By Jill V. Mangino

Last Fall I joined 500 people at a special screening of Conversations with God in New York City, not knowing that the movie I was about to see would forever change how I view the homeless. Conversations with God depicts the true life story of New York Times Best-Selling author Neale Donald Walsch. The film portrays Neale’s soulful and emotional journey into his “Dark Night of the Soul” as a homeless man and reveals the illuminating moment that called him to become a modern-day spiritual messenger.

Neale found himself homeless, at 49 years old, after surviving a car accident in which he broke his neck. He was separated and divorced from his wife and supporting his children as best he could. Out of work and forced to wear a Philadelphia collar neck brace he was unemployable and homeless.

Neale’s plight, as depicted so poignantly in the film, uncovers the stark reality of the homeless situation in this country. It sheds light on the circumstances that lead many of society’s outcasts to find themselves without shelter and often without hope. I’m sure Neale never envisioned eating out of a garbage bin–one of the more uncomfortable and compelling scenes in the film. However, it can unknowingly happen to any of us.

As many as 3.5 million people experience homelessness in a given year (1% of the entire US population or 10% of its poor), and about 842,000 people in any given week.

While there is on-going legislation and initiates to address the homeless situation, many critics of social policy assert that a failure to live responsibly and lack of determination are what keep people homeless. However, such thinking is largely accredited with fueling a stigmatization of homelessness. It is not uncommon for Americans to think of the homeless as lazy, apathetic, irresponsible or worthless. Such people typically believe it is by choice that people are homeless. Many Americans complain about the presence of homeless people and feel that their requests for “hand outs” are unjustified. Likewise, many homeless feel they are ignored, despised or even hated.

Neale had one “angel” in the film a woman named Sunny who helped him get “cleaned up” for a job interview. If she had not seen his potential or had a biased view towards his homeless situation, he may have never been able to have picked himself up. Just one person, made such a huge difference and changed the course of his life forever.

While Conversations with God immerses you in the reality of homelessness, Neale’s story offers hope for those who find themselves down-and-out literally and spiritually. As Neale’s life unfolded on the big screen, it revealed a courageous man who rose like the phoenix from the ashes to touch all of our lives. And one thing is certain this movie will forever change the way you view the homeless.

Conversations with God is now available on DVD by Fox Home Entertainment. For more information about the film please visit: www.cwgthemovie.com

Jill V. Mangino is a freelance publicist and writer based in New Jersey. For more information please visit: www.circle3media.com

Walsch was asked what he learned from being homeless. “Judge not and neither condemn,” he said, then added with a twinkle, “You never know who may become your next New York Times best selling author.” He offers some sound advice for dealing with the homeless that you may encounter:
Don’t judge because we can never know what circumstances led to the person’s situation.
Be generous. Please, don’t ever pass any body on the street. We’ve all got a quarter or a dime or a dollar or a fiver that we can let go of. And you can make somebody’s whole day with fifty cents or a dollar. So try never, ever, ever to pass anybody in need. If you see somebody on the street that has his or her hand out, dig deep and try to be generous.

Look them in the eye and say hello. This simple, dignified human interaction could make their day. So many of them feel as if they have disappeared from society. Sometimes they just need someone to acknowledge their presence.

Get a window into their life, it could be very telling. Spend time, be present and listen to their story, if you feel safe and have the time to reach out and connect.

If you see a homeless person who looks like he or she could use immediate attention, please don’t ignore it. By calling the police/paramedics, you are taking the first step in linking people to much needed services and housing.

For more information on homelessness and how you can help please contact the following organizations:

National Coalition for the Homeless — a national network of people who are currently experiencing or who have experienced homelessness, activists and advocates, community-based and faith-based service providers, and others committed to a single mission. That mission, our common bond, is to end homelessness.
202-462-4822
www.nationalhomeless.org

The National Alliance to End Homelessness — a nonpartisan, mission-driven organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States.
www.endhomelessness.org

Since learning about solar energy, I have often wondered why we, as a society, have only been able to utilize this natural, clean source of power in a very minimal way. I personally have wished for a long time to have solar power for my home. Recently, a friend told us about a company that is building a $425 million manufacturing plant for clean energy, which will open in January of ‘08 and be the largest manufacturing plant for clean energy in the world. This company will pay for, install, own, maintain and operate the solar installation for your home and they will allow you to lock in your electric rate for the next 25 years. You can figure out your rate, which will be the same or less than what you are paying now, by using their solar savings calculator at SolarForYourHome.com

The model they are using is similar to the one used when the refrigerator was first invented. At that time people had an ice box, which was supplied with ice by an ice-man. Since few people could make the initial investment for a refrigerator, the manufacturer offered to allow people to rent the system for the same money they were currently paying the ice-man. The rest, of course, is history.

