Year 2008 In Review

Wow, what a crazy year! Seriously, don't know how it just blew me away! Literally....

Family and Friends

• Josiah turned 6 on August 19th. We had a small party, with only a few of his friends. He's even funnier and smarter than last year. But also more hyper and bold against authority.
• Josiah finished Kindergarten at Ramsey, started 1st grade there, but couldn't handle 45 minute bus rides to their. So, I had to transfer him to another school. Whatever one was open which was Longfellow. Teachers there have told me, after asking me not to mention their names, that it was a bad school because problem children tended to go there and would adversely influence my child. Yet, Josiah is not able to handle himself on a bus - what makes him so much better?
• Leah Seelhoff moved to the Winona area with her daughters. Siah and I miss them. She's the only real person I used to talk to on a regular basis and not think I was crazy. :D
• On my birthday, I rescued a cat who was starving outside and was very friendly. Josiah wanted to call her "Candy Cane" but she is a Calico. She didn't look like a candy cane at all! So, I gave it some thought and a month later re-named her Kanika ( which sounds very similar to candy cane, but it sounds like a princess name). So, I rescued Kanika from starvation, got her shots, and fixed. And I won't de-claw her because that is just wrong. She is now very healthy and happy!
• My brother Tim moved in with me in January. He stayed until June. After moving to Duluth in October, he came out and SHE is now referred to as Natasa. So, you could say I was my brother's last room-mate. And that I no longer have a brother.
• I did go to my half-brother, Jerich's birthday, and still have the DVD we made of it. But my conservative father seems to have ex-communcated with me. Perhaps he feels we aren't to his liking.
• My Mother moved in with me in October. She found a new partner, Kathy, and will be trucking with her at some point in early 2009.

Financial / Emloyment

• On the last day of April, I was fired for being a political blogger. Yeah, quite illegal. But the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux believe they can trample on their employees Constitutional rights. And they like to be consistent about it. Many of my co-workers were fired this year without written reasons, and were able to get unemployment as well. ( If they applied, which most I have talked to have. ) I have nothing against Native rights. But you fired me because I am a member of the Green Party? Seriously, I think Glyn Crooks has something against Winona LaDuke.
• Took classes at the Minnesota Workforce Center, and improved my resume which improved my ability to get interviews.
• Worked temporarily through Cynthia Cook ( never trust these people ) for the John Roberts Company in Coon Rapids. They fired me because I gave them two weeks notice that I couldn't work on a specific Monday. I could work every day after that, but it didn't matter to them. ( I told them when they hired me of this date and they said it was okay!)
• Even though unemployment was okay, it was stressful filling out dozens of applications and faxing resumes ( occasionally hand delivering). Looking for a job is more than full-time work!
• I wanted my unemployment to last, so I actually took a job at Blockbuster. It was fun, chatting about mindless movies all day ( most of which I have no intention of seeing ). But the pay was pathetic. And residents of Edina are worse snobs than angry gamblers!
• I now work downtown, less than 15 minutes from LRT or bus. I am also a member of a unon: SEIU Local 26.

Education

• My career goal: dietitian. Will dietitians exist if our society collapses? Probably not, but any education will look good on a resume until then. :D
• I wanted to start college this fall at MCTC. Getting laid off had me post-pone it until January. I intend to go to college even if I have to pay for it myself and move to a smaller place to make it happen.
• I haven't taken any college classes yet owe over $35,000 in co-signed student loans. I was paying Megan Kyllonen's at $400 a month, until I was laid off. Worried I couldn't get another job if they checked my credit rating, I put $8500 of her loan onto my Discovercard. Bad decision, because now I can't pay any of Brandy Kyllonen's loans, which are in default. I will also not be able to pay on Megan's anymore after the payments catch up in February of 2010 ( I think ). What is most ironic about this situation is that I could have had my college paid for by the National Guard, but Brandy insisted that she go. She's 12 credits shy of graduating with an associates degree in culinary arts.

Health

• After being laid off, I lost my health insurance. So did Josiah.
• Within a week of being laid off, I was supposed to have surgery to get teeth removed and then get myself braces. My teeth are very genetically inferior. But without income, or insurance, there was no point in adding $200 a month to my expenses. I canceled my appointments and someday will be able to fix my teeth. ( I already paid for some plaster of my mouth to be made, photos of my teeth at all different angles, a couple consultation appointments. Wish they would have warned me that they would be firing people at random! )
• Been a vegetarian for seven years now ( in November ) !
• I did have a health assessment at Mystic Lake in March. I am very healthy! ( and now I don't work where there is second-hand smoke! )

I look forward to 2009 as a better year and one that I can build towards a better future.

