About

Social change is occurring in the very midst of new economic realities. Challenges brought about by the recession have deeply affected us.  With less money to live on, we now grapple with the complexities of employment/unemployment, health care, failed investments — and forced changes to a quality of life we often took for granted.

We are also growing into an understanding of social media, emerging technologies and alternative energy in both concept and practice. Even as the new uncertainties of our age surround us, we are embracing the compelling innovations of our modern age. In the midst of struggle, we are also experiencing a resurgence in humanitarian outreach for emergencies caused by both nature and our own political, social systems. As we create new, meaningful ways to live, we’ll understand how this challenging period of time has brought out the best in many of us and has served as a force for growth.

These are Different Times. This informational blog exists to tell the stories that serve as touch-points to our change. We will find in these writings our own timepiece. It will be, we  truly believe, a chronicle of resilience, strength, understanding and hope.

Some poetry from Lou Reed:

Standing on the corner, suitcase in my hand
Jack is in his corset, Jane is her vest
And me, I’m in a rock’n'roll band
Ridin’a Stutz Bearcat, Jim
You know, those were different times
Oh, all the poets, they studied rules of verse
And those ladies, they rolled their eyes
Sweet Jane, sweet Jane, sweet Jane

I’ll tell you something, that Jack, he is a banker
And Jane, she is a clerk
And both of them save their monies
And when they come home from work
Ooh, sittin’ down by the fire
Oh, the radio does play
The classical music, said Jim, the `March of the Wooden Soldiers`
All you protest kids, you can hear Jack say, get ready
Sweet Jane, come on, baby
Sweet Jane, sweet Jane

Some people, they like to go out dancing
Other peoples, they have to work
Just watch me now
And there’s some evil mothers
Well they’re gonna tell you that everything is just dirt
You know, that women never really faint
And that villains always blink their eyes
And that, you know, children are the only ones who blush
And that life is just to die
But anyone who ever had a heart
Oh, they wouldn’t turn around and break it
And anyone who’s ever played a part
Oh, they wouldn’t turn around and hate it

Sweet Jane, sweet Jane, sweet Jane …