show and two of the photos reminded me of my past back in the fifties where young people were indoctrinated (for lack of a better word) into the America of the day. Today it looks as though the trend continues, especially in middle America?
Above - Middle America steps toward conversion to one way of thinking? It worked on me in the fifties. I enlisted in the U.S. Military at the height of the Vietnam war, conflict, action or whatever people with to label the event. These two photos caught my attention at the photography art show in Santa Monica mid January 2010.
Decades later on the streets of skid row I also felt I was immune to what was happening and how it impacted others. I could come and go when I wished and felt that I could help and be something of an outside observer and helper. I have food to eat and a place to live. I can come and go as I wish. I can walk away from the situation anytime I desire. I was wrong. I am not immune. There are times I become angry at those in nice cars. I can feel anger at people having a nice meal in a nice restaurant that can be seen through an establishment window where a few feet away somebody lies on the sidewalk.
There is nothing wrong with a website that directs attention to things of beauty and comfort. I should not become angry. The point here is that all of us have moods which change depending on many factors. Some people look at the darker side of life every day and have the strength, resolve, desire or whatever label one places on these attributes to direct their life and attention in helping others. These are people like Andy Bales and his staff at places such as Union Rescue Mission and the other shelters and missions in the Los Angeles area.
So... the point of this post? I suppose that feelings come and go. The letter below was written from one point of view and the writing above this letter was written with another viewpoint. Both views are mine and both views less than 30 minutes apart.
My letter to the folks at the website:
Your dtownla website has a lot of pretty images and nice information. I find most of your dining choices expected and typical, the trendy spots where the prices are high, the presentation is more important at times than the food, the decor and environment do a fine job to distract the people dining so they may overlook substandard service.
Downtown Los Angeles is not a unique city in some ways. The wealthy and affluent are just steps away from the highest city population in the United States of homeless people.
I am not trying to give you a hard time here. I realize that your website caters to people that do not want to take a moment to look at the less fortunate who may be sitting on the curb in front of the restaurant where they eat or lie in the alley of the loft where they reside. These people would rather look the other way.
What I am suggesting is that you have a link to some of the darker sides of Los Angeles on your page. Perhaps try to take a small step to help some be aware of some of the problems a stone throw away from the locations and establishments you feature on other pages. Maybe some of these folks would drop a few dollars to places such as Union Rescue Mission ( http://www.urm.org/ ) or one of the other places that are trying to change the face of Los Angeles to a point where there is less to see where people have to close their eyes.
You have many pretty images on your website at http://www.dtownla.com/ Perhaps you might make a section on your website showing a bit more of the total picture, perhaps asking your audience to help? Feel free to use any of my photos which you can see in a slide show at http://www.flickr.com/photos/myles111us/sets/72157622962099627/show/
I have my own blog on Los Angeles which can be seen at http://la-economy.blogspot.com/ which shows many sides of the city.
Regards,
Myles S. Rose
Like most things in life, it is human nature to try to look at the beauty in life and turn our heads and vision from things that may not be comfortable to face. Countless industries, jobs, sub-cultures and groups of people are supported by this basic human trait. Magazines that focus on fashion, expensive property, cars, airplanes and the like are too numerous to be counted. I could go on and on.
I am not complaining. I am just asking myself why some of these publications which focus on one side of life do not make more space available in their publications to find a creative way to make some mention of those less fortunate and find some creative way to assist? I realize that many large companies and individuals contribute to these causes every day. I know there are good people in the world. I have had many of my own good friends step forward and help me in my own activity and effort to help a handful of the homeless on the streets of Los Angeles.
What is the point of this post? I think all I am accomplishing here is to show that I am a typical human being who can be emotional and overwhelmed by certain things in life just as most of us can be depending on the situation.
I have been spending a lot of time in the street with the homeless of Los Angeles. I spend most of my evenings on skid row and am learning that it does carry a price. In my case the price at times can be a bit of anger toward those that in many cases have worked very hard to obtain a life that they deserve, a good life. At times I have the same anger that many of the people of the streets have. Maybe I see their point? Maybe I am being more like the environment that I fit into on occasion? It is probably many things.
Part of my time downtown has the benefit of learning about the lives of others. Part of the time I learn more about the city where I was born and raised. Part of the time I learn more about myself. Part of the time I feel as if I am doing something that carries a lot of value; making a long night a little more tolerable for others in a small way. I also feel as if I am doing something to help some of the veterans on the street who are my brothers in some ways.