Dealin in downtown

No, I don't deal. But I am speaking about this guy named Dealin I mentioned in my blog a while back. He was negotiating something or other when I walked up in my three-piece suit. "Kevin! How have you been!"

He never forgets a face!

We shook hands, he told me an awfully racist Native joke, and then chatting about the Holidazzle reminded him that buses were free this Saturday and next.

Of course, he claims that the college age guy he was chatting with just wanted to buy some peyote from him. For spiritual reasons of course ( I never quite understood those books by Carlos Castenada )..but remember...he's not dealin'! :P

He had to catch a bus ( #14 - same as me ) and I had to finish my patrol around the block. Still, nice to run into familiar faces in downtown.

CR1632

I was technically in charge of a friend's car who was on vacation. I was asked to pick her and another friend up at the airport. Since I believe in planning ahead of time, I went after work to try to start her car and drive it over to in front of my place.

She has a Toyota Camry Hybrid, which is completely electronic. So it was a bit of a puzzle when I could not get the door to unlock with the key fob. I played around with the key fob, until I found a black piece that said "push" and so I did and out slid a slit of steel. It fit into the door, similar to an actual key and allowed me to unlock the driver side door.

Thinking I could now start the car, I tried and it said "Key not detected." How could that be? I was holding the key, but the electronic sensors in the car needed to find the electronic key. So I grabbed the manual out of the passenger side compartment, locked it up and went home on the bus. On the ride there, I discovered in the manual that I would need a CR1632 battery replacement.

Little did I know that this CR1632 battery would prove to be immensely elusive in being discovered at local merchants. I went to Walgreens, Target, Rainbow, ACE Hardware, but fortunately found one at Radio Shack. Thankfully, I did not have to leave Minneapolis to go to a Toyota dealership or a Batteries Plus.

One note to Toyota owners: use your spare smartkeys more often. Otherwise they tend to lose their charge faster - according to the manual. This could be why my friend left me with a spare she thought would work, because she never used it.

Have I politically sorted myself?

I listened to the Midmorning show on MPR the other day where they chatted about "The Big Sort." The book, of the same name, was written by the show's guest Bill Bishop. He stated that the divisiveness in American politics is really our own fault. We have chosen to live in communities with like-minded people. And when we all agree to live by similar values, we slowly become more extreme in them to the point we alienate those outside our community.

I actually disagree with this assessment, but that is perhaps because I feel like a continual outlier in the grand scheme of things:

Since about 1998, I had been officially a member of the Libertarian Party. I really believed in the vague notion of "freedom." My definition did not meld with others in Scott County, where my peers' political views were radically different than my own. In a business law class we were asked to split into two groups: one that believed in the death-penalty, and those who wanted to abolish the death-penalty. I had chosen the abolishment, because I strongly believed people should live their lives out no matter if it was in a prison cell. Especially as some were wrongfully committed.

I grew up in Scott County during the Clinton administration. A president who I never trusted and nor felt any allegiance too. I had wanted Ross Perot to win in 1992 and '96 because I felt he spoke the facts regarding trade and the National Debt. The only elected official who gave me hope in the 90's was Jesse Ventura, an independent who wasn't a two-face liar as so many others proved they were.

Before I graduated high school, my then girlfriend convinced me to speak to a military recruiter. Her mother's partner had been in the National Guard and always spoke about how it was a wonderful experience. Many members of my family, including my mother's partner Sue, felt it would be a good idea to join a branch of the military. Sue wanted me to join the Navy like her father. I would have no part in the corrupt Federal government, but would join what I felt was a state-run organization: the Minnesota National Guard. When I was sworn in, I was swearing allegiance to not only my country, but the great state of Minnesota - whose chosen leader was Jesse Ventura.

I suppose you could say I felt very proud to have Jesse as our Governor, much like so many are feeling ecstatic to have ( very likely ) Obama be our next President. When I was at the Mall of America, I purchased a t-shirt ( stolen within a year out of a laundromat washer! ) and a key-chain which I still have. Obama also has a plethora of merchandise, so I can't say I am immune to populist politics!

