In Search of Hidden Treasure

Goodbye to Gary- on a good note!

2008-11-05T19:36:00.003-05:00

Well before I pack up my computer and flee the Extended Stay I thought it would be worth it to quickly say how awesome last night was-- I didn't make it all the way to Grant Park, but simply being in Chicago was exhilarating.

I hope to come back and jot down the stories from Election Day and the thrilling news that Obama was elected our 44th President of the good ol' U.S.A.

This morning the victory became just a tad sweeter at seeing Indiana pop up BLUE!!!! It looks like a slim victory with about 24,000 votes determining the outcome. I know that it was our ground work pushing out every last voter in NW Indiana that contributed to that victory and am proud to have been a part of the effort.

Now- I'm off for a 10 day mini-vaca in Florida to see friends and family- I'm looking forward to sharing stories from the field, hearing of their election journeys, and envisioning what the next four years will hold for our lives and the direction of the country.

Signing off from Gary.

Mr. Thurman and I

2008-11-04T19:32:00.001-05:00

There are too many incredible stories from today to relay from my phone- just know that I dragged peple out of their house with their babies, half asleep, who thought they couldnt vote- but did. Exhilarating- here is to hoping we pull out Indiana.

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Walking turf

2008-11-04T14:34:00.001-05:00

It is a gorgeous day. International president andy stern and local 1 president tom balanoff joined us at the staging location as we set off in teams to walk turf at key precincts and make sure everyone is going to vote.

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Seiu volunteers gather at the steelworkers union

2008-11-04T10:17:00.001-05:00

it's about to get serious!

Brandon who I brought to the polls this morning waited 2 hours to vote.

2 lawyers were at the precinct where we were and actually represent SEIU so we had a lot to chat about.

I only saw 1 person leave the line and tried to coax him to stay- he said he would come back later. I truly hope he does.

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Starting the day at precinct 10 & 18 in Merrillv

2008-11-04T08:44:00.001-05:00

The line is an hour long, but everyone is getting to vote.

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On the eve of the election: My humble thoughts.

2008-11-03T20:44:00.010-05:00

I feel like I should say something provocative and astute, but I really only have excitement and anxiety welled up inside of me.

I can only imagine that tomorrow the American electorate will go to vote in record breaking numbers, stand in line for hours, overcome the odds and at the end of the day (or the wee hours of the next morning) it will be revealed that we got it right and elected the man who will lead this country with the vision for a better future and the sound judgment of a strategic and compassionate mind.Having served the campaign in Northwest Indiana since October 1, I take pride in the votes cast because of my assistance, urging, and in a couple cases actually filling out the ballot or punching the machine for disabled voters. That's what I think makes this campaign unique- there are MILLIONS of us involved in so many levels who take ownership over this true movement: by donating $5, 5 hours to make calls, 5 days door knocking in our neighborhoods or the battleground state next door, or 5 weeks relocated to do whatever is necessary for an Obama presidency to be realized.

I've seen some of the best in people-- waiting in line and letting elderly voters go ahead of them in fear they couldn't wait the 4-6 hours in Early Voting lines, or a spontaneous civil disobedience where voters in Gary refused to leave the voting line and started singing gospel songs until a court order came allowing the rest of the voters to cast their ballots that evening.

I've heard about the worst in people coming out in the form of racist sentiment from radio broadcasts, from Griffin the next town over, from Cincinnati, from Colorado, from Pennsylvania, and of course Florida. Vile, disgusting slurs hurled at Obama and his supporters. I cannot focus on that now- that is disheartening and makes me lose hope that we can heal the divide starting November 5.

Instead I am focusing my energy on the individuals I have met who believe so much in Obama and the power of community organizing, the promise of working people, and a better future. People like James Strolling, 86, who left Mississippi in 1968 to work in the Bethlehem Steel factory in Gary starting at $2.44/hour. Over the past 40 years he has seen his city crumble- yet has hope that his granddaughter Erica will be able to find a job in Gary and revitalize this town. Or Angela Jones, who is working on her college degree with two little ones at home and is determined that her children will get a better education and achieve more than she can dream. We drove around her college campus recruiting others to jump in my car and go vote- right then.

Tomorrow is sure to be an incredible day. I'm getting up at 5:30a.m. to pick up a voter who needs a ride and wants to get to the polls when it opens at 6am. I'm a precinct captain and will be at my poll from the opening until the last voter comes out with a smile and a sticker.

Please- do what you have to do to ensure your vote for Obama- and if you have early voted- please go out and volunteer for the campaign. It ain't over until every vote is cast and counted- as for me- I hope to be far away from the corn fields and factory smoke of Gary and at Grant Park in Chicago by the time the decision is announced.

A clear message.

2008-11-01T15:13:00.002-04:00

After dropping off the Strolling family (4 hours later!) I spotted this political message at an abandoned gas station in the Miller section of Gary.

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Lines are still long- but voters are tough

2008-11-01T14:19:00.002-04:00

Though the lines at the county courthouse have remained consistently Disney World-long, people have stayed in the 3-4 hour lines. Maybe it was the encouragement from Obama at last night's rally in Highland, Indiana, calling for people to early vote, or the fear of all day lines on the fourth. Either way it is an amazing view seeing democracy in action, communities coming together and the future of a nation held in the balance waiting to hear the results.

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Lines out the door to early vote!

2008-11-01T11:02:00.001-04:00

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Program begins!!

2008-10-31T22:56:00.001-04:00

The crowd is electrified by cheers, prayers and of course the hope for a better future.

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On the way to the Obama rally in Highland Park

2008-10-31T22:55:00.001-04:00

The anti choice movement is out in full force

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He is here

2008-10-31T22:51:00.001-04:00

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Crowd gearing up to see obama!

2008-10-31T22:41:00.001-04:00

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Obamamercial for Obamerica!

2008-10-29T20:38:00.002-04:00

By the end of the 30 minute "infomercial" put on all the major stations by the Obama campaign tonight- I was on my knees, in tears, praying to God that I would do anything- I will do anything these last 6 days- to ensure an Obama presidency- and for the good of the nation and more importantly the world- that Obama will lead and inspire for at least the next four years.

I hope you saw it. I hope you watch it again.

This was truly the "This is who Barack Obama is" moment that one of my friends has been clamoring for and hoping he would unleash - it showed his background. His development. The American stories that he cares about and the deep rooted pain he seeks to heal in the suffering middle class and disadvantaged in this country.

This is our moment- my generation's moment- to step up and set our country on a better path. It's gonna take a lot of hard work- it's going to take a lot of unifying a very divided country. I suddenly have felt a surge of hope that it is possible. I want to stay. I want to work. I want to do what is necessary to ensure our Democracy stays strong and reflects to the world what is possible when good people care about their brothers and sisters both in their neighborhoods- and across the globe.

Please- if you have an hour- if you have half a day- if you have a whole day- go volunteer for Obama.

More from Gary.

2008-10-29T17:09:00.001-04:00

I am waiting outsde the Gary courthouse as Ms. Pat Haley stands in line to vote. Her back and knees ache as she waits for the coiled line to inch up to the section of folding chairs.

Outside the courthouse, this steel monument marks the centennial celebration of this city in 2006. "The Fusion" stands proud surrounded by steel grated benches, planters, and garbage containers. For a downtown, it is desolate on this sunny and brisk afternoon. Ms. Haley regaled me with stories from Gary's Hey-day maybe 40 years ago; when you can wakey around downtown to Sears, jewelry stores, go see a movie, and get all your shopping done. Once Merrillville opened up just 10 miles to the Sout, the stores fled looking for new, more affluent, white blood.

Ms. Haley though was born and bred here, raising 5 children and decided to stay teaching in Gary. Her children too, have all stayed, raising families, running busnesses, and teaching in this town.

There is hope here. So much potential. Gary is not the frightening murderous placit was a decade or so earlier- thereis regroth that just needs some nurturing and the right tools to develop. Ms. Haley thinks town like Gary have a chance if Obama is elected- he understands- he won't pass us by- her eyes get big when she talks about voting this time around.

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Keep on keepin' on- even in snow showers

2008-10-27T12:02:00.007-04:00

Here's the "Obamarama Knockouts" international staff team with Anna Burger, Secretary-General of SEIU and President of Change To Win labor federation. Anna came to give the staff here an update from around the country about all the amazing work being done in 25 states.

It is beyond exciting to think that many of these long standing deep-red states are now light blue or in the toss-up pile. Indiana definitely qualifies in that category- having voted Republican since 1964.

The latest polls show Obama up about 5 or 6 points in the state- whereas the NW region is up 30 points. It is up to us to bring every single voter out to early vote for Obama and open up time on election day to vote as many people as possible.

On the ground - we are triple visiting turf- walking the same streets and some folks are getting tired, some are coming down with colds with the change of weather, and others just getting quiet. I don't think there is any time for that. We are part of history every day we are out here playing a role in this election. I guess it's my job to now inspire my hard-working team to keep up the excitement and spirit of hope.

Oh, and snow showers are expected today. Though the low is 43 degrees. Does anyone want to explain that to me?

Proud of my new poster

2008-10-23T22:23:00.001-04:00

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On my turf

2008-10-23T14:41:00.001-04:00

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Cold, gray day in Gary

2008-10-23T14:12:00.001-04:00

Im always amazed at how many kids i find at home during the week when they should be in school.

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Victory for Voters! Early Voting will stay open in Lake County

2008-10-23T09:11:00.003-04:00

Very good news came to the field yesterday afternoon- the Indiana Superior Court judge ruled that early voting satellite locations in Lake County can and will remain open through November 1.

Every day we were unsure as to if the sites would even be open when we arrived with an eager first time voter, or elderly person needing time and assistance to vote. Now, we can celebrate knowing that the GOP's tactic of voter suppression in this heavily democratic area will not succeed in delaying or deterring voters.

