If you would like to download or stream the sermon from this past Sunday (Advent week 3) here is the link http://www.box.net/shared/9hqd542vqd and as always it is available via the iTunes music store as well.

Small Man: “You look like you could tear me limb from limb—”

Big Man: “No, no… it’s Christmastime!”

“बेवक़ूफ़ और चूतिये में धागे बराबर का फरक होता है | धागे के हेंगे बेवक़ूफ़, और हुंगे, चुतिया और जो धागा खेंच लो, तो कौन है बेवक़ूफ़ कौन है चुतिया, करोर रुपये का प्रशन है भैया” — लंगड़ा त्यागी |

This letter to the Editor in the Edmonton Journal is a must read. “Street People are not Bad People”.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Street%20people%20people/2328259/story.html

I posted this letter on my Facebook page because it really moved me: to tears, to compassion and to action.

Below are some of the comments and my replies to this letter (initials only).

From BW: I agree that not ALL street people are bad… but when ladies are frightened to park near the Hys Centre because of confrontations with homeless people, then it seems to make them leery of all. Some of the homeless can be pretty forward and intimidating.

From Me: I understand and agree with you BW. On the other hand I worked downtown for years and never had a problem with the majority of the homeless I met. Especially those who I saw regularly. Why? I am certain it is because I always acknowledged them with a smile or a friendly comment. I have never carried cash and so I never had any to give when asked but I have always treated them as I would anyone until circumstances dictated otherwise. Yes, there were some seriously aggressive and menacing types but in my experience they were the exception, were often ‘new’ and the regulars usually kept them in line.

From DM: Good letter. It asks the question we should all be asking ourselves: “What if it was me?” I don’t think people realize how quickly one could end up in a situation where they’re faced with being on the streets.

From KK: I can think of people who aren’t homeless, and are more of a menace to society.

From DC: Most people are only one paycheque away from being at risk of becoming homeless. Imagine been a 15 or 16 year old teenager and being without a home right now (-40C). Thankfully we live in a City where there are some resources. Let’s fight to protect this investment.

From BMcM: There, but by the Grace of God, go I …

From IF: Debra, thanks for this. Deb, I agree. We need to fight to protect services like Boyle Street and Hope Mission emergency hot food/drink delivery. I saw the truck last night and said a silent prayer.

From KK: Watch this video… says it well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c4M2IJz-Bk

From Me: I don’t have to imagine as one paycheque away is such a distant memory.

If I was not married to the wonderful man I am and if I didn’t have such a supportive family I would have no options. All levels of government have repeatedly told me I do not exist ergo I am not (and have never been) eligible for any sort of assistance like EI, WCB or even Students’ Finance when I returned to post-secondary.

Yep, 20+ years of working in Canada and I am less than a second class citizen. I have always been taxed as an individual but when it comes to receiving any sort of supports the government always looks to my husband and says he makes enough money so I cannot receive anything. Huh?

I thought that the days of women being chattel of their husbands were over. They are not. He cannot claim me as a dependent though, interesting catch twenty-two. I have a better understanding of why women, youth and those who are injured or ill do not leave abusive or imbalanced relationships (which I AM NOT in). It is because there are so inadequate resources and assistance.

This has to change.

From Me: OMG KK, that video is a heart puller. I love Beverley Mahood and what a great illustration of how “unseen” the homeless and marginalized are.

From KK: You are very fortunate Debra, as I am in that I have an education, and a loving family and friends. There are certainly more government and other support programs available today compared to when I became a sole parent of three in the mid 80’s. However, there is always room for improvement! I agree re the Mahood video.

From Me: I agree I am very, very fortunate KK.

I deplore inequity though. This is something that must start being addressed by governments. If I or anyone (such as seniors) pay taxes as an individual or must pay into Employment Insurance (which is the case with seniors) I or they must be able to access the same services as any Canadian. Seniors must pay EI but cannot receive benefits because they receive pension. In Alberta a person must work more hours to even have a chance at being eligible for EI and if as in my case you return to the workplace after a Leave of Absence (LOA) such as returning to school or to raise a family then Albertans are further marginalized as they are considered “new or returning” employees and thus must have even more hours of employment before being eligible for EI. We pay the same amount INTO employment insurance however (based on rate of salary of course).

This is so wrong.

From KK: Debra, I understand and agree with your comments. I know many others who have similar experiences with regard to EI, and the elderly, etc. Perhaps you should start a new blog on this topic?

So what say you? I am tremendously interested in this and want to know what other people think or have faced (the good, the great, the so-so and the bad).

I believe strongly that more needs to be done and that change will never happen unless there are thoughtful and constructive dialogues leading to sustainable action.

“One step at a time until you arrive at the destination. Be sure to follow the guidelines up the symbolic mountain and at the peak remember to slowly savor the experience as well as reformulate perceptions and thoughts.”

Mercury enters the sign of pragmatic Capricorn on December 5th, 2009 and will remain in this sign until about early February 2010. Think of this as an organized extended stay within this sign. Our attention shifts into realistic, practical and grounded – bringing thoughts or ideas into physical reality with a strong foundation and in alignment with highest good.  The longer stay in this sign is due to Mercury soon to shift into the introspection instead of streaming data in the outer world rapidly. Why? Mercury in Capricorn at 21 degrees begins its Retrograde phase on December 26th, 2009.