I spent the late summer of 2000 and first half of 2001 training in the ARMY. When Bush was "elected" and the controversy had erupted, I was in boot camp. I didn't care about Bush or Gore, as I had voted for Libertarian candidate Harry Browne. I didn't see either Bush or Gore as making any real change in America. Though I had paid attention to debates, and felt that Bush was really against nation building and sending the military all over the globe for pointless missions. ( For those that still think Gore should have won, check out where your Vice-President choice is now - Joe Lieberman is squarely on the side of McCain and is an adamant war hawk. I believe Gore would have gone to war with Iraq too, just as Hillary Clinton supported it. )

I bought my first car, a Daewoo Lanos, on September 11, 2001 in my hometown of Prior Lake, Minnesota. I bought this car, a two-door hatchback, believing oil prices would skyrocket within the decade, which they have. But what a fateful day to purchase any vehicle, an omen for sure. Which is why I went car-free a week before Operation Iraqi Freedom began.

When I moved to Minneapolis, it was primarily because I wanted to live somewhere with mass transit. Scott County has no transit system worthy of speaking of: they had one bus route going to downtown Minneapolis in weekday mornings, and returning each evening ( Update: They still have only this single route ). But I also did not like the flag-pin mentality of Scott County. I did not agree in rushing to war in Afghanistan simply because Americans had lost their temper and wanted to bomb someone. When Bush made his speech at West Point on June 1st, 2002 on the merits of pre-emption - I knew he was a man I had lost any form of respect for.

So, moving to Minneapolis I at least knew that many there also disliked Bush being a Democrat town. But I didn't like the Democratic Party, because they never seemed very Democratic. They threw temper tantrums about Nader being on the ballot in Florida. Too bad more registered Democrats in Florida voted for Bush than ALL of those who voted for Nader. But Democrats can't blame themselves, they need a scape-goat. Blame everyone but themselves. Fortunately, two members of the Green Party were on the city council: Dean Zimmerman and Natalie Johnson Lee. The Independence Party also was semi-active, and the Republican party non-existent in Minneapolis.

I originally lived in Stevens Square, and then on the edge of Whittier for four years. Then I moved to East Phillips, where I currently reside. My neighbors are quite friendly, and many like to garden. We all can get along very well, and appreciate the variety of cultural and religious differences. I run into neighbors all the time and chat about things going on, and rarely run into those who make me feel unwelcome.

I find this area much more cozy, but I still do not feel "sorted." While my neighbors may agree on liberal issues, I still believe in democratic choice more than they do. I want to see the Green and Independence parties on the ballot, and many of them do not. The chair of Whittier chimes on e-mail lists how amazing participating in Democracy is by attending a DFL event - when this party wants to and has run the entire city from the bottom up - isn't that a bit authoritarian? But she doesn't see it that way, nor several others in that party.

So while others may put up Obama and Al Franken signs up, I will put up both McKinney/Clemente and Jack Uldrich. I really believe that America deserves political parties that speak truth, rather than buy votes with outright lies and cheap gimmicks.

Perhaps the Greens and the Independence could copy the "Free State Project" and promote places as most "independent" or "Green-minded" for us to live and build a movement starting locally. I really do not mind political sorting, as long as it doesn't lead to one-party zones as we have in Minneapolis and Scott County. I would call these Dead Zones of Democracy. I hope those who find themselves in these step up in like-minded third-parties to keep their communities from stagnation and corruption.

Happy 22nd Day to me

I read a horoscope stating that the 2oth and 21st of this month would be difficult for me. They weren't, but that is not like me to truly believe in such predictions. I do, however, have a favorite lucky number: 22. ( and no Dani, you can't steal it back! )

Yes, it is quite a number for me. Not sure why. My first bus in primary school was number 22, and my fortunes have been tied around such a number remains mysterious. But it seems to follow me. Even living in Minneapolis, I have always lived a couple blocks from 22nd Street. I am fortunate to live near bus #22, and even when staying in Chicago, the #22 went along where I was staying on Clark.