The judge, who took a walk-through of the satellite voting offices on Monday, made the point in her ruling that many people were voting (in fact, 1700+ in the first 4 days!) and that all the early votes will count.

That was a huge concern of voters here as GOP lawyers were perpetuating fear that their votes could be tossed if a negative ruling came down. While most elected officials in Lake County have already voted, we knew there was no way votes would be thrown away.

To see what I'm doing out here- check out this local CBS clip of one of our member political organizers (MPO) in the field recruiting people to early vote!

Imagine

2008-10-16T23:27:00.003-04:00

I want you to imagine a town where Neo-Nazis pull guns on community organizers who are trying to provide rides to the polls for elderly and disabled citizens.

Imagine a city ripped apart by jobs going over seas, closed factories and mills, and where "economic crisis" is a not a new catch phrase.

Try to imagine a court house that turns away a 93-year-old World War II veteran from voting who showed up with a Veterans Affairs ID, because they didn't believe a black woman could be a vet, and thought she stole the card.

Think of a street where every other house is abandoned, boarded up, foreclosed, or run down.

Envision a shopping mall where young children sell candy bars outside-not for a sports team, boy scout troop, or youth group- but in order to raise money to help pay their grandma's bills.

Yet despite all of the rampant poverty, broken community, and voter disenfranchisement ongoing in Gary, Indiana there are also some other moments I'd like to leave in your memory.

Imagine an office where community organizers come to work day in and day out despite the racial slurs, violence, and history of oppression that their neighborhoods face.

A town where home care nurses, care givers, and younger family members go out of their way to get registration forms, absentee ballots, and voter information for the elderly and disabled.

Turn on the TV to see early voting sites overflowing with voters because they just can't wait until election day to cast their vote for the first candidate they've ever believed could actually bring beneficial change to their families.

Put together a team of 150+ people who at the sound of "Fired up?!" will automatically and enthusiastically reply "Ready to go!" and set off to do the most important job they've ever had set before them.

The dream team of organizers, union members, SEIU staff, and volunteers are truly defending the rights of voters who have for too long faced disenfranchisement in Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago.

I just thought you should think about it for a moment.

Kerry's hot mess of a chicago hot dog

2008-10-12T20:23:00.001-04:00

While im enjoying my polish dog with ketchup and onions.

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Casualty at the next table over

2008-10-12T15:27:00.001-04:00

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Brunch arrives!

2008-10-12T15:15:00.000-04:00

Champagne mixes with fresh squeezed pineapple, orange, grapefruit, and strawberry juices perfectly accompanied our french toast dishes!

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Frushi!

2008-10-12T15:10:00.001-04:00

Brunch in Roscoe Village outside Chicago is delish at Orange. Kerry's old neighborhood is quaint and an idyllic fall locale- reminds me of Old Town!

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Heading out for Elirose

2008-10-11T12:08:00.001-04:00

In International President Andy Stern's speech sending us out to go turn Indiana blue- he called on our hearts to reach to the depths of our hearts in memory of fired Nova janitor Elirose Pierre Louis.

In an impassioned calling he said he was knocking doors today so that never again will a hard working woman be forced out of her job for standing up for a union, driven to work in the fields at age 52 without health care, and die needlessly. We are all turning voters out for Obama today in her memory.

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President Andy Stern addresses the crowd

2008-10-11T11:38:00.001-04:00

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Fired up!

2008-10-11T11:31:00.001-04:00

About 400 SEIU volunteers are gathered in Hammond, IL ready to knock doors and turn out the early vote for Obama

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At the county board of elections.

2008-10-10T17:38:00.001-04:00

We found an elderly gentleman needing a ride to early vote... So I took him!

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Halloween is just around the corner

2008-10-10T15:51:00.002-04:00

This house was decked out- they even had larger than life spiders hanging from the trees. Yes, I jumped and screamed a little.

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There are tons of foreclosed and abandoned house

2008-10-10T15:36:00.001-04:00

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Door knocking in Gary

2008-10-10T15:27:00.001-04:00

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No news is not good news

2008-10-10T12:17:00.004-04:00

We haven't heard anything about the federal hearing regarding opening early voting sites in NW Indiana.

Stay tuned, the hearing is set for today.

Yesterday I was out at the Save More supermarket in Gary, Indiana where voters were upset that their voice was being diminished. Over and over voters yesterday remarked "I can't drive to Crown Point," and "You won't be seeing me at Crown Point." Not only because they didn't have transportation- but also because of what Crown Point represents. The KKK has a stronghold in Crown Point, and most folks in Gary and Hammond rather take their chances and wait for November 4.

SEIU is offering rides for these disenfranchised voters, but it isn't easy to convince them to jump in the car with strangers for early voting- a new method to NW Indiana. People are skeptical that their vote will not count, and unsure why they should vote early instead of waiting to go to their poll on the 4th.

I had 6 people sign up for rides yesterday, and 3 said they would volunteer for the campaign. Not a bad day. I think our volume will only increase from here.

After the rush at the supermarket died down, my partner for the day and long-time Gary resident Mr. Thurman took me over to see the "finer side of this town." We drove through Miller and over to Lake Michigan. It was a perfect day, mid 70s and sunny. You could see the stunning Chicago skyline across the lake. I've included some photos below.

Disenfranchisement in NW Indiana continues

2008-10-08T12:31:00.005-04:00

You might have heard already, but the Republicans have effectively shut down 3 early voting sites in Lake County of northwest Indiana, only keeping one site at Crown Point, a more affluent area in the southern part of the county, open for early voting.

It was a dirty trick-- Republicans rushing in the Friday before early voting was set to start and heading off to a Republican judge Calvin Hawkins who granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) against satellite voting sites opening.

SEIU along with other unions and progressive organizations have filed suit with the state and federal boards- calling for hearings to open early voting sites and stop the GOPs attempts at disenfranchising a largely minority and lower-income community.

"We believe the citizens of Gary, Hammond and East Chicago have absolutely the right to the same services as the citizens of Crown Point," Bolling said.
Lake County Circuit Court Judge Lorenzo Arredondo ruled Monday that the three sites should be opened immediately, though U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen had set a hearing on the issue for later this week.
--from today's Post Tribune article found here

So as we wait for a decision to come down Friday (was supposed to be Thursday but one of the attorneys has health issues- let me guess, the attorney representing the GOP interests) there are some things we all can do in the meantime to stand up for voting rights of all citizens (from Daily Kos).

I'll keep you updated as I hear anything on the ground here- but regardless of what decision comes down, community organizers on the ground in Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago are prepared to run "bus routes" with our cars to take these voters the hour+ round trip to the only early voting site and ensure they have every opportunity to vote.

I have never seen people more committed to getting their neighbors and family members engaged in this political discussion- everyone I encounter understands the severity of this election.

Last Voter Registration Day

2008-10-06T08:59:00.004-04:00

Quick update:

Today is the last day that people can register to vote in Indiana, Florida, and I'm sure quite a few other states. We are doing everything we can to ensure people in Northwest Indiana who are eligible are signed up and encouraged to vote. Ev-er-y-thing.

I've shouted out the car at passersby, checked around every entrance and exit to strip malls and big box stores (before getting kicked out by police or threatened by store managers), trolled parking lots, liquor stores, check cashing stores, diners, soul food restaurants, and fast food joints.

We have stood in the rain, the cold, the dark and fought through hours at a time without finding a single person needing to change an address or register for the first time. But whenever we get down we do a little gut check- each in our own way- reminding ourselves of why we are doing this. When one of us is down, someone else will be the cheerleader. It's nice having a team that meshes so well- a very unlikely team of friends.
Photo: This is the team of folks I work with on a daily basis- a mix of SEIU retirees, Local 73 and HCI members, and organizers from around the country.

On Saturday there was a larger push out here-- members, staff, and officers of Local 1 in Chicago, HCI (health care local), and others from Local 73 came out in mass and spread out by bus to neighborhoods and other locations all across the area. With their help, we hit our goal of 6,000 new registrations.

It is impressive, considering that we are not the only group out here signing folks up. The Obama campaign, other progressive organizations, school groups, fraternities, churches, and others have been sending volunteers out nearly as fervently as SEIU.

Well I'm off, but tomorrow is our day off- so be sure to check back for more.

Live photo blogging

2008-10-03T18:45:00.001-04:00

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A "Mighty Fine" Day

2008-10-03T12:18:00.004-04:00

We started our daily meeting with prayer- for our safety, for good results, for the continuance of blessings on all of us.

Before I knew it I was paired up with Mr. Jones and Emily* and we were out the door with a stack of registration forms. Mr. Jones is a real character- a retired school maintenance and janitorial worker, he has lived in Gary, Indiana for upwards of 40 years. He knows this town inside and out, and everyone knows him. He yaps away, saying plenty of things that only an old man can get away with, and always responds that things are "mighty fine." In one conversation, he can pull out this phrase at least 5 times.

Emily is a first generation American. Her parents moved here from Nigeria to attend college. We shared the same major and focus in college (Yay anthropology majors!), a similar work ethic and need to be busy to be happy, and I'm sure with some more time together a real friendship is waiting to blossom (collective "awww" inserted here).

Well I was surprised when our first stop of the day was to a soul food buffet. Being the newbie out in the field, my strategy is to go with the flow and see each member political organizer as my teacher. Over piles of mac 'n cheese, liver and gravy, greens, corn bread, and peach cobbler I started to learn a little bit about the SEIU members and organizers who have all given up their normal lives to help get Obama elected.

After second heaping portions, we wrapped up our conversations and headed out to register voters. A few groups went over to "The Village" shopping center. A run-down strip mall with maybe 15 stores horse-shoed around a large, mostly empty parking lot, The Village certainly did not look like prime pickings for voters.

Apparently, most folks here are registered, as the team hit up the FEMA flood disaster relief lines the past few days. I got lucky and the first man I spoke to needed to register. I filled out the form as he held his hot dog and newspaper. Yes! First one down. I was pumped.