This company’s goal is to lead the world in solar power and to have 25% of the U.S. residential energy being produced from the sun by the year 2025. In addition, they wish to create a powerful, grass-roots movement for social, economic and environmental change. My husband, Tony, and I have already reserved our system. Not only will we be paying less for the electricity for our home than what we are currently paying, we will also be helping the environment. In addition, we will still have our regular electric company so we will now have the security of having two sources of electricity. And if the power should go out in our neighborhood in the daytime, then we will be able to flip a switch and our solar system will continue to provide electricity to our home.

I invite you to read the article in this issue called, “Is the Sun Finally Rising on Solar Power”, by Rob Styler, who is the president of this company’s marketing division. I also encourage you to learn more about this incredible offer at SolarForYourHome.com or by phoning us at 972-378-1211. I hope you, too, will take this important step toward energy independence.

Love & Light,
Felicia Weiss

In 1931, Thomas Edison had a conversation with Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone. He said, “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.”

We have waited 76 years, but an innovative company may have finally found a solution. The sun supplies enough energy to earth in one hour to supply all of our energy needs for an entire year. But currently solar power produces less than ½ of 1% of our residential energy needs. Why?

In the past, solar power has been too expensive and too complicated. To switch to solar, people had to invest their children’s college fund or sell their second car. The average consumer pays $40,000 to convert their home to solar—plus you are responsible for the installation, maintaining the equipment, getting permits—who has the time (or the money)?

A company called Citizenre has a bold plan to remove all of the traditional barriers to solar power. They offer: No system purchase. No installation cost. No maintenance. No permit hassles. No performance worries. No rate increases. No way!?

You simply pay Citizenre the same rate per kilowatt for power that you used to pay your utility company—but it gets even better. Citizenre will guarantee that your rate per kilowatt will not go up for 25 years. With ever increasing electricity rates, this gives consumers peace of mind and can add up to significant savings. They even have a solar calculator on their website that shows exactly how much you will save over 1, 5, and 25 years. I saved over $13,000 and by using clean energy, it was the equivalent of taking 24 cars off the road or planting 400 trees. Nice.

In the past, “going green” usually implied sacrifice. You get to feel good about saving the planet but most “green” products are more expensive than their “dirty” counterparts. With Citizenre, going green can actually save you money.

This is all made possible by net metering laws that require the utility companies to allow renewable energy to flow into the grid and then allow the consumer to pull that same amount of energy off of the grid at no cost to the consumer. Basically the grid becomes a huge battery. The meter spins backwards during the day when the sun is shining and forwards at night when the consumer pulls that power back off the grid.

These laws were passed because residential energy production was the number one cause of pollution in the US last year, but there are still 9 states that do not yet have net metering. If you live in Alaska, Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, or South Dakota, the Citizenre Solution is not an option for you yet.

Q. How can Citizenre afford to install this complete solar system with no upfront cost to the consumer?

A. Because we handle everything ourselves from the solar grade silicon to the final installation, we create savings at each stage of the production. Plus we are building the largest plant for solar power in the world. When you combine our vertical integration with our economies of scale, we are able to produce the final product at half the cost of our competitors.

Q. This sounds like Citizenre required a large amount of money to make all this happen?

A. $650 million.

Q. Now I know why no one did this before now. So the customer does not have to give any money to have this complete solar system installed on their house?

A. We require a security deposit, typically only $500-$1000, at the time of installation. They get this deposit back, with interest, at the end of the contract. If they don’t pay their bill and walk away from the contract, they lose their deposit and we come take the system off their roof. They are also required to pay a monthly rental for the solar energy system.