Mercury in Capricorn brings the mental energy into a more stabilized grounded form. It may help you symbolically shape ideas so they may be used properly in reality. Each of us are invited to be responsible and speak with wisdom. It is important to slow down to really listen and then communicate.  The tone may be sober or thoughts could look for thrifty ideas for giving gifts. You do not have to have a miserly mental attitude, yet you may want to think practically.

For the holidays, if you need to get basic mailing, organizing, sorting, gift wrapping, shopping and such done – do so now. Waiting may put you in the “slow motion groove” over the next two weeks. Mercury in Capricorn at its potential has mastery over thoughts and helps to bring ideas into fruition over the long-term. We are invited to be patient, choose our words and thoughts wisely as well as perhaps let go of old rigid traditions that are drying up instead of adding life to whatever you do.

During Mercury Retrograde few suggestions to be work with the Cycle:
a.) Allow rest and rejuvenation phase for the central nervous system for three weeks.
b.) Rethinking, Reviewing, Reshaping, Redoing, Reorganizing  phase.
c.) Double check all travel, appointments, plans and such. Allow extra time for delays.
d.) Journal, Channel, Art, Poetry, Photography – non linear activities highlighted now.
e.) Go over past 3 months of ideas, plans, projects – clear out unwanted stuff to make room.
d.) Best not to sign important documents if you don’t have to. Wait until early February 2010 even to make important final decisions.

Mercury in Capricorn comes into direct contact with Pluto in Capricorn while making a tense (square) to Saturn in Libra between December 5th – 8th. This activation by Mercury stimulates the dynamic Saturn/Pluto square urging one to transform outdated perceptions, communication style or patterns of thought. You may find that as you move out of the right/wrong view you begin to feel empowered and acceptance of whatever experience is happening. There may be frustrations, delays or hiccups in communications. Take your time when communicating, remember the energy behind the words is what will stimulate receptivity or shutting down of the person to your ideas or thoughts.  Mercury will re-activate this point next year when it shifts into Direct or Forward motion. Take notice to the issues or themes that arise between December 5th – 8th.

With Mercury in Capricorn thoughts and ideas have to have a good long-term strategy so that the goals are met and there is success and achievement in the end. Take your time to really think practically, deeply and seriously about your life and the area in which the “Mercury Retrograde phase” is happening now.

2009-2010 Copyright - Dipali Desai. All Rights Reserved.

“Perhaps I’m Just Biding My Time. Perhaps One Day I’ll Just Hold Up My Hand. Get Your Attention Then Quietly Say ‘Are You Watching Closely’. Perhaps Say a Magic Word Or Two Then, I’ll Be Gone…..!” – Alfred Borden in Jail.

“Perhaps I’m Just Biding My Time. Perhaps One Day I’ll Just Hold Up My Hand. Get Your Attention Then Quietly Say ‘Are You Watching Closely’. Perhaps Say a Magic Word Or Two Then, I’ll Be Gone…..!” – Alfred Borden in Jail.

“Perhaps I’m Just Biding My Time. Perhaps One Day I’ll Just Hold Up My Hand. Get Your Attention Then Quietly Say ‘Are You Watching Closely’. Perhaps Say a Magic Word Or Two Then, I’ll Be Gone…..!” – Alfred Borden in Jail.

I just love this bit of dialogue from Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited.
Cruel in its simplicity.

—

I don’t believe you’ve changed at all, Charles.

No, I’m afraid not.

D’you want to change?

It’s the only evidence of life.

But you might change so that you didn’t love me anymore.

There is that risk.

Charles, you haven’t stopped loving me?

You said yourself I hadn’t changed.

Well, I’m beginning to think you have. I haven’t.

No, no; I can see that.

Were you at all frightened at meeting me today?

Not in the least.

You didn’t wonder if I should have fallen in love with someone else in the meantime?

No. Have you?

You know I haven’t. Have you?

No. I’m not in love.

A written dialogue is a time-honored way of explaining something that is complex or controversial. Galileo used it to present his ideas about the planets revolving around the sun. (Unfortunately, he took a few to many digs at the jesuits, so he ended up in some trouble).

A written dialogue would therefore seem to be an ideal format for the clarification of what statistical metadata is. When published on a modern blog, it also allows for active, ad hoc participation. Anyone can join, answer questions, elaborate, comment, etc.

UNECE/METIS will hold its next bi-annual meeting in the beginning of March next year. This seems like an excellent opportunity to publish the first metadata dialogue. This dialogue has the following plot:

A systems expert (with experience of statistical systems from the private sector) visits his first UNECE/METIS meeting. His goal is to learn as much as possible about what NSO:s and ISO:s have being doing, under the heading of “statistical metadata”. He has no prior knowledge of this area, so he will have to begin by asking very basic questions.

In a dialogue several people can take part. Here are some of the participants:

Tor Sundberg (professor at statistics sweden)

Stan Willman (expert at the U.S. bureau of labor statistica)

Lana Weliskova (consultant and former expert at the Czech statistical office)

Karl Blomgren (area manager at statistics sweden)

Martin Zug (IT-officer at statistics new zeeland)

Carl Lygesen (former director at statistics denmark, and now employed by OECD)

All resemblance with actual people is of course purely coincidental!

Coming to a blog near you – soon!