Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

  • How to avoid banking fees

    How to avoid banking fees

    For over a century, everyone has wanted a safe and easy place to store their money. The only problem is that in recent years, banks have decided to make their profits by charging customers fees for anything they can possibly imagine. We will look at some of the most common fees and how to avoid…

  • American Disabilities Act Day

    American Disabilities Act Day

    July 13 was American Disabilities Act Day across the USA, and I learned new stuff about myself and my oldest child. I’m an epileptic and my oldest child has Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which is a high functioning form of Autism. PDD isn’t such a mysterious disease anymore. In fact, Asperger’s disease is more mysterious…

  • Court date set for alleged serial killer who police say targeted San Diego’s homeless

    Court date set for alleged serial killer who police say targeted San Diego’s homeless

    A court date has been set for an alleged serial killer who police say murdered three homeless men, and tried to kill two others in early July. Jon David Guerrero, 39, will undergo a mental competency hearing on October 7 at San Diego County Superior Court for the alleged attacks. For weeks San Diego Police could…

  • One Year In, Cambridge Community Foundation President is Settled and Ready to Expand

    One Year In, Cambridge Community Foundation President is Settled and Ready to Expand

    Geeta Pradhan sounds cheerful, relaxed and confident as we begin our conversation. She gives off an aura of comfort and has a welcoming nature, greeting a stranger as if she has met them before. The positive demeanor is helpful when it comes to her job leading the Cambridge area in a cooperative push against social…

  • Boston’s Way Home fights to end chronic homelessness in Boston by 2018

    Boston’s Way Home fights to end chronic homelessness in Boston by 2018

    Photo: Zengzheng Wang Wang Boston has one of the lowest urban street homelessness rates in the country, thanks to its strong web of homeless shelters and other resources. In fact, the total number of homeless individuals in Boston has declined by 14.5 percent since 2007. However, the city isn’t stopping there. Boston’s plan to end veteran…

  • Santa Clara’s “Triage Tool” Pinpoints the Most Vulnerable on the Streets

    Santa Clara’s “Triage Tool” Pinpoints the Most Vulnerable on the Streets

    Providing proper supportive housing to homeless individuals can be the difference between life and death. But when the number of homeless people overwhelms the current housing supply, how can officials prioritize the neediest to receive shelter? The answer may come in the form of the Silicon Valley Triage Tool. Revealed in February 2016, the Triage…

  • The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless pushes for key legislation

    The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless pushes for key legislation

    With the formal session of Congress coming to a close, the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless is pushing for the passage of two pieces of legislation that promise to promote dignity and opportunity for those experiencing homelessness and poverty: House Bills 529 and 1129. The legislation, which aims to improve the state’s Emergency Aid to…

  • “Ending Homelessness”: Panel of experts discuss new book that details problems and solutions

    “Ending Homelessness”: Panel of experts discuss new book that details problems and solutions

    Photo: Gavia Strategies Timed to coincide with the release of a new book on solutions to homelessness, a panel of the book’s authors and its editor discussed prevalent issues facing the homeless community. Titled “Ending Homelessness: Why We Haven’t, How We Can,” the book features chapters on housing first, employing empowerment models and the changing…

  • Criticism abounds as b.good revives Long Island farm

    Criticism abounds as b.good revives Long Island farm

    Several years ago, many homeless and addicted individuals called Long Island home. The Boston Harbor Island was filled to the brim with social service programs. A farm helped feed those staying at a large shelter. A summer camp offered programs for adolescents from Boston’s at-risk neighborhoods. Closed to the public, the city-owned island helped 1,000…

  • Solving for Space and Time: Ending homelessness by fixing the DTA and MBTA

    Solving for Space and Time: Ending homelessness by fixing the DTA and MBTA

    Photo: Shinya Suzuki What does improving the food system and reducing vehicle traffic and air pollution (especially in urban areas) have to do with ending homelessness worldwide? Everything. Well then, how can Massachusetts lead the rest of the world in doing this? Massachusetts could first humanize the management system used by the Department of Transitional…

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