The Oscars: insider game or award for creativity and talent? When Cher won Best Actress for Moonstruck over Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction in 1987, the Oscars lost all credibility in my opinion. Glenn Close superbly acted her complex role as she transformed into a psychopath. Cher’s Oscar seemed more a symbol of Hollywood insider-ness, than one of achievement. Not that I would ever hold a grudge or anything.

The attraction of Slumdog Millionaire, of course is the triumph of the underdog over impossible odds and corruption. The shy hero became cautious but not corrupt or jaded, and he won the beautiful girl and the load of dough in the end. I don’t have the normal perception barrier that “it’s just a movie” so his triumph felt to me like a triumph for all of us.

I can only speak for myself but I believe this is universal: I draw my strength from the various communities of which I’m a member. Work is one community. For people who are now out of work, that network of camaraderie is now shredded. The need to rub shoulders with other friendly, supportive, non-judgmental people, who are going through the exact same thing is urgent.

I continue to puzzle over how to organize the monthly community gatherings that I’ve been talking about. I feel like Michelangelo chipping away at the marble and ending with only the magnificent David. New Community Vision’s mission is to facilitate gatherings in conjunction with community groups in every neighborhood in North America that welcomes the idea. My work is only about facilitating the infrastructure for the discussions to take place every month. What comes from the gatherings is the result of the people who show up, what is important to them and the resources they can galvanize.

Some of my favorite daydreams are neighborhood cooperative diners that provide friendly gathering places, affordable nourishing food, and a place for children to do their homework.

Another is intentional households, inter-generational, non-familial, where generations of people live harmoniously and supportively. With careful selection of housemates, all adults on equal footing (no landlord/tenant mindset), a sufficiently large layout, and a commitment to make it work (including training in harmonious living) this is a potentially great solution to the full blown housing crisis that is howling at the door.

Stay tuned as this concept takes shape and community gatherings get going.