An hour passed and we found that the other groups had set up tables inside and were catching most of the people. Hm. No where else to go Mr. Jones? Not really.

Emily and I started paroling the parking lot. A FedEx truck rolled in and I figured I'd ask- woo- a disenfranchised voter- he didn't even want to vote. I started rattling off issues that he would likely care about. After a few trips in and out- he got the point I wasn't leaving him alone. "Hey hold this box for me and I'll fill out your little form." I started asking him questions. Name. Date of Birth. Address. "You have until I get into the truck and drive away to finish." I quickly filled in the rest and got his signature. Phew- I can only hope when the card comes in the mail, he'll think about it and actually go to vote.

A trickle of people all day kept us engaged- and one man I signed up was head to toe decked out in 'Canes gear. Other than that, it was slow.

At the end of the day each person in my team collected 8 registration forms. I'm torn. I don't know the area- I don't know the "hot spots" but surely there is a better way to find other potential voters out there!

Well, I am going to still go with the flow today and see if I can push people to think of other ways we can get more forms-- a different neighborhood, driving farther out, switching locations, at least splitting up all the teams to different spots? I don't want to be the new girl who thinks she has all the answers-- but I desperately want us to turn out the maximum number of people to vote Obama!

(suggestions welcome- add them in the comments!)

*Names have been changed until I get permission to use them.

Every store is representing for Obama

2008-10-02T16:50:00.001-04:00

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Registering voters at the village mall in Gary

2008-10-02T16:44:00.002-04:00

It's payday in town so we are stationed at a strip mall. So far I have collected 2 applications. I'm hoping the crowds pick up soon.

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First impressions of Indiana

2008-10-02T11:11:00.006-04:00

Welcome to Indiana.

I did not get any such welcome except a 3.5 hour drive in the pouring rain, detour routes on unknown highways, my first view of factories as far as the eye can see, and more semi trucks than I've ever seen on I-95.

Despite getting lost in SE Chicago and again somewhere in Indiana, I managed to make it to my Extended Stay hotel and then off to the SEIU Local 73 office. I was worn out from 8 hours of traveling and being soaked from sudden showers every time I stepped out of the car, yet I was still thrilled to see volunteers pairing up and heading out to register voters. I checked in with the field coordinator and got all the details on our choice of Jill Long Thompson for Governor and our voter registration drive . After getting my bearings I went out grocery shopping and stocked up on the essentials. Yes, that's Sam Adams Oktoberfest. Heck, fall is my favorite season and I need to celebrate it no matter where I am. I'm sacrificing Halloween for Obama so I might as well enjoy a few nights in of rich tasty goodness.

Overall the hotel is nice- It's like a studio apt with a full kitchen. Sure there is a ton of construction going on but so far the banging didn't start until 9am which is bearable.

Merillville, IN where I'm staying reminds me a whole lot of my hometown of Melbourne, FL. Every store you can imagine is on US30- and I definitely checked out the neighborhood- there's a mall, Best Buy, Target, Old Navy, Sam's Club (booo!), movie theaters, Barnes & Noble (go there now and see the huge Wicked paraphernalia set up- not so subtle hint: great Xmas present for me would be the 2009 calendar) and a ton of restaurants- including my fave Olive Garden!

Not that I imagine I'll get any time to hang out in these places- but it's comforting to know if I need ANYTHING it's right there.

Which got me thinking... I feel ridiculously comfortable here. I have a car, every store easily accessible, a place to stay with everything I need... Oh My Gosh I enjoy "suburbia" or whatever this is way more than the big city life. (D.C. is definitely a big city to me).

In D.C. I feel limited. I can only shop for what I can carry, my back and arms are always sore from heavy lifting of groceries, furniture, or whatever else I get myself into. I just signed up for Zipcar, but even then I freaked at the idea of driving in D.C. or driving the pick up truck-and it's expensive.

Am I really saying this? Is this just me missing home a little bit? Will things get better in D.C.?

Well I don't know the answer to that, but I do know I am set up here and ready to go get a ton of people signed up to vote and vote Obama!

Voter reg. In indiana begins!

2008-10-01T18:41:00.002-04:00

Today starts my 5 week volunteer trip in Northwest Indiana to register voters and encourage them to vote for O-ba-ma.

I'm out here as part of my job because we know that the most important thing for working families in this country is to elect a president who understands their struggles and needs. Obama is that candidate and already has a proven record. I'm just thrilled that I get to work day in and day out to get him elected in these last few weeks before the historic Nov. 4 election.

If you ain't registered or if you are unsure if you are all set to vote, go ahead and check out Vote For Change which has a super easy interactive form that walks you through the steps of checking whether you are registered, where, and how to get registered.

I hope to update often with stories and pictures from the field so stay tuned!

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Uninhibited TV time Warning, don't try this at home

2008-09-18T15:28:00.008-04:00

I watched the Biggest Loser Tuesday night for the first time. I've been watching a lot of shows for the first time considering my new home in Tenleytown is the first time I've had working cable since college.

I can't say I didn't technically own a TV, because a well-meaning friend actually brought me over a chunky, heavy TV, misunderstanding that by "I don't have a TV" I meant the service--nor did I have any intention of purchasing it.I had this big box TV just sitting on the floor for awhile. Then in a large house in Little Havana that Alyssa and I shared in the glorious summer of 2006, we created a poster TV-- set perpetually to the weather channel. It was a fair assessment to put the temperature at 99 degrees, 100% humidity, with a 30% chance of afternoon t-storms for a Miami summer.

So ya I've gotten into some ridiculous reality TV in the past 2 weeks. I'm counting on you to judge me and mock me publicly so I stop.

I'm addicted to Project Runway. I think it's ridiculous and I don't even like Heidi Klum-- I much prefer America's Next Top Model and think Tyra is a much better role model-- but Project Runway is always on!
The Hills. I'm embarrassed about this one. Certainly the fault of my roomies. Come to think of it, Project Runway was their fault too.
House - which I knew I liked- but they have these marathons which are so addicting.

And now there's the fall line-up.

Heroes. Can Monday night 8pm/est NBC come any quicker please?! Bethany got me hooked via DVD of this little show- now I can't stop.
Dancing with the Stars. I heart all dancing shows and movies. Yup, even "bring it on"
The Office. This is the big one... That's what she said.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Just saw the first 2 episodes Thursday night- I got into this one when my friend Mayur and I spent a few Sundays lounging around watching netflix dvd's of this racy fx show.
ER final season! Sure I've fallen off the ER crowd for a few years, but my mom still religiously DVRs them for me in case I ever come home.

Back to the Biggest Loser.
I was inspired.
And horrified.
And eating dinner. A frozen Indian pretty healthy dinner at that. But I could barely get it all down.

I started leg lifts on the couch out of fear that I'm on the path to be a contestant. I have gained 40 pounds in the past 4 years. I decided on the spot I had to start working out seriously again.

But I had a problem.

Yes, in the form of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake. Let's not discuss why I had said cheesecake- but at least I had leftovers to bring home. Now it stood in my way to starting a new healthy beginning.

I finished watching the Biggest Loser seeing dozens of pounds lost- melting off- it was incredible. I went to bed and thought I'd wake up early to work out.

Instead - when I went to make my lunch the next morning, the 30th Anniversary cheesecake stared back....and won that contest. I devoured the rest of the cheesecake with finger licking finesse until not even the dollop of whip cream was left standing. shame.

Yet, I overcame that cheesecake slice and have worked out 3 times since Wednesday- incorporating yoga, crunches, and yes, even jogging around my new neighborhood into my life.

So here's to being inspired and working out- even if the occasional chocolately battle is lost at Hello Cupcake! or Tangy Sweet.

All the news I need...

2008-09-10T10:38:00.010-04:00

I wanted to update but simply don't have the mental energy to write anything meaningful about Palin's ridiculosity, McCain's lies, or one way you can help Obama get in the White House.

So I thought I'd chat about the weather. (You know, the most important news of the day. You know you care about it, don't lie.)

Before you even leave the house you can check out Umbrella Today?
You can even receive mobile updates-- I haven't tried that feature yet, but I like the no fuss nature of this site. There's no "20% chance of light rain from the north west if that low pressure system moves in at about 5mph" talk. No, no, no! You get a straightforward answer, which is refreshing.

With all the hurricanes churning in the Atlantic I've found it necessary to keep up with the updates put out by NOAA. But you don't just have to check out the National Hurricane Center site- there are some more aesthetic tools out there.

Check it.

NHC

While classic is always in style, sometimes it's good to freshen up your look a bit too. This site has zero user functionality- you can't even zoom. Sure there are plenty of other choices such as looking at the 3 and 5-day path, the wind speed probability range, and the wind history....but it's just lacking that hip- "I'm Joe Cantore currently surfing the northern eye wall" pizzazz.

Weather Underground

Dr. Jeff Master's Wunder Blog is a true blog- complete with satellite images and photos with detailed descriptions about his take on the different reports coming in--though I still get the feeling that I'm just taking my local weatherman's word for it-- and again-- no cool features.

Stormpulse

Now this is what I'm talking about. Stormpulse is an interactive page where you can click to see the storm's progression, chart how many miles it is away from your city of choice, read up on the latest National Hurricane Center advisories, and is a complete warehouse for news, satellite imagery, and even this year's storm names! (ooooooh!) Only downside is this little disclaimer "Stormpulse.com is not an official weather source; it should not be your sole source for official advisories, discussions, watches, or warnings."

LA gas prices. ouch.

2008-09-02T10:24:00.002-04:00

Just had to record that the LA Avg Price (according to Enterprise) is $4.23. yikes!!! Good thing this is a work trip.

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LAX airport service workers on strike!

2008-09-02T10:21:00.001-04:00

This is from last week- workers are headed back to bargaining now, but they definitely made a big splah on labor day weekend.