In my younger years I went to military school. Later in life I went into the military. I thought I knew all about the psycology of military life and boot camp and thought I was immune to the tactics of boot camp. During graduation from boot camp when the Star Spangled Banner was played I wept as did everybody else. Yes, they had gotten to me even though was sure I was immune. Yesterday I attended a photographic art show and two of the photos reminded me of my past back in the fifties where young people were indoctrinated (for lack of a better word) into the America of the day. Today it looks as though the trend continues, especially in middle America?
Above - Middle America steps toward conversion to one way of thinking? It worked on me in the fifties. I enlisted in the U.S. Military at the height of the Vietnam war, conflict, action or whatever people with to label the event. These two photos caught my attention at the photography art show in Santa Monica mid January 2010.
Decades later on the streets of skid row I also felt I was immune to what was happening and how it impacted others. I could come and go when I wished and felt that I could help and be something of an outside observer and helper. I have food to eat and a place to live. I can come and go as I wish. I can walk away from the situation anytime I desire. I was wrong. I am not immune. There are times I become angry at those in nice cars. I can feel anger at people having a nice meal in a nice restaurant that can be seen through an establishment window where a few feet away somebody lies on the sidewalk.
There is nothing wrong with a website that directs attention to things of beauty and comfort. I should not become angry. The point here is that all of us have moods which change depending on many factors. Some people look at the darker side of life every day and have the strength, resolve, desire or whatever label one places on these attributes to direct their life and attention in helping others. These are people like Andy Bales and his staff at places such as Union Rescue Mission and the other shelters and missions in the Los Angeles area.
So... the point of this post? I suppose that feelings come and go. The letter below was written from one point of view and the writing above this letter was written with another viewpoint. Both views are mine and both views less than 30 minutes apart.
My letter to the folks at the website:
Your dtownla website has a lot of pretty images and nice information. I find most of your dining choices expected and typical, the trendy spots where the prices are high, the presentation is more important at times than the food, the decor and environment do a fine job to distract the people dining so they may overlook substandard service.
Downtown Los Angeles is not a unique city in some ways. The wealthy and affluent are just steps away from the highest city population in the United States of homeless people.
I am not trying to give you a hard time here. I realize that your website caters to people that do not want to take a moment to look at the less fortunate who may be sitting on the curb in front of the restaurant where they eat or lie in the alley of the loft where they reside. These people would rather look the other way.
What I am suggesting is that you have a link to some of the darker sides of Los Angeles on your page. Perhaps try to take a small step to help some be aware of some of the problems a stone throw away from the locations and establishments you feature on other pages. Maybe some of these folks would drop a few dollars to places such as Union Rescue Mission ( http://www.urm.org/ ) or one of the other places that are trying to change the face of Los Angeles to a point where there is less to see where people have to close their eyes.
You have many pretty images on your website at http://www.dtownla.com/ Perhaps you might make a section on your website showing a bit more of the total picture, perhaps asking your audience to help? Feel free to use any of my photos which you can see in a slide show at http://www.flickr.com/photos/myles111us/sets/72157622962099627/show/
I have my own blog on Los Angeles which can be seen at http://la-economy.blogspot.com/ which shows many sides of the city.
Regards,
Myles S. Rose
Friday, January 15, 2010
Sometimes we just need a break
For the last few weeks I have been spending a lot of time downtown on skid row in Los Angeles. I generally spend two shifts downtown so to speak; an afternoon and very late evening shift. In the evenings I pass out snacks such as protein bars, raisins, bananas and other healthy items to the folks who do not make it into the missions and shelters ... the folks that spend the evening on the street.
Today I thought I would take a break as I had not really taken a break for a few weeks. The folks I work with are all at NAMM, a music trade show in Anaheim that happens once per year. I am probably going to pass on attending this years show. I find the show much the same year after year and my friends who are there are people I generally see or speak to outside of the event. There are folks that travel from far away and spend a lot of money to exhibit at the show. It is not fair to sit and chat with them when they are trying to generate business in this economy.
So, with the thought of my break today in mind I am going to post a few photos I have taken in the past of some sporting clays events. This is a sport in which I participate and enjoy very much. Sporting clays is something like skeet or trap shooting but it is considered more difficult and challenging by most. The place I typically shoot is http://www.moorenmoore.com/ and there are more photos and some videos as well as video links at http://www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/moorenmoore.html on my GAB website. There is also a bit of explanation on the differences between the basic forms of shotgun sports.
Above: Chad Weaver (Brad Paisley) learning sporting clay shooting one day when we were on a break from a TV show taping.