Q. And how is that rent calculated?

A. By the amount of energy that the system produces.

Q. But they are paying the same rate they were paying before, right?

A. Often it is actually less. We base our rates on the yearly average for their utility. So we have to base our rates on the prior year. Since rates tend to go up each year, many customers will save money on their first bill, and this will only increase as the years pass. We provide a calculator on our website that will tell specifically what they will save with their particular utility and their monthly usage. Many customers save over $10,000 just by switching to the sun. Our whole mission is to help people join the solution and stop being part of the problem.

Q. I like that. How long of a contract do they have to sign?

A. One year, five years, or 25 years. Over 70% of our customers sign the 25-year contract because that locks in their rate for the entire term of the contract. If they sign a shorter contract, their rate is recalculated according to current energy rates at the end of their term.

Q. What happens if I sign a 25-year contract and I want to sell my house in 10 years?

A. You have three options. First, you can ask us to move the system to your new house. We do that one time for free. Second, you can transfer the contract to the new owner. This can potentially add value to your house because if energy rates keep going up like they are and they are 60% higher in 10 years, then your buyer would get a 60% decrease on their energy bill because of your foresight. The final option is that you can contact us, tell us that you just want to end the contract and we will remove the unit. With this third option you do lose your security deposit.

Q. So is my security deposit the most I can lose?

A. Obviously if you don’t pay your bill there will be late fees or if one of our franchisees comes out to your house to remove the unit and you greet him with a shot gun and pit bull, we will have to take legal steps to recover our property. But if the customer is cooperative they should have no worries.

Q. Say I want a system on my house. How does it work? What is the process?

A. One of our Independent Ecopreneurs will help you each step of the way. There are some simple questions to answer about your amount of shade, the direction of your roofline, etc. After you sign the contract, a solar engineer will come to the house to design your system.

Q. What if I don’t like the design? Am I still obligated to the contract?

A. No. You can back out of the contract with no penalty. You don’t even pay the deposit until after you approve the design.

Q. Okay. I like the design. I want the system. What’s next?

A. The installation usually takes about half a day. The permit process can take as much as 90 days depending on how cooperative the local utility is, but we handle everything. All you do is sit back and feel good knowing you are using clean energy to power your home.

Q. What happens if something breaks or goes wrong?

A. We have a complete worry-free performance guarantee. If the unit ever stops working, one of our franchisees will rush out to fix it for free. The customer has no rental charges until the system is working again so we are motivated to get it fixed fast.

Q. What if my kid hits a baseball through one of the panels?

A. It is just like renting a car or a TV. You are responsible for returning it in good condition. We recommend that customers contact their homeowners insurance to double-check that the unit will be covered under their policy. Usually there is not a problem.

Q. Wouldn’t I save money in the long run if I just bought the system?

A. Actually, no. Renting can save you a significant amount of money, and it protects you from a large investment risk. We can help the consumer evaluate their options so they can make a solid decision. Our goal is to have solar power producing 25% of our residential energy supply in the year 2025. To make that happen, we removed every barrier we could find to solar entry. We make solar simple.

Q. I understand that your manufacturing plant is not completed yet, is that right?

A. Correct. The first systems will be ready to install in January of 2008.

Q. So why would someone sign up now?

A. First, because they lock in their rate as soon as they sign up. Second, they get in line so they can get their system sooner once the plant is producing. Third, it also helps us show the market how many people will go green if we provide an offer that makes sense on every level, including economically. To quote Ghandi, “Be the change that you want to see in the world.”

Q. So how does someone sign up?

A. They just go to SolarForYourHome.com or call 972-378-1211 and they can sign up for free right now.

The winds of spring blow quickly and storms may arrive with little notice. They can be blissfully cool on a hot afternoon or brutally snap trees or buildings as they spin across the plains. One thing is certain, spring offers change to us and through us. However, the big question for each of us is: Does life and opportunity happen to you or does it work through you? Sure, there are the unforeseen events like natural or man-made disasters. However, for most of us there is a level of choice. Take a deep breath, look within and ask yourself whether life happens to you or does it work through you? If you don’t have an answer, then take a personal survey today. How many times do you feel the winds of change move through you and how often do you fear it will happen to you?

This spring we have the usual potential for creation and destruction. It works through each of us when we speak or think. We have the opportunity to be generous or selfish: charitable or punitive. The most volatile period stretches between mid-April and mid-May. The eyes of the world watch as contentious names in the news swagger and dare each other. How will it unfold? I don’t know. I do know that there are planetary combinations for peace and treaties. Let’s ride the breeze of those rather than the winds of war. This is such a powerful combination of planets there could indeed be great strides made in Iraq and adjacent countries. There is hope, but we must create it.