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Grind this bean.

2008-08-05T14:23:00.007-04:00

Just today, everyone's favorite ~~legal addiction~~ coffee shop, Starbucks, announced a new promo that is sure to get you through the afternoon lull of food coma, 85 degree swamp heat (if you are in D.C., Miami, or anywhere else in the country thanks to global warming) and overall boredom and watch-the-clock syndrome waiting for that 5 o'clock somewhere to head it's way to your office park.
After you consume your mandatory morning venti iced 2-pump mocha-frappa-cuppa-soy latte, save that receipt! It will save you upwards of $2 for your afternoon jolt!

Yes, Starbucks must be facing hard times along with the rest of us. First came the announcement that they are shutting down 600 stores, laying off thousands of employees, and lowering growth projections, and now this: A deal for loyal customers by offering an honest to goodness price of $2 for your favorite grande-size iced beverage after 2:00 P.M.

Now, many health experts say drinking caffeine in the afternoon is likely to keep you up at night, potentially leading to the abuse of nighttime sleeping prescription drugs (are Starbucks and Pharma in on this?! conspiracy theorists, discuss!), but at only $2 why not binge on afternoon caffeine delight.

It's no secret that I'm not a fan of Starbucks- first for their irresponsible practices of underpaying international coffee growers and harvesters for their labor, offering few fair trade options, and overall their coffee just doesn't taste good (the injustice turning the beans bitter). But sometimes, they are the only caffeine fix on the block.

And with it the bathroom sink...

2008-07-25T10:22:00.008-04:00

It's no news that we are facing a hard time as a country. It has always seemed strange to me that while at war we were doing just fine- it almost seems justified that the economy would tank. I just fear that it's going to get worse (way worse) before it gets better. For thousands of families that has already meant losing their homes. Here are my morning thoughts on the issue.

The unforgiving market is less a bull or bear and more just people's hopes & fears realized. As we move into another month of economic downturn & stress on the housing market, the credit industry, and rising consumer prices-- one has to ask how did it get so bad? Sure there is a lot of pointing fingers at greedy corporations or lax regulators or just blaming the capitalist system we live in- that is expected and I fully agree we need to examine all those actors and our system- but is there a larger message out there?

I certainly haven't found it yet, but did come across some interesting views over the past few days- especially now that Fan and Fred are set to receive a taxpayer bailout that could wind up costing us more than $1 tillion. That ain't just spending cash, especially when families are feeling the crunch more than ever with rising fuel and food costs, increasing financial consumer product prices, and a continuing foreclosure disaster due to the subprime lending fiasco.

I want to share a documentary from the California Reinvestment Coalition which puts a human face on "foreclosure". In their own words: A conspiracy of greed in the mortgage industry and benign neglect by the Federal Reserve has taken the homes of thousands of Californians and leaves hundreds of thousands more at risk. CRC's documentary shows the need for stronger legislation to protect consumers, and stricter regulation of the mortgage lending industry.

What is clear now is that the way the government and regulatory agencies have been letting lending firms and the biggest banks in the country offer the "American Dream" of homeownership to families is not going to work in a profit driven market. Why not create a new sphere of lenders where growth and socially responsible practices build off of each other. Though perhaps government-sponsored enterprises(GSEs)such as Fannie and Freddie were supposed to have a tinge of that thought, it didn't work as the market took advantage of F&F's status and benefits and they wound up too big to fail as they touch 70% of all mortgages in the country.

Perhaps I'm drawn to explore the financial crises we have been facing over the past year+ as it is a new language to me- something I never thought I would have to understand or participate, but I have been flung face first into a new world where the powers that be operate (thanks work!). I've noticed there is a lot of comparison of the market to human emotions and qualities- anthropomorphizing our financial sector- that may be at the core of driving the bull or bear -ness of our market as it influences investors' will. As humans though, that is how we relate, but it's important to catch this and use the right metaphors or else we get lost in a sea of words amidst a sea of numbers.

What we need is a reorganization of the lending market that is more accountable to the public, whose operations are transparent, and a system that does not leave taxpayers to foot the bill. Joseph Stiglitz's commentary makes these points and smartly points out that there is a pattern of taxpayer bailouts with no regulation or cap on how deep our pockets run- "All of these principles were violated in the Bear Stearns bail-out. Shareholders walked away with more than $1bn (€635m, £500m), while taxpayers still do not know the size of the risks they bear. From what can be seen, taxpayers are not receiving a cent for all this risk-bearing."

So as investors would like to continue taking big risks, consumers and taxpayers are left footing the bill while the head honchos of mega corporations, private equity firms, and financial institutions walk away with larger than life severance packages- or even keep their jobs (as in the case of the TPG-led buy-in into troubled thrift Washington Mutual).

As taxpayers we need to stand up and tell our legislators we will not be responsible for picking up the pieces of risk taking ventures that lack transparency and glide by without any regulation.

Night monument tour - hey, you gotta do it once a season.

2008-06-24T21:36:00.002-04:00

Well, the Folklife Festival is underway on the Mall. This year they took a stab at introducing people to an organization...NASA. I am a big NASA geek to put it mildly- my coffee mug is an old school spaceport USA one with my name printed on it from 4th grade. It was a touch of home to have a smaller scale Shuttle sitting there, waiting for me- almost mimicking the Washington Monument.

My friend pictured here doing a handstand on the Monument was the reason for my late night monument tour- he flew in that day for an overnight trip (oh, the "benefits" of being a flight attendant).

We visited WW2, Lincoln, Vietnam War, Korean War, and last and certainly LEAST the White House. I tried to tell him it was a small, kinda unimpressive building hidden away- but he had to see for himself. All in all a good walk though I must say the walk from WW2 to Lincoln was a little rough- we walked right next to the reflecting pool and had mouthfuls of gnats the whole way. I guess that is why we pave over paradise and use bug spray.

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Gilberto gil in concert

2008-06-22T20:29:00.001-04:00

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Friends Reunited

2008-06-12T20:08:00.002-04:00

Alyssa made it to D.C. for a weekend before she embarks on a summer long internship with United Students Against Sweatshops in Honduras. She will be living with a Honduran family of women as she visits factories and workers seeking to empower workers often exploited by multinational companies such as shoe and clothing manufacturers.

She may be the most adventurous, driven, and committed young woman I know. We were both at the University of Miami together and participated in many of the same activities, mainly with the student organization Students Toward A New Democracy (STAND) in their effort to support unionizing janitors on campus in the May of 2006.

Here we are at Eighteenth Street Lounge, enjoying the humid evening with cold drinks.

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18th street lounge jamming out

2008-06-12T19:39:00.001-04:00

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Riverside Drive

2008-06-11T19:41:00.004-04:00

A lovely afternoon to take the boat out- apparently G. Gordon Liddy lives on this street.

I'm dog/house sitting in the woods of Fort Washington and was luckily around to get the invite onto the boat! A gaggle of geese waddled their way toward the water at our arrival at the dock. Sailboats in the distance circled and weaved around like they were butterflies playing catch, and the sun softened into a warm glow as we started off to Old Town for dinner.

Sure the boat almost got locked up by an over zealous Dock Master, but we managed to get out alive and set off to view the monuments, Georgetown waterfront, and the National Harbor lit up by the night lights. The airport was surprisingly beautiful, but the last bridge on the way home takes the cake. It actually looked like glittering Christmas lights.

The craziness of the city seems to just sit on the packed highways, police sirens, planes whooshing by overhead.... and we are calm and totally at peace, sitting in silence, taking in the moment.

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2008-06-11T19:41:00.001-04:00

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On The water

2008-06-11T19:14:00.001-04:00

An unexpected boat trip

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So proud to be here now

2008-06-10T10:27:00.002-04:00

This presidential election is sure to be history making, and already has (as every newspaper headline declared when Obama clinched the democratic nomination). I follow- I voice opinion- I'm inspired by what could be a shift in political participation for so many Americans. I don't really see myself in that category, I don't believe my life will change, and I certainly don't think there will be radical change for the direction of the country (in Obama's first term at least).

I am excited to see how people are moved and involved and following every step of this election cycle. Often, I wonder how people internationally view the race- think about how it may alter their relationship with the U.S. if Obama took office, and how monumental it was for our little experiment in Democracy to boost up the first viable female candidate and African-American candidate as the front runners for so many, long, drawn out months of suspense.

Below I am sharing an unedited e-mail from my long-time pen-pal in East Africa. She is a dear friend and more like a sister, and as we grow older (and thanks to the internet) speak more frequently, I have an amazing view into a woman much like me across the world. This is a beautiful take and reignited my passion for what we have going for us here in America.

"Hello!How are you doing?I hope all is well.I have almost been following the current presidential campaigns in the USA.Who do you support?I think either way,it is sure going to be a historical moment for you country,what do you think?Senator Hillary Clinton is a strongheaded woman,imagine she never gave up too soon even if things didnt seem good on her side.If every woman was that brave,strong and determined,imagine how this world would be!On the other hand,i think Obama is fulfilling his fore fathers dream,Martin Luther King and it is good to see that he i supported by both African-Americans and White people.That will be good history where theres equality among races,no segregation or disregard.I wish the best comes out of the elections.Am proud of both candidates because of their determination and strong personalities."

A sunny Sunday morning to you sir

2008-06-08T10:00:00.001-04:00

In the Plaza a Cristobal Colon (or for you blanquitos out there, Christopher Columbus). I'm sad that this is my last morning, though the heat and humidity are stifling today. I can honestly say, I feel comfortable in Puerto Rico and would come again in a heartbeat.

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I think we are on the right road now...