Above: Carmello at Moore N Moore who keeps everything running properly.
Above: Mike Zozaya with a great shirt which fits the basic nature of this blog: Los Angeles.
Today I thought I would take a break as I had not really taken a break for a few weeks. The folks I work with are all at NAMM, a music trade show in Anaheim that happens once per year. I am probably going to pass on attending this years show. I find the show much the same year after year and my friends who are there are people I generally see or speak to outside of the event. There are folks that travel from far away and spend a lot of money to exhibit at the show. It is not fair to sit and chat with them when they are trying to generate business in this economy.
So, with the thought of my break today in mind I am going to post a few photos I have taken in the past of some sporting clays events. This is a sport in which I participate and enjoy very much. Sporting clays is something like skeet or trap shooting but it is considered more difficult and challenging by most. The place I typically shoot is http://www.moorenmoore.com/ and there are more photos and some videos as well as video links at http://www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/moorenmoore.html on my GAB website. There is also a bit of explanation on the differences between the basic forms of shotgun sports.
Above: Chad Weaver (Brad Paisley) learning sporting clay shooting one day when we were on a break from a TV show taping.
Above: Carmello at Moore N Moore who keeps everything running properly.
Above: Mike Zozaya with a great shirt which fits the basic nature of this blog: Los Angeles.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles served 134,699 meals in December
I am always impressed with these folks and this organization. Here is their December statistics report. It is pretty impressive to my way of thinking so I felt reposting it here may give others an idea of some of their work. When one looks at the increase in numbers from December 2009 compared to December 2008 it is just one sign of the increase in homeless due to the economy.
______________________________________________________
Here is part of our Statistics Report for December 2009 so you can see how many lives we touch with the help of our wonderful volunteers, donors, and sponsors!
Key December 2009 Stats (Compared to December 2008)
*URM= Union Rescue Mission
*WSP= Winter Shelters – Downtown, Glendale, Culver City, and West LA
*HG= Hope Gardens Family Center
Meals Served:
URM: 92,369 avg/day: 2980 6% increase
WSP: 39,548 avg/day: 1276 (no 2008 data)
HG: 10,800 avg/day: 348 (same)
Total: 134,699 avg/day: 4345
Nights of Shelter:
URM: 31,728 avg: 1023 43% increase
WSP: 15,397 avg: 497 (no 2008 data)
HG: 3,866 avg: 125 15% increase
Total: 50,991 avg: 1645
Children:
URM: 2767 avg: 89 33% increase
HG: 2229 avg: 72 28% increase
Total: 4996 avg: 161 31% increase
Project Restart Families*: avg: 15 families/night
*family defined as mother-father-child(ren) or single father-child(ren)
Quick Facts:
•It’s nearly impossible for whole families and single dads with children who are experiencing homelessness to find a place where they can stay together and receive the help they need.
We are caring for 15 of these precious families every night – most are experiencing homelessness for the very first time due to the economy.
$128.71 will help provide food, shelter and care for a family of 4 for one day.
$900.97 will help us care for one of our families for an entire week.
•Many who become trapped in homelessness have significant barriers to overcome before they can return to a productive life of their own. The longer one remains homeless, the greater the barriers become.
Union Rescue Mission has life transformation programs to serve the needs of men and women and families who want to break the cycle of homelessness for good.
$56.58 will help provide a day of care for one of the brave men or women who have entered our life transformation programs.
$396.06 will help provide a week of food, shelter and the training and counseling necessary for a successful and lasting transformation.
•From December 1st through the end of March, Union Rescue Mission provides shelter for an additional 600 people each night through our Winter Shelter Program. For some, the Winter Shelters provide the temporary assistance they need to get back on their feet and secure permanent housing of their own. For others, coming in out of the cold and interacting with one of the caring members of our staff is the first step in their journey towards life transformation.
$100.00 will help provide emergency services for a family of 3.
$ 257.60 will help provide an entire week of meals (dinner and a sack lunch for the next day) for 10 winter shelter guests.
______________________________________________________
Here is part of our Statistics Report for December 2009 so you can see how many lives we touch with the help of our wonderful volunteers, donors, and sponsors!