April calls to the winds of change and says: “Bring it on! I feel lucky!” On the 8th Jupiter, the benevolent and indulgent optimist of the heavens, appears to stop, then slowly go backward until mid-August. When a planet appears to move backward in the sky, then he is as close to the Earth as he will come all year. The backward movement is an illusion created by the tilt of the Earth; the opportunity when this planet triggers your chart or your psyche is limitless. For all of us, The Jupiter station falls in a place in the heavens known for “wisdom won from betrayals.” It is time to look at your past and decide: will you hold onto the betrayal or expect something different? It’s really up to you and while this is easy to say, it’s a challenge when you have a history of disappointment. The change won’t blow through in one gust, but will gently offer your sadness a soft ride into the future. We’ve all had loss. However, when we live expecting it, then we aren’t protecting ourselves from disappointment. Rather, we are feeding it and miss the excitement of hope and the generosity that grows naturally when we sense and trust we will succeed.

April is a time when Saturn, the taskmaster of the heavens, slows to a halt. The cosmic accountant himself appears to stop at 24 Cancer. On the 19th he slowly begins to move forward and we see the rewards of the hard work we’ve done in the last 2 years. Saturn’s wisdom is the wisdom of time and age. This spring, Jupiter and Saturn dance together. They are in a tight mutual aspect all season and particularly strong this month because both are moving so slowly. Saturn gives tenacity and endurance; Jupiter offers us the enthusiasm to go forward. They are really working well together this spring. If you decide to be a slacker, that’s up to you, but the winds of change and opportunity are interwoven. Saturn and Jupiter working well together are analogous to the process of birth: expand and contract. Only, now we need to provide the internal push. From the 8th until the 12th of April, the Sun joins them. This is our life force and these aspects are harmonious. True, there were betrayals, but it’s time to direct your life force and tap into the cosmic flow. What will you birth?

April isn’t all ease and gentility: From the 24th through early May things tense up and heat up. Mars, the warrior, pulls into the eclipse path. The eclipse point is called Rahu, the dragon’s head. This dragon had huge jaws and is ready to gobble up his desires. This combination is great for getting what we want. However, it is not so wonderful for appreciating what we get nor having the wisdom to know beforehand if it will bring us contentment. This is a strong placement for business and capitalism: We are ready to push and risk. This should help the Market and enterprise. The dark side of this union is aggression. We’ll all feel the edge and want to push our way. Not the stuff of international conflict, but office drama and petty feuds grow with little gusts through the grapevine.

This time may be volatile on the world stage. The charts of several tempestuous world leaders are triggered at this time: The President of Iran, The leader of Hezbollah, Kim Jong II of North Korea and the United State’s own Secretary of Defense Gates and VP Cheney. Mars is good for action. Time to focus on success, liberation and treaties: They all require action and, during this time, by grace, the warring factions may turn to creative action. There is that choice at every level including our own warring thoughts. It is wise to be cautious when we travel between mid-April and mid-May. I expect news of a plot that was broken, but it’s important to be vigilant. Mars crosses the eclipse path (Rahu), then Uranus. This could herald terrorism. Expect nasty political attacks from all but the most enlightened candidates: it will bring surprises of all kinds and is most often chaotic. However, it is purely energy so the choice to look for a treaty even when there has been none is a useful action on every stage. Plus, Venus is very happy at this time and she will face Jupiter, the optimist. The combination of planets makes the time rich for the potential of indulgence, success, aggression and peace. From this list, which winds will you ride? How hard will you blow?

Mid to Late May: Time for change and excitement! Saturn slowly pulls out of aspect to Uranus, the planet of restless change. Saturn is the old guard. Uranus with Saturn is the excitement of revolution, but lacks the wisdom. Jupiter is still helping Saturn give birth to something new. As we move through May, we see what we’ve learned during the past two years and how we can make practical change in stages. This energy fuels political campaigns and donations flow all spring. By the fall we see how our creative investments in the future paid off. For now, it is important to invest and have faith that change is a part of life and structure (Saturn) is useful for change.