2008-06-07T16:42:00.000-04:00

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Still lost, but it's so beautiful

2008-06-07T16:20:00.000-04:00

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Lost in the hills of Rincon

2008-06-07T16:00:00.000-04:00

This is amazing. Even though we are on the scariest roads I have ever seen. I need some Xanax and a bottle of rum to even handle it. You are lucky my eyes are open-- the photos obviously won't do it justice, but I believe this is the only section where I saw a guard rail.

For the miles of winding, surprisingly well paved, single lane roads through the many lobos (hills) of Rincon I held my breath as Lynda drove "PR style" (with gusto if you will) to follow our Dive master and friendly local "J" up to his home on one of these hills! The drops were hundreds of feet down and there was no room for error. Trucks and vans came zooming around bends the other direction and miraculously both cars fit without tumbling down the sides.

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2008-06-07T12:00:00.000-04:00

As we approach Desecheo, we are overcome with a feeling of being sent to an ancient and untouched place- dinosaurs could be on the island for all we know. In fact the island is actually home to Rhesus macaques, large iguanas, and a variety of birds. No one is allowed to camp there, so it truly is the survival of the fittest on Desecheo.
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Island Desecheo.

2008-06-07T11:50:00.000-04:00

Beautiful.

We were an hour late, and arrived at the boat as the group was loading gear. I politely asked if we could join, but we were told no there was no way they could suit us up and get us on- they were ready to jump on and leave...but we were sweet as pie despite hearing the bad news, and as we walked away the captain called out to us and sad yes they will let us on. Why? Because I was wearing a UM shirt! "Miami Dave" just couldn't let a 'Cane be disappointed. More stories to come.

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Grass skirt

2008-06-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

On our cross-country drive to Rincon we saw a truck getting in the island spirit. Unfortunately, we missed our alarm clock and got on the road an hour late, then had a 20 minute detour at McDonalds. We are still an hour out of Rincon on a winding city street doubling as the only highway in the north to get to the west coast. We may not make the dive trip, but we have already seen 3 Condom Worlds making the drive worth it already ha! No, we will go to the beach and enjoy our day no matter what (yet, still crossing our fingers to make the dive trip at Taino Divers in Rincon!)

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Culinary fest

2008-06-06T20:30:00.000-04:00

In old San juan, the streets come alive and there is a raucous din over everything. Our table at tantra (indo-fusion) is literally in the middle of the street. More fun awaits.

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The best band in the land

2008-06-06T20:00:00.000-04:00

With selections from Sting, Latin, jazz, and rock, these guys are impressive.

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Culinary Festival- Street performers

2008-06-06T19:45:00.000-04:00

They weren't so good as "statues" but these statue-like performers were entertaining with their semi-robotic yet graceful impressions of a chef, waitress, and bartender.

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conductor

2008-06-06T19:30:00.000-04:00

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2008-06-06T19:01:00.000-04:00

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Culinary (and cultural) festival

2008-06-06T19:00:00.000-04:00

Here is a photo from one of the cobblestone streets in Old San Juan last night. The following is of one of the live musical performances...though entertaining only one couple that I saw danced along. Maybe it was too early in the night, maybe people just don't bust a move here ( i highly doubt that).

After a long day of snorkeling and diving (yay solo dive Lynda!) we are ready to relax and eat more good food at the festival. Last night's indian-latin fusion got us craving more fusion...we'll see what we find.

No pictures from today (they are on my water camera) but I can say Fajardo was a good day trip and a pleasant time on the boat and snorkeling around the reefs. I saw beautiful fish - ballyhoo, tarpon, blue something, neom greens and purples and turquoises! (obviously i am not a reef expert).

Tomorrow we are waking up at 4:15am to drive to the northwest coast, near Rincon to snorkel and dive around Isla Desecheo. Or should i attempt the diving crash course? hmmm...

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Here we go...

2008-06-06T18:00:00.000-04:00

Another night out at the culinary festival in Old San Juan. After a long day in Fajardo snorkeling and diving around coral reefs and in the sun, we are ready to relax with tropical drinks and food!
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A room with a view

2008-06-06T17:59:00.000-04:00

Outside our room at Da House Hotel you can look into the alley hosting the NuyoRican cafe and another restaurant. It felt like the party was in our hotel room!

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Cafe Berlin to start the day

2008-06-05T14:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, i know it is 2pm, but i am on vacation. I picked Lynda up from the convention center hotel and wound our way back to Old San Juan. She said it feels like Paris, hmm maybe I should plan a Europe trip. Now we are excitedly planning our days to come, surfing, diving, horseback riding? Stay tuned...

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A small, yet beautiful world.

2008-06-04T23:23:00.002-04:00

It is a small world. If you have traveled across the globe or even your home country you are likely to have a surprising yet familiar story of running into someone you know in the most unlikely place. Now, with social networking sites (facebook) and location updaters (twitter...) it is easier to keep in contact and plan with your friends or friens of friends in a far off location you plan to visit (or for the adventurous you can use couchsurfing network to meet up with stragers willing to lend a couch or share local knowledge).

Well, through facebook i found my fellow Cane and sorority sister Andrea in San Juan, currently working on the Obama campaign. I took the leap and drove 18km to kantare's, a lively restaurant and bar, dimly lit inside but decorated by bulbous christmas colored lights outside on the patio. They offer live music, and tonight the act was my friend singing to open up for her father's act. It was a delight and i met a group of hardworking Obama campaigners and even a former SEIU organizer!

We shared wine, quesadillas, rellenos, and stories from our hardest campaigns while the dreamy melodies on guitar and voice rose and fell as gently as an ocean wave on a calm summer's night.

I managed to get a little lost on the way home, but didn't all too much mind the winding one-way streets leading me to more parties and restaurants. I trusted my instincts and headed "oeste" until I remembered the sharp curves leading to spectacular water views. On my walk to the hotel, i saw even more SEIU folks enjoying the balmy playful evening, including executive vice presidents Mary Kay and Eliseo.

Now, after a very long day i am ready to sleep (as latin housemusic and cheerdul voices rise up from the alley into my room! Good thing for earplugs). Hasta manana!

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La Rogativa

2008-06-04T16:55:00.002-04:00

An impressive statue- what i can deduce is that the women of the city did an interpretive dance representing saint Ursula for a bishop in 1797. Continually amazed here, and dripping with sweat.

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BIRDS

2008-06-04T16:52:00.002-04:00

In the Parque de Las Palomas in the corner of the Bastion, hundreds of pigeons coo and flurry about. The sound is calming, and the children stand like scarecrows allowing the birds to perch and their mothers to immortalize the moment with a quick snapshot. Ok,ok the smell leaves a lot to be desired, but it is quite a thrill when they all take flight and aim directly for me! I ducked behind the information sign and am now carefully stepping around pigeons and moving on to see what awaits around the next corner.

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Above a plaza of dancing muses

2008-06-04T16:48:00.002-04:00

Near La Bastion de Las Palmas de San Jose.

This section of old San Juan reminds me so much of the capitol of the Dominican Republic, the rod iron balconies, the intricate paintings framing doors and windows, the sea breeze and large ships, the sense that you are walking on ancient truths and horors as you are surrounded by museums and statues. I feel so much safer here, though- than anywhere i have traveled before. Is it because i know it is still America? Or that I am more comfortable with Spanish now? People just seem friendlier, I feel more at ease.

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Mofongo de chorizo con chimmichuri

2008-06-04T16:01:00.000-04:00

I already knew I enjoyed mofongo (squashed, cooked green plaintains) from my days in Miami- but something about the tender steak and presentation just hit the spot (that and not eating since 5am at the airport).

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Puerto Rico- Old San Juan

2008-06-04T16:00:00.001-04:00

I traveled down to Puerto Rico on the last day of the SEIU quadrennial convention (June 4) to spend a long weekend with my inspiring and dedicated supervisor. I arrived and made my way to Old San Juan, a triangular peninsula on the north of the island. This section of the city is brimming with forts, castles, hills, cobble stone streets, tourists, sunshine, and stories to tell.

As I sat down to lunch at Raices (Roots) and looked out the window.... This is what I saw. The SEIU convention banner! "Justicia para todos. Pasalo! (Justice for all, pass it on.) We are everywhere. I think I will photoblog as much as I can on this trip as I don't have a digital camera with me.

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A little off message...but awesome

2008-05-15T16:35:00.001-04:00

A cap from the bronx contract 08 campaign in NYC. it's my power hat today. if you cannot

Read it, it says "will strike if provoked."

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Just in time for Mother's Day

2008-05-09T09:22:00.002-04:00

Go out and celebrate World Cocktail Week. It's for real.

How can you be mad at that face?

2008-05-08T14:37:00.003-04:00

More than 20,000 Broward County residents in South Florida faced power outages today-- but, not due to a typical afternoon thundershower.
A delightful iguana apparently disrupted service this afternoon. according to the Sun-Sentinel, "a critter got into the equipment [and] shorted out some of our equipment. "

All customers are now back online, but as for the critter... "Meanwhile, the iguana was discovered. It did not survive."

Poor iguana.

NYTimes in the house

2008-05-07T12:51:00.002-04:00

Labor beat reporter Steven Greenhouse speaks at the SEIU headquarters about his new book and life as a NYTimes reporter.

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thought of the day

2008-05-07T10:40:00.003-04:00

Part of my bulletin board at work.

This was my first attempt at using Utterz a site that allows you (as you can see) to upload to a variety of blogging sites or video sites from your cell. Upload video, picture, or text at anytime. Heck if I can do it, it must be easy.

I haven't been able to get into twitter, which is a similar social networking update service but it only has the capacity for text.

Thanks to the Okie Expat for the heads up on Utterz!

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Happy Hour rethought

2008-05-01T17:41:00.003-04:00

Seems like there is more to do on a Friday at 5 ...er 6 rather than get sloshed after a rough week in the office. The first Friday of every month, the Galleries of Dupont Circle open their doors and host an open house and discussions. While I may grab some wine first, it does sound like a good way to get to enjoy the neighborhood.

Is anyone unique?