Key December 2009 Stats (Compared to December 2008)
*URM= Union Rescue Mission
*WSP= Winter Shelters – Downtown, Glendale, Culver City, and West LA
*HG= Hope Gardens Family Center
Meals Served:
URM: 92,369 avg/day: 2980 6% increase
WSP: 39,548 avg/day: 1276 (no 2008 data)
HG: 10,800 avg/day: 348 (same)
Total: 134,699 avg/day: 4345
Nights of Shelter:
URM: 31,728 avg: 1023 43% increase
WSP: 15,397 avg: 497 (no 2008 data)
HG: 3,866 avg: 125 15% increase
Total: 50,991 avg: 1645
Children:
URM: 2767 avg: 89 33% increase
HG: 2229 avg: 72 28% increase
Total: 4996 avg: 161 31% increase
Project Restart Families*: avg: 15 families/night
*family defined as mother-father-child(ren) or single father-child(ren)
Quick Facts:
•It’s nearly impossible for whole families and single dads with children who are experiencing homelessness to find a place where they can stay together and receive the help they need.
We are caring for 15 of these precious families every night – most are experiencing homelessness for the very first time due to the economy.
$128.71 will help provide food, shelter and care for a family of 4 for one day.
$900.97 will help us care for one of our families for an entire week.
•Many who become trapped in homelessness have significant barriers to overcome before they can return to a productive life of their own. The longer one remains homeless, the greater the barriers become.
Union Rescue Mission has life transformation programs to serve the needs of men and women and families who want to break the cycle of homelessness for good.
$56.58 will help provide a day of care for one of the brave men or women who have entered our life transformation programs.
$396.06 will help provide a week of food, shelter and the training and counseling necessary for a successful and lasting transformation.
•From December 1st through the end of March, Union Rescue Mission provides shelter for an additional 600 people each night through our Winter Shelter Program. For some, the Winter Shelters provide the temporary assistance they need to get back on their feet and secure permanent housing of their own. For others, coming in out of the cold and interacting with one of the caring members of our staff is the first step in their journey towards life transformation.
$100.00 will help provide emergency services for a family of 3.
$ 257.60 will help provide an entire week of meals (dinner and a sack lunch for the next day) for 10 winter shelter guests.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Just a quick post from the field. An audio clip and a bit more information
Thanks to the David at The Courtland Hotel on Wall Street across from the police station for the use of a computer. The Courtland is one of the SRO hotels in a row on the street.
Feel free to click on the link below. It is an audio file.
http://guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/audio/WS400017.WMA
This is part of my "sounds of the city" compilation.
Below are a few shots from last month along Wall Street across from the Police Station.
5 Ways To Help from Los Angeles Mission on Vimeo.
From time to time I will post information and links to some of the other great organizations in Los Angeles who are helping the homeless and hungry residents of Los Angeles.
I focus a lot on Union Rescue Misson in many of my posts but there are many great organizations in Los Angeles that deserve mention as well. All these folks work together in a common goal.
Some of you reading my blog have donated or contributed directly to me so I can bring food items and snacks to the streets in the evenings to the folks that sleep on the street. I am not a licensed charity and there are people that look for a tax deduction for their contribution. If you wish to contribute to a licensed organization I will list some of them on this blog from time to time.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Los Angeles
Phone:
213-229-9963 (Service/Intake and Administration) (Voice)
213-620-9141 (FAX) (Fax)
Website: http://www.svdpla.org/
Overview: The agency provides homeless support services for people who are primarily in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles. There are no geographic restrictions.
Administrative Description: This is a program of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a private, non-profit organization. It is funded by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, independent fund raising and the United Way. Services are provided by professional and paraprofessional staff and volunteers.
Site Hours: Monday through Sunday, 24 hours per day.
Access: This site is equipped with elevators and ramps; and is fully accessible to people who use wheelchairs.
SRO Housing Corporation
Phone:
213-229-9697 (Information Only)
213-229-9677 (FAX) (Fax)
213-229-9678 (Service/Intake)
213-229-9365 (Rental Office) (Service/Intake)
213-620-7146 (Information Desk) (Service/Intake)
213-633-4716 (Shelter Plus Care Program) (Service/Intake)
213-229-9680 (Service/Intake)
213-229-9640 (SRO) (Service/Intake) (Voice)
213-633-5464 (Transitional Program Information) (Service/Intake)
Website: http://www.srohousing.org/
Overview: The agency provides low-cost housing for homeless and low-income adults in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles. Some residences are targeted to people living with HIV/AIDS, severe mental illnesses, substance addictions and other disorders; specialized programs for seniors and veterans are also available. Services are provided in the downtown Skid Row area of Los Angeles. There are no geographic restrictions.
Administrative Description: This is a private, non-profit organization which is supported by HUD, the Los Angeles City Department of Aging, the Los Angeles City Community Redevelopment Agency, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and other public funds. Services are provided by social service professional and paraprofessional staff.
