It seems to be a trait of international press to dwell heavily on what’s wrong with this world, and to blatantly turn a blind eye on the things that could alleviate the daily pain. It’s almost like suffering is the common lot, and the good things, even when they’re free, are the privileges of the “happy few”.

With the media constantly monitoring the economic depression, why not focus on the constant good things in our lives?

I just moved houses and was saddened at how quick the move went. I have been working in London a year and a half, and I had bought more furniture when I moved to LA to study for 9 months! I still didn’t feel like I was belonging, and that’s when my best friend told me about that Ali Baba’s cave of wonders: Ealing Freecycle! A forum you just need to sign up to, and that’s your “open, sesame” to all those pieces of furniture, clothes, bikes, anything you possibly want... for FREE! You just need to pick it up, usually in the early evening! It might not be the most glamorous outing in Ealing, but it’s still a useful one...

So far I got a huge TV, in perfect working order, and a massage mat! And what made it even better, I was welcome with more smiles than in a mobile phone store, with no money involved whatsoever! It’s a great way of discovering your community, and building a nice homey interior, full of charisma and history. None of my family is in this country, so it’s not like my Mum could give me her old dining table or a sofa... coming to London was really exciting but really uprooting and Ealing Freecycle made me believe in the inherent human generosity.

groups.yahoo.com/group/ealingfreecycle/