2008-04-30T14:38:00.001-04:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
6
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

A fun break in the middle of your day.

Probably the best idea ever

2008-04-30T00:11:00.004-04:00

Microfinance projects have been getting a decent amount of press lately- since the Grameen Bank founder Muhammed Yunis won the Nobel Peace Prize in '06- but this project brings microlending into the average westerner's living room. Kiva has transformed microlending into a process where anyone can sign up to assist an aspiring business person in a developing nation to meet their financial needs in order to start their business and generate income for themselves.

This project is amazing for a few reasons:

Western donors love to know exactly to whom their funds go and this project gives plenty of detail on each entrepreneur in the developing world- how much money they need- what they plan to do with it- and photos.
It is easy. With an internet connection you can suddenly (from your office on K street) be helping a mother or group of women in Latin America, or Africa, or Asia achieve economic freedom and be given a chance to fulfill their dreams.
transparency/ accountability. The site clearly posts delinquency and default rates on each individual's page. Also Kiva takes no cut from the loan amount and instead asks for a small donation for their operating costs.
It is fun- With its social networking site set-up you instantly feel like you are helping achieve a goal- you can see other lenders who are on your project "team" if you will- and see how your small amount of money can add up with people from across the world to help change lives.
There are probably more things I haven't thought about that should go here-- but I'll let you comment and tell me what you think is cool about Kiva.

I just made my first loan of $25 to complete the funds needed for a women's group project in Senegal. I can't wait to see updates on how they do-- once the loan is repaid, I can then transfer the money over to another project. I can't say I've been this excited about a $25 purchase in a long time.

Is the wide blue yonder shutting down the Space Coast?

2008-04-29T11:45:00.005-04:00

Caption: A rendering of a Taurus II rocket at Wallops Island, Va. Florida suffered a blow in February, when Orbital Sciences Corp. announced that it would launch a Taurus II rocket from Wallops Island, bypassing Kennedy Space Center. [Rendering: Orbital Sciences]

Growing up on Florida's East coast gives you an interesting life view. A trip to the ocean is never far off and the sun sizzles year round- but more importantly there is a connection to something beyond-- and it's not just the horizon line over that sparkling ocean.

Being a part of the Space Coast brings you closer to the amazement of wonder of the space outside our sheltered blue home. At least for me, I know I make a point to watch every launch and hold my breath- keeping track of their journey through space, and even watching the NASA channel (which if you haven't before it is horribly boring) but just to watch the shuttle image slowly blip across the globe and here random radio feedback between the station and maybe even some words from the astronauts. (So cool!- serious dork alert I know).

With private enterprises (literally) launching into space and the imminent need for a new space craft (the shuttle has been around ohhh 30 years)surely NASA and KSC would be ahead of the curve and ensuring the stability of the Space Coast's continued launch site and expertise in the whole space exploration line o' work.

Not so. Like any government contract, it seems KSC may soon lose it's princely hold the space industry with the next U.S. issued fleet. How about the private sector? It seems that other sites around the world are less expensive and have less red tape guarding launch procedures. A list of other launch sites are found in the article.

This is worrisome for my home county because of how it can impact the economy. This month's Florida Trend has a feature addressing the future of the Space Coast in the space industry. "The state’s most immediate concern is the 3,600 jobs along Florida’s Space Coast that will be lost when NASA retires the shuttle fleet in a little over two years. NASA estimates its economic impact in Florida topped $3.6 billion in 2006; the average Kennedy Space Center salary is $72,000."

Florida has a chance to jump at the private business of space flight. The shuttle will stop flying in 2010 and the next craft won't be ready for launch until 2015. There is too much talent, dependency, and history on the Central Florida coastline dedicated to this industry to simply close shop.

Fun to do!

2008-04-29T01:02:00.002-04:00

Check out the Webby awards, where you "the people" can vote on the web's best (as well as categories in film, mobile, and ads). I saw some familiar sites on the list but definitely learned some new helpful databases for everything from travel, to social networking, to news.

Too easy to get away!

2008-04-25T12:59:00.002-04:00

Between work and personal travel I have spent just as many days out of the district as residing here! (a point to which my d.c. friends love to point out and grumble).

With Bolt Bus though, a whole new world, aka the Big Apple is open to me after just 4 hours on a luxury bus. 4 hours? Why not take the train you ask. Well that is a whole lot more money. Using Bolt bus the trips are about $20 or under and you ride in style and comfort on a luxury bus. I use the time to read and zone out- which in itself is a mini-vacation! Depending on your bus driver, you may stop half way for a potty break and snacks-- the bus does have facilities, but let's be honest- you loathe anyone who actually uses it. Oh- and they have free wifi on board!

So yes I'm going to NYC via the Bolt Bus for a second time this weekend.

addicting, inspiring, and entertaining all in one!

2008-04-24T23:42:00.003-04:00

You HAVE to check out Obama in 30 seconds. You can rate 30 second video clips created with barack's words and ideas as the inspiration. I got chills from a few- and hey- it's only 30 seconds at a time. So Easy!

Makes me want to change careers...

2008-04-14T10:38:00.002-04:00

For as long as I can remember (ok, since the fall of 2002) I have wanted to work in the global health field, and specifically in improving maternal and child health in developing countries.

I was inspired by the Millennium Development Goals and that a goal existed for both child and maternal health. The goals were stated in 2000 and here we are eight years later, and beyond the half way point to achieve these ambitious, yet necessary and long overdue goals to create a safer, healthier world.

Three-quarters of the 68 countries most in need of improving mother and child mortality rates have made little, if any, progress in meeting internationally set goals over the past three years, according to a series of new reports.

From the U.S. News & World Report article:
# Tanzania is one of the few African nations on track to meet the goal of reducing child mortality, showing a 24 percent decline from 2000 to 2004. The report credits good program funding and several initiatives such as insecticide-treated nets to prevent malaria, vitamin A supplementation, immunization and exclusive breast-feeding.
# South Africa is suffering major setbacks in meeting its goals because of pregnancy and childbirth complications, newborn illness, childhood illness, HIV and AIDS, and malnutrition. It is one of just 12 countries globally where the child mortality rate has risen since 1990.

Having traveled, studied, and worked (briefly) in health clinics in both South Africa and Tanzania- I feel a tug at my heart to jump back in this world.

Poverty, inequity, and sub standard health systems are such huge problems that will take decades to fix- I feel like I can go back any time. Is there a moment now to bring home the MDGs? Am I better suited to work in policy state side? I know when I go back to maternal and child health clinics and creches internationally I will not want to leave Africa again.

I scream, you scream...

2008-04-08T23:38:00.000-04:00

Yes, we all scream for ice cream, though during the Cherry Blossom Festival it was still a little too cold to be lining up in droves. Even the saleslady is bundled up.

Mobile post sent by tanyalias using Utterz. Replies.

All Tapped Out

2008-04-03T16:04:00.001-04:00

Did you know that 40% of bottled water is actually from the tap? Corporate Accountability International is running a campaign to help move people away from the environmentally damaging habit of bottled water and letting people in on the facts. Take the pledge today:

Let's pick up King's last crusade...

2008-04-01T13:18:00.004-04:00

We are still struggling today with a growing divide of rich and poor, a further separation between the haves and have nots.

Why is this a problem? Because it is unjust.

In a society that pays out tens, even hundreds of millions to ex-CEOs who caused economic crises, why are there children without health insurance? How is it justifiable that there are people starving, homeless, scraping by when the scummiest among our nation are living in mansions without a fear of hunger, shelter, or livelihood? It isn't. It's the status quo- but don't get too comfortable- people are fighting for change, change along the lines of the Poor People's Campaign.

On the eve of the anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, read: King's final crusade: The radical push for a new America from CNN here:

A crisis kept quiet.

2008-02-26T00:20:00.004-05:00

I've been on the hunt for more blogs that are my niche- be that D.C. area, women's interest, progressive politics, or international health -- I'm hungry. I came across one mentioned in Utne magazine today (feminism 2.0 article) feministing.com

I immediately read the second story (as of now) regarding an op-ed ran in the LA Times entitled "What rape crisis?" 2/25/08. After reading this piece, the op ed, the source article, and all 92 comments on feministing I was prompted to write the following. It is personal, real, raw, and well quite frankly, not something I've shared like this before.

A far too common tale- any college campus, any semester.
I have a personal story that may help the doubters out there; and I invite victim advocates to use as an example. I am a strong willed woman, not a victim or passive by any stretch of the imagination. In college, I maintained a stellar academic record and balanced extracurriculars. I helped found a national advocacy organization and participated in everything from marching band to student government.

I made the decision when I turned 18 to no longer engage in sexual intercourse until marriage (Sure, I was pressured into that decision when I was 11 by my church, but I finally felt like it was the right decision for me in my religious walk, and my high school boyfriend wholeheartedly supported that decision). Jump ahead three years to when I was spending a semester studying in a different city: I became the unthinkable 1 in 4 victim.

I had two male peers escort me back to campus from an off-campus party. I knew them from the cafeteria and conversations in the dorms. We were what you would consider casual acquaintances. Back on campus after the party, we shared wine and other drinks- and I became pretty intoxicated quickly (I wasn't a big drinker, and I had the false security of being in my dorm room). One of my male friends hung around- (where was my roommate? I ask now)and eventually led me down one stop on the elevator to his room. I don't remember agreeing to go with him or how he convinced me it would be a good idea at midnight on a school night to go hang out in his room. I don't remember that part- and the next thing I do remember is horrifying. He was holding me down by the chest and what I considered then as having sex with me. Coming to at that point was frightening. I didn't know what to do- it was dark, I was confused, I tensed up and stayed quiet. I waited for him to fall asleep and then slipped out of the room at some point in the night. As I was leaving- I noticed his roommate asleep in the bed no more than 6 feet away.(How did he not hear anything- was he used to this?)