Access: The site has elevators for people who use wheelchairs.
Feel free to click on the link below. It is an audio file.
http://guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/audio/WS400017.WMA
This is part of my "sounds of the city" compilation.
Below are a few shots from last month along Wall Street across from the Police Station.
5 Ways To Help from Los Angeles Mission on Vimeo.
From time to time I will post information and links to some of the other great organizations in Los Angeles who are helping the homeless and hungry residents of Los Angeles.
I focus a lot on Union Rescue Misson in many of my posts but there are many great organizations in Los Angeles that deserve mention as well. All these folks work together in a common goal.
Some of you reading my blog have donated or contributed directly to me so I can bring food items and snacks to the streets in the evenings to the folks that sleep on the street. I am not a licensed charity and there are people that look for a tax deduction for their contribution. If you wish to contribute to a licensed organization I will list some of them on this blog from time to time.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Los Angeles
Phone:
213-229-9963 (Service/Intake and Administration) (Voice)
213-620-9141 (FAX) (Fax)
Website: http://www.svdpla.org/
Overview: The agency provides homeless support services for people who are primarily in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles. There are no geographic restrictions.
Administrative Description: This is a program of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a private, non-profit organization. It is funded by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, independent fund raising and the United Way. Services are provided by professional and paraprofessional staff and volunteers.
Site Hours: Monday through Sunday, 24 hours per day.
Access: This site is equipped with elevators and ramps; and is fully accessible to people who use wheelchairs.
SRO Housing Corporation
Phone:
213-229-9697 (Information Only)
213-229-9677 (FAX) (Fax)
213-229-9678 (Service/Intake)
213-229-9365 (Rental Office) (Service/Intake)
213-620-7146 (Information Desk) (Service/Intake)
213-633-4716 (Shelter Plus Care Program) (Service/Intake)
213-229-9680 (Service/Intake)
213-229-9640 (SRO) (Service/Intake) (Voice)
213-633-5464 (Transitional Program Information) (Service/Intake)
Website: http://www.srohousing.org/
Overview: The agency provides low-cost housing for homeless and low-income adults in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles. Some residences are targeted to people living with HIV/AIDS, severe mental illnesses, substance addictions and other disorders; specialized programs for seniors and veterans are also available. Services are provided in the downtown Skid Row area of Los Angeles. There are no geographic restrictions.
Administrative Description: This is a private, non-profit organization which is supported by HUD, the Los Angeles City Department of Aging, the Los Angeles City Community Redevelopment Agency, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and other public funds. Services are provided by social service professional and paraprofessional staff.
Access: The site has elevators for people who use wheelchairs.
An email from a friend
My blog entry for today is something a little different. It is a copy and paste of a letter from a friend.
Simon Higgs is a bit of an icon in the music business. He also is a stong supporter of the homeless. Some information on Simon: He is the owner of Higgs Communications. They specialize in digital music distribution as well as providing technical expertise on web and network issues.
Simon Higgs also provides consulting and artist relations expertise to musical instrument manufacturers (guitars and amplifiers). Past clients include Gibson Guitars, Zemaitis Guitars (Greco / Kanda Shokai), Lipe Guitars, Togaman Guitars, Sonic Images Records, & NSoul Records.
Higgs Communications also publishes "The Guide To Selling Your Music In The iTunes Music Store", by Simon Higgs, which is aimed at independent artists and labels and has sold in over 30 countries. More info on Higgs Communications can be found at http://www.higgs.com/
On to the letter. My style in answering email is to reply in the body of the letter itself in bold type or type font of a different color.
To: myles@guitaramplifierblueprinting.com
Date: Sunday, January 10, 2010, 8:16 PM
Hi Myles,
Sorry to have not touched base with you since before the holidays. I got slammed from a bunch of different things.
We've been working with some folks living in the National Guard Armory shelters. One girl we helped get in there ended up in jail (she couldn't make bail at the hearing for the situation that made her homeless in the first place) so I've been learning the ins and outs of the LA County Sheriff's dept inmate handling.
Which leads me to something else. Some of the people we've previously met downtown were only there because they came out of jail with no ID. Some of these people were working before they went to jail but without ID they couldn't apply for an apartment (requires a credit check), or access their bank accounts until their ID was replaced. They became instantly homeless and lost in the swirl.
I was wondering if you could do an informal survey to see who has CA ID and how long it takes a homeless person to replace it. I'm thinking this one issue may have some impact if the law could be changed to ensure every inmate gets their ID on release (they all have ID inside to keep track of them).