June is a gentle month. The planets are scattered around the heavens so there is no particularly stressful arena. The Month begins on an optimistic note and while there are trying days, there is an uplifting tune playing on the breeze. The biggest challenge is focus. So many options and only one you to choose! By late month Venus, the planet of love and money, joins Saturn, the wisdom of age and practicality. We see what and whom we love and how we “chose” even when we didn’t realize we were “choosing” them to be in our lives. We are sensitive to the values and struggles of our parents and ancestors. Mostly, I hope this time from mid-June into July blows in dynamic peace talks and strong treaties. As unlikely as it seems as I write this, I realize that the planets offer the potential of clear-thinking leaders, who want to learn from the mistakes of the past and hope that if we all hold onto the potential for selfless change, then it will be done.

How the Love Grows: With all the action in April and May, this is the strongest period for romance and passion. In June we are a little more reluctant to risk and perhaps wonder how we could have been so sure before. This, too, will pass, but June brides and grooms are a little more circumspect and uncertain. What traits do you love about each other? Make a list and look at traits like kindness, patience and peaceful demeanor. Add to it and when you feel the natural doubt of time, go over them with the person you love. Gratitude is healing, but commitment reflects the courage to take the step and the willingness to be together even when in doubt. A friend told me how he and his wife “knew” their marriage was the right choice for both of them. They prayed and fasted and waited for personal revelation. Sometimes we need to trust a power greater than ourselves and deeper than desire.

Where the Money Flows: The impulsive Mars transits in April and May are a little daring and great for spending. That could send the Market up and then down. It should keep it bouncing along, but if you are a cautious investor, pull out until June or decide to enjoy the wild ride. When Mars is that active, money goes to defense and legislators vote to spend. Lobbyists are really active, too. Financial scandals are in the news all spring, but a big one might break during the mid-April to mid-May period. Hold onto your inner peace and take the news in small doses, particularly at this time.

GWB: Saturn the slow moving planet of wisdom born of frustration prepares to leave his chart. It won’t be gone until later this year, so the spring continues to bring obstacles. He does have a very favorable Jupiter transit. This helps to keep his spirits up and the combination will both test and reinforce his faith as it compels him to look for order where there has been chaos. The spring is mixed for him, but hopeful, too.

Cynthia Novak is a professional astrologer. She can be contacted at metro 817-261-2984. Read Cynthia’s daily astrological message at www.HolisticNetworker.com/dailymessage/ or see www.CynthiaNovak.com

Have you ever dined at a restaurant and felt welcomed and nurtured? The food tasted heavenly, the ambiance, exquisite. How about the other experience—the fast food joint that shuffles you along like a piece of machinery on a conveyor belt. What differed? Which establishment had “heart?” Which was run by people “on the clock?”

All creations—businesses, relationships, art—contain the essence of their creators. The greatest classical works of art and music are infused with the spirit of the artist centuries after their death. Relationships, too, have a life. Ignited with great passion, a new relationship is easily sustained by the charged attention of the partners. The secret of a great relationship lies in the ability of the partners to continue pouring energy and passion into their co-creation long after the initial spark of physical curiosity has waned.

The care and attention you put into your job, relationship, or life is reflected back into the world for others to experience. Do you pour yourself into your work? Are your creations masterpieces? Do you embody your creations with attention to detail, excellence, mastery, passion, craftsmanship—with Spirit?

We think of ourselves as existing within the confines of our skin, yet our influence extends far beyond. The sound of our voice can comfort our child at a distance, even halfway around the world. We exist outside of time as well. Our life work, our contribution to the world, lasts longer than our lifetime. Parents understand this intuitively.

Your contribution to the world generates a permanent ripple in consciousness. How do you want to be remembered? What will be your legacy?

PS — Each April and October, Felicia and I throw a party we call the Wellness Expo. This spring, we’ve added an Earth Day celebration called EarthFest in Addison. We invite you to join us for two days of learning, networking, eating and dancing. In addition to the usual lectures and demos, join us Saturday outdoors on the lawn for a “Fire Dragon Sword” demonstration by Grandmaster Yuanming Zhang, and a group EarthDance led by MoveStudio. On Sunday, The Centre Studios presents a youth dance demonstration. (The complete Expo program is printed on pages 23-26.)

Best,
Tony Cecala