I didn't call a rape crisis center or go to the police. Why? Looking back I think I blamed myself. I walked away from this encounter and blamed the alcohol and my foolishness for getting into such a situation. I called a couple girlfriends that morning and tried to describe what happened- and they didn't call it rape either.

The next couple times I saw him- I tensed up, felt a rush of adrenaline, and was so embarrassed. Then I figured, I messed up- I ruined my vow of celibacy- what does it matter and tried to make things right by talking to the guy. I thought if I tried to develop a relationship with him it would make it somehow ok, and take away the shame- that if this guy wanted to have me as a girlfriend and exercised poor judgment that once that it could be forgiven. Instead, I wound up engaging in a sexual act a couple weeks later and feeling even worse about the situation afterwards.

I immediately fell into depression- I gained 30 pounds in 3 months and felt so alone- yet I didn't know why. It took 6 months for me to realize that my experience was rape. (sparked by a print story on an Afghani woman gang raped during the war I had an emotional outburst and cried for days- somehow I realized that pain and unfairness struck a chord deep within me). You see, I always thought rape was a physically violent act and you would most likely die from it. Apparently, my closest girlfriends thought that too. Once I realized that it was rape, I sought counseling- and started to piece my life back together. After researching more and talking to more of my peers bluntly about it- I found a handful of my friends who had been raped or otherwise assaulted- a few of them spoke out at events like "Take back the night", a couple were pressing charges, but most shrugged and said it's a part of life that we have to deal with-- and many more didn't even consider drunken encounters with little recollection and no consent as assault and rape. When I finally told my mother what had happened she blamed the alcohol and said that is a part of life. She too has been misled and quite possibly had a similar experience to respond so coldly (when my mother would usually threaten anyone's life who hurt me).

In summary- though I am an intelligent, strong woman I was victimized and raped by an acquaintance and did not consider it rape at first. I did not have a working definition that occurs in reality- I did not have the resources or tools to combat the violence taken out against me or the support system to overcome it. Now, 4 years later I am able to say that the rape experience does not define me and I am so much more than that- and I am finally at a point where I think sharing my story- though it is still painful, embarrassing, and not the "physical violent" rape you see on CSI, but I believe my story is more common than pop culture's perpetuated misleading definition of and about rape.

Understanding the mortgage crisis...

2008-01-22T16:12:00.000-05:00

This site clearly explains just how f***ed we are in a nice visual format. Hey, it's a start.

Sayonara SotP

2007-12-20T15:30:00.000-05:00

I'm saddened to report that one of the best blogs, if not the best, in South Florida has been disbanded. Stuck on the Palmetto has shut down because of really a media blitz. Read about it here on Mayo's blog post "Blog eat blog world"

Now there is just a sad little goodbye note and strange video clip on sotp.I'll keep the link up on my blog roll for awhile longer.

the most productive thing I did all day

2007-12-19T17:27:00.000-05:00

GJAS Leadership Committee self-nomination

I first heard about the dire conditions of children’s health internationally at the launch of SCCS in the fall of 2002 and it changed my college major, career path, and my worldview. I aligned myself with Global Justice and served on the SCCS coordinating committee for a year and started a local chapter at the University of Miami which hosted our schools first “die-in” (which quickly became a biannual tradition), a meeting with Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and sent five delegates to a national conference. In the spring of 2004, I also interned at the GJ office, but through the years Global Justice gave me a whole lot more in return. The unique power of students in advocacy and the role they can play in reshaping the way development funds are facilitated motivated me to remain in non-profit activism throughout college and into my current job. I was thrilled to see that alumni started to organize and took a couple days off work to fly up for the GJAS planning conference this past fall.

The GJAS can serve an important function for GJ’s growth and sustainability as well as mentoring college campaigns. Serving on the leadership committee would be an exciting way to stay involved with the efforts of GJ while setting up the system for the GJAS to operate. The team of alumni planning the GJAS are great leaders, creative thinkers, and efficient planners with a wealth of experience and I would be honored to work with them to develop the GJAS into a functional part of the organization which can benefit students and strengthen the organization as a whole. Right now, I am out of the child health sphere on a daily basis, and would love the GJAS to be my productive outlet to follow global health policy and partake in GJ actions. Specifically I would like to serve the GJAS leadership committee as the communications or events and programming chair. In my current job I plan events and run communications, so both positions appeal to me and I would love to volunteer for either role.

Overall, I credit Global Justice for giving me a foundation of an “empowerment” rather than charity focus in development work as well as personally giving me leadership opportunities and practical tools for mobilizing students and running successful targeted campaigns – be it for child health, or my work today in the labor movement. I hope to continue participating in Global Justice efforts and would like this opportunity to be a member of the GJAS inaugural leadership committee.

business woman?

2007-12-18T17:44:00.000-05:00

This sun-sentinel story shows how one has decided to abuse the system for her own gain.

I'm not sure why I'm posting it-- something about it though made me chuckle. Hey, though she was exploiting those in need, she did have a good idea working out for her there-- almost vigilante justice getting people in the country, but then she got greedy.

(don't try this at home).

Liberating Fisher Island video

2007-11-29T15:21:00.000-05:00

Whose Beach? Our Beach!!!

2007-11-20T12:20:00.000-05:00

Fisher Island Liberation Day a Huge Success!

With more than 200 community members demonstrating in support of Fisher Island workers last Saturday, we were able to bring a message of justice to Fisher Island and hope to Fisher Island workers struggling to support their families and facing discrimination on a daily basis.

Please see the following press coverage of the day as well as photos from the action and a short video which captures the challenge of swimming to shore and the excitement of marching through the island.

While we as members of the community were denied access to the public marina slip, we did make it to the beach and even found the public pathway to the ferry. Once at the ferry as you will see in the video, we were not allowed to board to safely exit the island and were forced to swim back to our boats.

The workers are excited that we made it to shore and want to continue bringing the community presence as often and loudly as possible until Fisher Island addresses the abusive treatment workers face and improve the conditions on the island.

View the photos from the day of action: http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlosmiller/sets/72157603237226769/

Watch the Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psL61pVP8O4

Media Coverage:

1. “Finding Way to Fisher Island” Miami Herald. By Nicholas Spangler 11/18/07

2. “Fantasy Island’s super-rich face upstairs, downstairs rebellion” The Times. By Jacqui Goddard. 11/19/07

3. “Downtrodden Workers Dirty on the Filthy Rich of Fantasy Island” The Australian. (Crosspost of The Times article by Jacqui Goddard) 11/20/07

4. NBC6 coverage. Reporter Ian Wood. 11/17-11/18 http://media.vmsnews.com/MonitoringReports/111907/678006/A001237597/

5. World Have Your Say. BBC blog. “Fisher Island” 11/19/07

6. Other blog hits include: “The Union News,” “Critical Miami,” “Miamism,” “Stuck on the Palmetto,” and “Community Benefits Coalition” all link found here.

7. Rustbelt Radio. Pittsburgh, PA. 11/20/07 Interview regarding action and campaign. http://pittsburgh.indymedia.org/news/2007/11/28387.php?cover=print#Rustbelt_Radio_for_November_19_2

8. Radio Caracol. Miami. 11/20/07 Interview regarding action and overall campaign.

Finding way to Fisher Island

November 18, 2007
BY NICHOLAS SPANGLER

For over a year the Service Employees International Union has been trying to organize the 360 housekeepers, groundskeepers and security guards of Fisher Island, a private community so exclusive you can only get to it by yacht, helicopter or private ferry.

The Fisher Island Community Association (FICA), responsible for maintaining the island's common areas, ferries and island security, argues its employees -- who earn an average of $13.81 an hour -- don't want or need a union, and has fought to keep the SEIU out.

The fight has involved arresting protesters off the MacArthur Causeway, until recently the closest they could get; an incident aired on YouTube.com about a stolen SEIU banner; and the Ferarri driver who allegedly called a ferry operator a peasant.

But on Saturday afternoon came the invasion.

Nine vessels took off from Jimbo's, the bar on Virginia Key, and steered as close to the island as the law permits. Thirty swimmers swam to shore, unfurled their protest banners and started a racket.

Chants of Justice Now! and ¡Si, se puede! echoed off the $5 million condominiums as they never had before. Airhorns exploded, megaphones blurted.

SEIU lawyers had found a way onto the island. Turns out the beach in the most exclusive community in South Florida, composed of sugar-white sand imported from the Bahamas, is public.

Not only that: the covenant developers made with the county years ago seems to guarantee public right of way on a pathway leading from the ferry landing to the beach.

''It feels good to be back,'' said Wisly Jonatas, a security guard who says he was fired earlier this month for violating island policy on the ferry -- walking through the residents' parked cars to get to the employee cabin, an action forbidden because of the danger to the cars' paint jobs.

''They're nice cars,'' said Jonatas, who now works at the Port of Miami. ``Mercedes, Bentleys. But I was tired.''

Yellow plastic tape lined the beach, behind which stood dozens of security guards, Miami-Dade police and residents, some with cameras, some in golf carts designed to look like Bentleys. There were few smiles and no words exchanged.

When the swimmers walked down the beach toward the public access path, security guards kept pace. More waited at the path, which turned out was not much of a path at all: more yellow tape had been laid down on walkways and on the side of Fisher Island Drive, too narrow for two people to walk comfortably.

It did, per the law, extend to the ferry landing. Almost. The tape ended outside the security office. This created a bottleneck of sandy-footed chanting protesters. More residents in fancy golf carts showed up, including one woman wearing a three-quarter length fur coat and a fur hat. She drove a cart painted in tongues of flame, that looked like a dragster.

Mark James, FICA president, emerged from the security office and after discussion allowed the protesters to continue to the ferry landing. The path should have, after all, extended to the ferry terminal area -- James grudgingly admitted as much in a recent letter to the union, which you can read online at MiamiHerald.com -- but there would be no ferry ride back to land. The protesters turned around, walked back out to the beach and swam out to the boats that had brought them. Nobody was arrested.