Today is the 22nd of July, and I just won a pair of Adidas shoes just after 22:00 using my 22nd bottle cap of Mt. Dew. ( and I don't even drink the sugar-laden stuff ) To prove it, I will upload the photos. So happy 22 day to me, hopefully it's been good to you! :P

HourCar Year 1

For those reading this who now dreading their addiction to oil at $4 a gallon and rising, why not go car-lite before going completely carfree? I am not completely carfree, though I haven't owned a car since 2003. There are moments when I need one, or others need a ride. In such cases I use HourCar, the non-profit version of ZipCar, which is only available in the Twin Cities.

My total cost for my first year of service is $396.34. The months I was charged only $11.32 were months I never used the vehicle, and is my service fee. I probably didn't spend this much, as I was compensated for rides that I provided for others. Not bad for $40 a month.

I don't purchase unlimited transit passes, because I don't use transit often enough. I can walk to nearly every place I need, and with the stroller attachment on my bike, Siah can come along easily.

HourCar also is convenient if you are able to share a car with someone, and use this service to fill in moments when your needs overlap ( perfect for families!).

So have I kicked the oil addiction? Nope. But my "need" has been reduced drastically, without adversely affecting my quality of life. Just like how my coffee habit has helpful antioxidants, yet I don't go over the 2 cups a day limit. :P

Completed Employment Ready U!

I have been attending classes at the Minnesota Workforce Center early weekday mornings for two weeks. It is quite a perplexing world to find myself in: The Realm of Unemployment. ( Queue spooky music ) Not something you expect working 7 years for an employer and then get tossed out for... what? Wish I knew, because someone does.




But let's now accentuate the positive. The classes consisted of what used to be classes one would have to individually sign up for such as:

• Creative Job Search
• Networking
  
• Resume
  
• Interviewing
• Money Talks ( Financing )
  
• Stand Where You Land ( keeping your job once you get it - assuming you want to take it)

While many of the items covered may seem simple, they are things we can all learn to improve upon. That was my perspective, and I truly felt it was a challenging course. Challenging if you actually do your homework and realize how much more effort one truly should put into their job search. And gaining insight into the current job market certainly is helpful!

One excellent reason to graduate are the benefits of using their computer lab without the need for waiting in a long line. Another is greater assistance by the class instructors. The benefit that I intend to take advantage of once it is available, is the National Work Readiness Credential. These are considered stackable credentials that are employer-centric skills in math, reading, and problem solving.

If there is anything I have learned from this experience, is that that I should keep all paperwork from employers: awards, certificates, copies of reviews. I should also have supervisors write letters of commendation. Some of these things I had, but "disappeared" from my locker at my former employer while I was appealing to get that job back. But I can't stay mad at the department - they did not make me pay for my uniform I turned in. ( Others have - and wardrobe even told me I still might have had to! )

These classes also serve as part of ones network. If any of my current leads transform into a reality, it will surely make my year! Though it was forced upon me, I have always believed in relocalizing. Just did not intend for my job to do so as soon. :)

Yeasayer coming to Minneapolis

I just found an interesting new band - Yeasayer - an alternative band from Brooklyn. I checked out their video for the single "2080" in between watching Torchwood and Doctor Who. Liked seeing astronauts play baseball on Mars. :D

Anywho, Yeasayer will be playing a free concert in Minneapolis this July - first come first serve. ( The e-ticket is to the right.) I intend to be there early. But you have to print off a special invite coupon from The Current. It's well worth one's time to see these guys! If you can't make it, hope you enjoy the vid!

Unemployment Appeal Letter

At this point, I was several weeks into unemployment. I had received no income. I had to wait until I won my appeal case. There was no guarantee I would win an appeal.

Lawyers from the law firm Olson, Allen, & Rasmussen were actively searching my blog. What did they expect to find? They spent hours a day surfing my blogs. I hope they decided to send a check to the Green Party, go carfree, or stop supporting wars. I assumed they would misconstrue some of my blogs to "prove" I didn't deserve my unemployment. A very worrying time indeed, because the economy was just beginning to collapse. Little did I know, they decided it not worth defending their lies in court.

I received a letter about possible healthcare. COBRA would take up more than my entire take home after unemployment, so I declined healthcare coverage for myself and my son Josiah. I would just have to cross my fingers until a new job manifested itself. Of course, I was still hopeful someone at Shakopee Dakotah would come to their senses.