I will start asking folks if they have ID.
Also, how much is it to sponsor an evening of snacks & goodies?
I don't know how much at this point. It is very inexpensive. I have had money come in faster than it can be spent at times. There are some folks downtown that give me terrific prices on things like bananas, sometimes ten pounds for a dollar. Many folks give me some food items for nothing. I go to Smart and Final for breakfast bars such as quaker oatmeal bars which are not too pricy in bulk. The factor that is the holdback is my capacity to carry things while still having hands free at night. I have some friends at an SRO hotel that let me store things there so on most evenings I can come back a few times to replenish. On my blog I have a list of the contributors and their contributions are still holding up quite well.
Last question. Are you going to be at NAMM? Zemaitis aren't exhibiting so I'm not working for them this year (but I get to see the show - what a concept!).
I don't know about NAMM. I opted to not go a few years ago and found I did not miss it at all. It is always the same stuff and if something is really cool that is shown at NAMM and is something of the "real deal" it will be cool for weeks or months after NAMM. I will see it then, without being in the middle of the insanity and chaos of NAMM. Friends I could talk to at NAMM I generally am able to talk to outside of NAMM and NAMM is not a great place to converse anyway. Folks that exhibit who are friends need to spend time building their business and not chatting with me at the show when we can do that in a better setting and they have generally spent a lot of money to exhibit, the travel, hotel and other expenses. It is better them to use their time at NAMM to best advantage for their business in these hard times.
-- Best Regards,
Simon Higgs
Regards,
Myles
Simon Higgs is a bit of an icon in the music business. He also is a stong supporter of the homeless. Some information on Simon: He is the owner of Higgs Communications. They specialize in digital music distribution as well as providing technical expertise on web and network issues.
Simon Higgs also provides consulting and artist relations expertise to musical instrument manufacturers (guitars and amplifiers). Past clients include Gibson Guitars, Zemaitis Guitars (Greco / Kanda Shokai), Lipe Guitars, Togaman Guitars, Sonic Images Records, & NSoul Records.
Higgs Communications also publishes "The Guide To Selling Your Music In The iTunes Music Store", by Simon Higgs, which is aimed at independent artists and labels and has sold in over 30 countries. More info on Higgs Communications can be found at http://www.higgs.com/
On to the letter. My style in answering email is to reply in the body of the letter itself in bold type or type font of a different color.
To: myles@guitaramplifierblueprinting.com
Date: Sunday, January 10, 2010, 8:16 PM
Hi Myles,
Sorry to have not touched base with you since before the holidays. I got slammed from a bunch of different things.
We've been working with some folks living in the National Guard Armory shelters. One girl we helped get in there ended up in jail (she couldn't make bail at the hearing for the situation that made her homeless in the first place) so I've been learning the ins and outs of the LA County Sheriff's dept inmate handling.
Which leads me to something else. Some of the people we've previously met downtown were only there because they came out of jail with no ID. Some of these people were working before they went to jail but without ID they couldn't apply for an apartment (requires a credit check), or access their bank accounts until their ID was replaced. They became instantly homeless and lost in the swirl.
I was wondering if you could do an informal survey to see who has CA ID and how long it takes a homeless person to replace it. I'm thinking this one issue may have some impact if the law could be changed to ensure every inmate gets their ID on release (they all have ID inside to keep track of them).
I will start asking folks if they have ID.
Also, how much is it to sponsor an evening of snacks & goodies?
I don't know how much at this point. It is very inexpensive. I have had money come in faster than it can be spent at times. There are some folks downtown that give me terrific prices on things like bananas, sometimes ten pounds for a dollar. Many folks give me some food items for nothing. I go to Smart and Final for breakfast bars such as quaker oatmeal bars which are not too pricy in bulk. The factor that is the holdback is my capacity to carry things while still having hands free at night. I have some friends at an SRO hotel that let me store things there so on most evenings I can come back a few times to replenish. On my blog I have a list of the contributors and their contributions are still holding up quite well.
Last question. Are you going to be at NAMM? Zemaitis aren't exhibiting so I'm not working for them this year (but I get to see the show - what a concept!).
I don't know about NAMM. I opted to not go a few years ago and found I did not miss it at all. It is always the same stuff and if something is really cool that is shown at NAMM and is something of the "real deal" it will be cool for weeks or months after NAMM. I will see it then, without being in the middle of the insanity and chaos of NAMM. Friends I could talk to at NAMM I generally am able to talk to outside of NAMM and NAMM is not a great place to converse anyway. Folks that exhibit who are friends need to spend time building their business and not chatting with me at the show when we can do that in a better setting and they have generally spent a lot of money to exhibit, the travel, hotel and other expenses. It is better them to use their time at NAMM to best advantage for their business in these hard times.