It seems the covenant provided for a public access path, but no actual access; the path is a path to nowhere.

''That's correct,'' said Jose Cancela, a public relations man recently hired by FICA, later that afternoon.

Cancela didn't feel much had been accomplished. A publicity-hungry union had chosen a fat target, the richest community in the United States, populated by people who are sensitive, if not to the cause of social justice, then at least to the cause of their own quality of life and their privacy; but they'd only mustered 30 protesters, some flown in and some high school students.

''It's obvious that the employees are very happy,'' he said. ``They were fully guaranteed every right [to protest] and they chose not to.''

This was almost true. Housekeeper Marette Casseus came to see the boats off but didn't swim, because she injured her knee in an accident at work in the summer. She'd been making $8.50 at the time. 'Nobody ever called me, even one day, to ask me, `Marette, how do you feel? How are you?' They proved to me they don't care.''
###

Fantasy Island’s super-rich face upstairs, downstairs rebellion

November 19, 2007

Jacqui Goddard in Miami

It is America’s wealthiest postcode – 216 acres of tropical gorgeousness and palatial living reachable only by private ferry, yacht or helicopter.

Surrounded by sand imported from the Bahamas, planted with orchids and palms brought from the Indian Ocean and South Pacific, and a-twitter with the sound of caged toucans and macaws that enjoy daily outings with a bird walker, Fisher Island is known as Fantasy Island. So monied are residents of the enclave, three miles off Miami, it is said that if you waved at everyone you saw in a ten-minute drive there, you would have waved at more than $1 billion (£500 million).

But those who tend its manicured lawns and golf course, guard its residents’ riches, shine their Bentleys and Lamborghinis and wash their champagne glasses for as little as £40 a day, have had enough.

In a case highlighting the upstairs, downstairs hierarchy, its mainly black and Hispanic workers accuse management and some home owners of racial discrimination, abusive treatment and unfair wages.

“When you have the super-rich who can have a little isolated fantasy island of their own, they unfortunately develop a plantation mentality, and that’s what the workers are dealing with; people who see them as workers, not as human beings,” said Magdaleno Rose-Avila, executive director of Interfaith Workers Justice, an advocacy group.

Fisher Island is the epitome of the growing divide between rich and poor, says the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and it has become the battleground for a workers rights campaign.

Claiming that their dignity and human rights have been violated, the SEIU and 19 employees have filed a class-action complaint with the Miami-Dade County Equal Opportunity Board alleging, in particular, that Fisher Island’s private ferry service, which makes the 15-minute trip to and from the mainland, exercises segregationist policies. “There is terrible discrimination on that ferry. When you get on, it’s whites on one side, blacks on the other,” Mariette Casseus, a housekeeper, said.

While residents relax in an air-conditioned lounge, employees must spend the trip in a separate room whose cooling system is often broken, they say. If they do not board the ferry before residents have driven their cars on, they are not allowed to squeeze past the vehicles to reach their room because they might sully the bodywork with smudges or fingerprints.

“Rather, the employee passengers are forced to stand under an outside awning that fails to protect them from heavy rain, debilitating heat, severe wind and ship fumes,” the complaint alleges. Seshma Sheth, of the Miami Workers Centre, said: “We are seeing two Americas, we are seeing two different worlds and Fisher Island typifies that. To get on that ferry, it’s basically taking a trip back in time. You are going back to a racist and backward time . . . We market Miami as a city of the future and then we have this island that’s just a throwback to our past.”

The first owner of Fisher Island - created by dredging the sea off Miami Beach in 1905 – was Dana Dorsey, south Florida’s first black millionaire.

In 1925, it was bought by William Kissam Vanderbilt, a member of one of America’s wealthiest families, who built a winter estate that is now a luxury hotel.

The public are not allowed on to the island unless invited and the privacy of its mainly white residents – largely financiers, corporate executives and property barons with little public name recognition who live there part-time – is fiercely guarded. Aides to the President of Venezuela, who visited in the 1980s, commented that it was easier to gain access to the White House than to Fisher Island.

Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, Boris Becker, Robert De Niro, Sylvester Stallone, the founder of the Samsonite luggage empire and the heir to the Bacardi rum fortune have all, at some time, had homes there.

The latest census, in 2000, gave the population as 467 and the island operates as a private club where cash is not required, just a membership card. It has eighteen tennis courts, two marinas and a heliport. Some residents are even rumoured to have paid for separate apartments for pampered pets.

The island’s management says that it works hard to address workers’ issues. But in a protest staged at the weekend, 100 SEIU activists “invaded” Fisher Island’s exclusive beaches to protest against the community’s perceived social failings. “Because they are so isolated, Fisher Island residents think they can wall themselves off from the poverty they create,” Hiram Ruiz, an SEIU representative, said. “We set out to make a point: there should be only one Miami, not one Miami for the wealthy and another for the rest of us.”

Island strife

$17.5m cost of a 8,300 sq ft seaside property

$236,000 average income per capita

467 number of residents

51 average age of residents

0.3 size in square miles of Fisher Island

Source: Times database, fisherisland.com

###

Downtrodden workers dirty on the filthy rich of Fantasy Island

Jacqui Goddard, Miami | November 20, 2007

IT is the US's wealthiest postcode - 87.5ha of tropical gorgeousness and palatial living reachable only by private boat or helicopter.

Picture: AFP

(Repost of The Times article in The Australian found here)

BLOG HITS

BBC Blog: World Have Your Say

Monday, November 19, 2007
http://worldhaveyoursay.wordpress.com/2007/11/19/monday-19th-november/
Fisher Island
America’s wealthiest area (once home to stars like Oprah Winfrey, Jula Roberts, Robert De Niro) has come under the spotlight…Fisher Island, better known as Fantasy Island is in the midst of a racial segregation row…Workers who are employed by wealthy residents on the Island say they are being discriminated against.
Http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article2896782.ece
In 2007 should these workers made to feel like second class citizens just because they are not as wealthy? Or is this kind of divide inevitable because of the wealth divide? Is Fisher Island being left behind the rest of America because of it’s racial practice?

The Union News
“SEIU organizers boat, swim to class-warfare protest”
http://theunionnews.blogspot.com/2007/11/seiu-organizers-boat-swim-to-class.html
(Posted Herald article. )

Critical Miami
http://criticalmiami.com/
(Posted Herald article. )

Stuck on the Palmetto
“Fisher Island Protests”
http://stuckonthepalmetto.blogspot.com/2007/11/fisher-island-protests.html
(SOTP featured the Herald article, the resident snatching the sign you tube clip and the short youtube clip of the beach invasion with promises to cover more. )

Community Benefits Coalition
“Boatloads of Activists”
http://www.developmentthatworks.org/?p=136
(Video of invasion)
On November 17th, 2007, several boatloads of activists pulled up to Fisher Island in Miami-Dade County, the wealthiest zip code in the country; an island accessible only by boat or ferry.

The activists, organized by Service Employees International Union, hopped off the boats and swam up to the exclusive and segregated beaches of Fisher Island, which under Florida law is open to the public.

Then they marched through the public-funded streets of Fisher Island, demanding better treatment and wages to the workers who clean and maintain the buildings on the island.

Miamism
“Fisher Island Invasion Update”
http://www.miamism.com/2007/11/19/fisher-island-invasion-update

In Search of Hidden Treasure

Goodbye to Gary- on a good note!

Mr. Thurman and I

Walking turf

Seiu volunteers gather at the steelworkers union

Starting the day at precinct 10 & 18 in Merrillv

On the eve of the election: My humble thoughts.

A clear message.

Lines are still long- but voters are tough

Lines out the door to early vote!

Program begins!!

On the way to the Obama rally in Highland Park

He is here

Crowd gearing up to see obama!

Obamamercial for Obamerica!

More from Gary.

Keep on keepin' on- even in snow showers

Proud of my new poster

On my turf

Cold, gray day in Gary

Victory for Voters! Early Voting will stay open in Lake County

Imagine

Kerry's hot mess of a chicago hot dog

Casualty at the next table over

Brunch arrives!

Frushi!

Heading out for Elirose

President Andy Stern addresses the crowd

Fired up!

At the county board of elections.

Halloween is just around the corner

There are tons of foreclosed and abandoned house

Door knocking in Gary

No news is not good news

Disenfranchisement in NW Indiana continues

Last Voter Registration Day

Live photo blogging

A "Mighty Fine" Day

Every store is representing for Obama

Registering voters at the village mall in Gary

First impressions of Indiana

Voter reg. In indiana begins!

Uninhibited TV time *Warning, don't try this at home*

All the news I need...

LA gas prices. ouch.

LAX airport service workers on strike!

Grind this bean.

And with it the bathroom sink...

Night monument tour - hey, you gotta do it once a season.

Gilberto gil in concert

Friends Reunited

18th street lounge jamming out

Riverside Drive

On The water

So proud to be here now

A sunny Sunday morning to you sir

I think we are on the right road now...

Still lost, but it's so beautiful

Lost in the hills of Rincon

Island Desecheo.

Grass skirt

Culinary fest

The best band in the land

Culinary Festival- Street performers

conductor

Culinary (and cultural) festival

Here we go...

A room with a view

Cafe Berlin to start the day

A small, yet beautiful world.

La Rogativa

BIRDS

Above a plaza of dancing muses

Mofongo de chorizo con chimmichuri

Puerto Rico- Old San Juan

A little off message...but awesome

Just in time for Mother's Day

How can you be mad at that face?

NYTimes in the house

thought of the day

Uninhibited TV time Warning, don't try this at home

The Union News
“SEIU organizers boat, swim to class-warfare protest”
http://theunionnews.blogspot.com/2007/11/seiu-organizers-boat-swim-to-class.html
(Posted Herald article. )