Burned Soul Movie

2011 - The movie, Burned Soul, provided an opportunity to work with a small crew, with basic makeup needs and some special effects. The shoot took place just north of Houston, Texas and included local actors and veteran actor, Daniel Baldwin.

Heroes: Homeless Charities

Click here for my slideshow

Stunts: A Look Behind the Scenes

The horror cult classic, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre that left audiences perched on the edges of their chairs in 1994,  is still talked about today because of the stunts.  Suntwoman Jody Haselbarth says that the more daring and dangerous work was performed by the stunt team.

In describing herself, the petite stuntwoman says, "I am a natural athlete, I have a strong background in dance, bareback bronc riding, gymnastics and bull riding." 

                                                                                                                             

Haselbarth, who is a former member of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), has been a  member of the Houston Stuntmen's Association since moving from wrestling to stunts over thirty years ago.

Although she has not yet received a call to work on the Texas Chainsaw Massacre sequel,  she agreed to share her experiences from the original one.           

Source: Abiiba Howell

Joining her is longtime friend, and stuntman, Oscar Carles, who “got started just out of high school after learning some things from a friend..”   The two recall a stunt at the one hundred year old Texas house that was a major player in the 1994 horror movie.

Haselbarth offers sage advice.

Source: Abiiba Howell

Whether you choose to rent the 1994 Texas Chainsaw Massacre or wait for the latest sequel, one thing you can count on is that there will be plenty of stunts going on behind the scenes.

Libraries for the Homeless: Revisited

The temperature today was reported to be in the upper ninety degrees in Houston, Texas, which was cool, compared to the last few days of temperatures over one hundred and three degrees.

Source: Abiiba Howell

The high temperatures may be the last thing that Ted Weisgal, an advocate for libraries to be available for the homeless, wants to hear about. Weisgal, Co-Founder of Leisure Learning Unlimited, believes that more can be done on  the part of the libraries and cities to help eradicate the homeless shelter issue.

Source: Abiiba Howell

     
                                                       
Because of the piercing emperatures, the Star of Hope shelter has seen a much higher number of people who are homeless seeking refuge. According to Marilyn Fountain, Director of Communications for the shelter, the homeless need help and we (the public and the shelter)can provide the help that they need.

The shelter spokesperson expressed empathy while discussing the emotions

Source: Abiiba Howell

Source: Abiiba Howell

experienced by the homeless when they have to seek shelter or assistance.

Source: Abiiba Howell

Since my report months ago, the National Alliance to End Homelessness stated, in the July, 2011 Conference on Ending Homelessness,"despite waning state and local assistance, rising need among vulnerable families, and challenges created by new programs and changing rules, this community has demonstrated its willingness to grab opportunities, use the best possible practices, and serve people who have been hit hardest and whose unmet needs are most severe."

The subject of allowing homeless people access to libraries has been discussed

long before M. Vocino referred to the
                                                Source: Abiiba Howell

Source: Abiiba Howell

homeless patron as "the problem patron" in 1976. (Wilson Library Journal, 50 (5)372-373).

Though the debate continues as to whether the decline in library usage should open the door for the homeless population,  cities, such as Houston, are opting to renovate libraries; it remains to be seen as to whether the homeless will benefit.

Helpers of the Homeless

There are many agencies and organizations that work on behalf of those who are without a regular and normal place of residence.


The purpose of this publication is to allow the voice of an agency to point out the myriad of reasons that shelters, agencies and organizations that work on behalf of the homeless, should be supported and utilized by the homeless and others.

Marilyn Fountain, Director of Communication=s for the Star of Hope Mission emphasizes, and educates us on, the reasons many find themselves homeless and the factors that lead them to seek help from the shelters.

Leisure...

C'est La Vie



One of the greatest things that humans take for granted is the ability to enjoy life.

This photo story seeks to connect us with the simple pleasures that are life-balancing and personally fulfilling as we devour the non-obligated hours of our day. The means of leisure are as important as the interactions they include.

With everything going on in the world and the fact that some live a life of "forced leisure," we do have the ability to choose special leisurely moments. It is then that we can include an appreciation for the opportunity to engage in leisure.

It is the life...

Homeless Humor?

Being homeless is no laughing matter, but some people use humor to get through their circumstances.

•