-- Best Regards,
Simon Higgs
Regards,
Myles
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Taking a bit of a break from the homeless and unemployment issues for a moment. A few places in Los Angeles which are traditions where one can eat
Los Angeles has many places to eat where the food is great but the history may be just as big of a draw or factor.
One day I took my two boys out. The day started with one goal ... French Dip sandwiches at Phillipes. Two lamb sandwiches, double dipped, one roast beef. Graham and I split so we each had one half of each. Potato salad, cole slaw, a jar of mustard to bring home, cheesecake, the house lemonade, a nine cent cup of house coffee, crumb cake. It was a great lunch at a very historical place.
Both of these french dip sandwich places go back to 1908. I do not know which was first. Phillipe's is a landmark in Los Angeles. Phillipe may be the first according to the story of how the first french dip sandwich was an accident that happened there and became a requested item.
One day I took my two boys out. The day started with one goal ... French Dip sandwiches at Phillipes. Two lamb sandwiches, double dipped, one roast beef. Graham and I split so we each had one half of each. Potato salad, cole slaw, a jar of mustard to bring home, cheesecake, the house lemonade, a nine cent cup of house coffee, crumb cake. It was a great lunch at a very historical place.
Both of these french dip sandwich places go back to 1908. I do not know which was first. Phillipe's is a landmark in Los Angeles. Phillipe may be the first according to the story of how the first french dip sandwich was an accident that happened there and became a requested item.
Economy 101: Dropouts hold down unemployment rate
Here are a few basic overall figures: 40% of unemployed have been out of work for two years or more. There are currently over 15 million people unemployed. Unemployment is still growing regardless of what government reports may attempt to indicate on rare occasion. Many economic experts talk of a double dip recession. Big business is winning: Cutting expenses by going global while cutting payroll, full time employment, and reducing rate of pay and benefits. Wall Street shows the profit growth of business in general. Individuals who are employed are NOT the winners: lower pay and reduced benefits.
An AP news story on Friday gives some current details:
Economy 101: Dropouts hold down unemployment rate
By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER, AP Economics Writer Christopher S. Rugaber, Ap Economics Writer – Fri Jan 8, 4:20 pm ET
Nearly 2 million Americans have dropped out of the work force since last May — and if they hadn't, the unemployment rate would have risen a lot more dramatically over the last several months.
Either way, joblessness is quite high. The Labor Department said Friday the unemployment rate remained at 10 percent last month, the same as in November and just below the 10.1 percent rate reached in October. The October figure, which was revised down from 10.2 percent, was the highest in 26 years.
Employers cut 85,000 jobs last month, but hiring and firing isn't the only thing that affects the unemployment rate. Also important is the overall size of the labor force, which is the number of people working and actively looking for work.
The unemployed who aren't searching for jobs — either because they're discouraged or because they're returning to school or caring for a family member, among other reasons — aren't included in the labor force and aren't counted in the unemployment rate.
Since May, the labor force has dropped to 153.1 million from nearly 155 million, a 1.2 percent decline. More than 660,000 people exited in December, the most in any single month in 14 years.
Had all those people remained in the work force and hunted for jobs, the December unemployment rate would have been 11 percent instead.
What worries economists is that many of those people are likely to resume job hunting if the economy continues to pick up. That could boost the jobless rate to 10.5 percent or higher, even if the economy improves and employers start hiring again.
Here, by the numbers, are some more details you can find deep in the employment report.
