Everyone Comes With Baggage

98-Year-Old Woman Evicted By Real Estate Company (Video)

98-Year-Old Woman Evicted By Real Estate Company (Video)

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/98-year-old-woman-evicted-real-estate-company-video

A large, vocal crowd of San Francisco residents are upset with the real estate climate in their city. A booming market is causing real estate developers to value profits over people, they claim, and tenants are paying the price.
The latest example they point to is Mary Phillips, a 98-year-old woman who’s lived in her current apartment for over 50 years. Phillips and all other tenants in her apartment are being evicted because the property’s owner is shutting down the building and selling it to a new developer.
According to Raw Story, the the 1986 Ellis Act is being used as justification for this move. The Ellis Act is a state law that essentially allows property owners the right to take rent-controlled units off the market at their discretion.
Moving at any age is tough. Moving at 98 is just about impossible.
“I’ve been very happy here,” Phillips told KRON 4. “I’ve always paid my rent, I’ve never been late.”
KRON 4 attempted to contact the owner of Phillips' building, Urban Green Investments, but received no response.
Phillips doesn’t know how long she’ll be able to stay in her apartment, but she’s clear on this: she’s not leaving without a fight.
“I didn’t sit down and cry,” Phillips said about when she received her eviction notice. “I just refused to believe it…They’re going to have to take me out of here feet first. Just because of your age, don’t let people push you around.”
Here is KRON 4’s interview with Phillips:

Activists posted a message on the VanishingSF facebook page asking people to contact Urban Green Investments CEO David McCloskey to protest the eviction.
Sources: KRON 4, Huffington Post, Raw Story

12 Step Plan For Success

by Mike Rowe

http://www.westernjournalism.com/must-see-mike-rowes-s-w-e-t-pledge-inspire-every-american-reads/

This TV Host Just Gave Americans A 12 Step Plan For Success, And It’s Awesome

Ladies and gentlemen, today we present to you “The S.W.E.A.T. Pledge,” by Mike Rowe himself. Rowe crafted and shared it on his Facebook page this week and says he wrote The Pledge last year for three simple reasons:

1. I believe what it says, and felt strongly the world needs one more acronym.

2. I wanted to raise some money for the scholarship fund. (We sell them for $10, and the money goes to the foundation.)

3. I needed something declarative that everyone must sign who applies for a mikeroweWORKS Scholarship. Something that reflected my own view of work-ethic and personal responsibility.

This inspiring and uplifting Pledge reads as follows…

“THE S.W.E.A.T. PLEDGE”

(Skill & Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo)

1. I believe that I have won the greatest lottery of all time. I am alive. I walk the Earth. I live in America. Above all things, I am grateful.

2. I believe that I am entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Nothing more. I also understand that “happiness” and the “pursuit of happiness” are not the same thing.

3. I believe there is no such thing as a “bad job.” I believe that all jobs are opportunities, and it’s up to me to make the best of them.

4. I do not “follow my passion.” I bring it with me. I believe that any job can be done with passion and enthusiasm.

5. I deplore debt, and do all I can to avoid it. I would rather live in a tent and eat beans than borrow money to pay for a lifestyle I can’t afford.

6. I believe that my safety is my responsibility. I understand that being in “compliance” does not necessarily mean I’m out of danger.

7. I believe the best way to distinguish myself at work is to show up early, stay late, and cheerfully volunteer for every crappy task there is.

8. I believe the most annoying sounds in the world are whining and complaining. I will never make them. If I am unhappy in my work, I will either find a new job, or find a way to be happy.

9. I believe that my education is my responsibility, and absolutely critical to my success. I am resolved to learn as much as I can from whatever source is available to me. I will never stop learning, and understand that library cards are free.

10. I believe that I am a product of my choices – not my circumstances. I will never blame anyone for my shortcomings or the challenges I face. And I will never accept the credit for something I didn’t do.

11. I understand the world is not fair, and I’m OK with that. I do not resent the success of others.

12. I believe that all people are created equal. I also believe that all people make choices. Some choose to be lazy. Some choose to sleep in. I choose to work my butt off.

Hope this inspires you today!

Photo Credit: Mike Rowe