FROM RED TO BLACK AND BACK AGAIN
85,000: The net total of jobs lost in December
4,000: The net total of jobs gained in November, the first gain in 23 months
127,000: The net total of jobs lost in October
691,000: Average number of jobs lost each month in the first quarter of 2009
69,000: Average number lost each month in the fourth quarter
7.2 million: Total decline in U.S. payrolls since recession began in December 2007
___
MISERY LOVES COMPANY
15.3 million: People unemployed in December 2009, down from a record 15.6 million in June
12.1 million: People unemployed in December 1982, the record before the latest recession
10 percent: Unemployment rate in December 2009
10.1 percent: Unemployment rate in October, revised down from 10.2
4.9 percent: Unemployment rate in December 2007, when the recession began
10.8 percent: Unemployment rate in December 1982, the highest since World War II
___
TOUGH TIMES FOR THE YOUNGEST
27.1 percent: Unemployment rate for teenagers in December
15.6 percent: Unemployment rate for those 20 to 24 years old
___
LONG-TERM JOBLESSNESS
39.8 percent: Proportion of unemployed who've been out of work six months or longer, a record
29.1 weeks: Average length of unemployment in December, also a record
6.1 million: Number of people unemployed for six months or longer, also a record
1.3 million: Number unemployed for that long in December 2007, when the recession began
___
WHERE THE JOBS ARE
46,500: The number of temporary jobs added in December
9,900: Jobs added in financial services and insurance
10,800: Jobs added in education
21,500: Jobs added in hospitals, nursing and other health care sectors
4,000: Jobs added in architectural and engineering services
3,400: Jobs added in computer services
___
UNDEREMPLOYED
9.2 million: Number of part-time workers who would have preferred full-time work last month
2.5 million: People without jobs who want to work but have stopped looking
17.3 percent: "Underemployment" rate in December if you include the above two categories
17.4 percent: Underemployment rate in October, the highest in records dating to 1994
___
An AP news story on Friday gives some current details:
Economy 101: Dropouts hold down unemployment rate
By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER, AP Economics Writer Christopher S. Rugaber, Ap Economics Writer – Fri Jan 8, 4:20 pm ET
Nearly 2 million Americans have dropped out of the work force since last May — and if they hadn't, the unemployment rate would have risen a lot more dramatically over the last several months.
Either way, joblessness is quite high. The Labor Department said Friday the unemployment rate remained at 10 percent last month, the same as in November and just below the 10.1 percent rate reached in October. The October figure, which was revised down from 10.2 percent, was the highest in 26 years.
Employers cut 85,000 jobs last month, but hiring and firing isn't the only thing that affects the unemployment rate. Also important is the overall size of the labor force, which is the number of people working and actively looking for work.
The unemployed who aren't searching for jobs — either because they're discouraged or because they're returning to school or caring for a family member, among other reasons — aren't included in the labor force and aren't counted in the unemployment rate.
Since May, the labor force has dropped to 153.1 million from nearly 155 million, a 1.2 percent decline. More than 660,000 people exited in December, the most in any single month in 14 years.
Had all those people remained in the work force and hunted for jobs, the December unemployment rate would have been 11 percent instead.
What worries economists is that many of those people are likely to resume job hunting if the economy continues to pick up. That could boost the jobless rate to 10.5 percent or higher, even if the economy improves and employers start hiring again.
Here, by the numbers, are some more details you can find deep in the employment report.
FROM RED TO BLACK AND BACK AGAIN
85,000: The net total of jobs lost in December
4,000: The net total of jobs gained in November, the first gain in 23 months
127,000: The net total of jobs lost in October
691,000: Average number of jobs lost each month in the first quarter of 2009
69,000: Average number lost each month in the fourth quarter
7.2 million: Total decline in U.S. payrolls since recession began in December 2007
___
MISERY LOVES COMPANY
15.3 million: People unemployed in December 2009, down from a record 15.6 million in June
12.1 million: People unemployed in December 1982, the record before the latest recession
10 percent: Unemployment rate in December 2009
10.1 percent: Unemployment rate in October, revised down from 10.2
4.9 percent: Unemployment rate in December 2007, when the recession began
10.8 percent: Unemployment rate in December 1982, the highest since World War II
___
TOUGH TIMES FOR THE YOUNGEST
27.1 percent: Unemployment rate for teenagers in December
15.6 percent: Unemployment rate for those 20 to 24 years old
___
LONG-TERM JOBLESSNESS
39.8 percent: Proportion of unemployed who've been out of work six months or longer, a record
29.1 weeks: Average length of unemployment in December, also a record
6.1 million: Number of people unemployed for six months or longer, also a record
1.3 million: Number unemployed for that long in December 2007, when the recession began
___
WHERE THE JOBS ARE
46,500: The number of temporary jobs added in December
9,900: Jobs added in financial services and insurance
10,800: Jobs added in education
21,500: Jobs added in hospitals, nursing and other health care sectors
4,000: Jobs added in architectural and engineering services
3,400: Jobs added in computer services
___
UNDEREMPLOYED
9.2 million: Number of part-time workers who would have preferred full-time work last month
2.5 million: People without jobs who want to work but have stopped looking
17.3 percent: "Underemployment" rate in December if you include the above two categories
17.4 percent: Underemployment rate in October, the highest in records dating to 1994
___
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