My 401K had also asked me what option I wanted to take. In May it was worth $13,000. About the same as the DOW Industrial Average. If I didn't cash out now, I never could until I retired. Why would I keep my money in a nation that doesn't value me or my rights as a worker? I was angry, and unsure if the economy could cope with $100+ a barrel oil, so I cashed out. In October my 401K would have been worth $8000. SO even with a 10% penalty tax, cashing out in May was well worth it. I sold high, not low. :D

Good time to be a Minnesotan!

Okay, I am not going to go on about Sesquicentennials or anything. I would prefer to discuss more positive things like Atmosphere coming out with a killer album and Jesse Ventura with another book.

Atmosphere's new album is the most eclectic and ambitious album they have put out yet! Not to put down any of their previous work, because it is all superb. But this album, if listened to in full, seems to hold onto an element of the previous track quite well. And rather than soul-less MP3 tracks buy the actual album! The artwork, story,extra DVD, and lyrics are a nice bonus! I almost FEEL like I stole these extras paying what I did! Worth much more - but ya gotta entice buyers! ( So get one already! )

Jesse's book is excellent in that it is truth. And my life in East Phillips would be very different had he not been Governor. Would we have light-rail? Probably still be talking about building the first line. And Governor Pawlenty was against light-rail until it proved popular. The "train to nowhere" statements were just utterly wrong. And Representative Sviggum's statements in Jesse's book speaks volumes about the current state of the Republican Party.

The CIA chase in Cuba, the CIA in Minnesota, the CIA just about everywhere. Aren't they a bit paranoid of Jesse and the anti-two party sentiment in America? But the CIA is meant to cement the current power, not stand up to it. And Jesse remains a steadfast threat to this system.



My only complaint about Jesse's book is that you can't read it through all at once. Each chapter begins with his a linear experience of him and his wife in Mexico, but then cuts into his experiences prior to and during his Governorship of Minnesota. Reading about these political moments can get true Patriots outraged - only start reading the next chapter in Mexico again. So I recommend reading one chapter a day and reflect on it until the next chapter.

The clip I am including on my post was heavily enjoyed by those on break when it appeared live on CNN. It was almost like Jesse was back in office! And I'd prefer him over Coleman or Franken!

I am taking my copy of this excellent book to the MOA tomorrow to get it signed. And I will be getting their on LRT that wouldn't have been built without him. Heck, the entire Twin Cities transit system would have been gutted by now without it. We wouldn't even have a transit sales tax in ANY county. I would be contemplating a move to Portland instead of staying in Minnesota - and am glad I don't have to consider that. I like it here!

May Day 2008

Josiah and I were both in this year's May Day parade. We marched with Farheen Hakeem's campaign right ahead of the Green Party.

This year's May Day theme was "Building Bridges." And might I say that the message was one sorely needed society-wide. We are heading for an impending collapse - just as the 35W bridge - because our society is based on hydrocarbons. We were lured by its cheap price for such massive amounts of energy. But now, that energy is costing a fortune and destroying the planet.

None of us is independent of this but we all can be a lot more free of being fossil fools. And with Dubya being the first prominent Republican to admit addiction, I think we as a nation have begun the 12-step process to overcoming it.

Anyways, the parade lasted almost 3 hours! We got Powderhorn and it was crowded as always. Yet, we managed to find the spot where the Greens were. We also got some food from Hard Times Cafe. Josiah joined in the Hare Krishnas by playing the cymbals. I let him for 20 minutes - but he'd have been there for hours if I let him. I would, except I couldn't stay there past 5:30PM. I had a conference call in addition to dinner to make, and getting out of the sun also had importance! (That and Hare Krishna is probably the true "Song that doesn't end" )

When I was in Iraq, our mess hall Sergeant was Hindu. We hung out to study the Bagavad Gita and eat actual vegetarian foods prepared by the Indian cooks. We sang Hare Krishna. But I told him that I doubted he could convert me, but would enjoy what he had to share. His energy and passion for his faith was tremendous and something quite powerful. It is hard to not want to see what he has to share. But I had to laugh when he said that Buddha was just another reincarnation of Krishna. ( or Vishnu, their God ) Okay, sure.

I had a wonderful conversation with a woman from Parents for Ethical Marketing. Their booth was across from the Greens and Josiah was playing with some kids there. I found someone who agrees with me that advertising has just gone insane - and that kids are being programmed to identify with specific brands! She felt the same outrage I did when kids see a logo without being able to read and say things like "There's Eat Fresh!" (Siah did ) Even PBS has excessive advertising for the likes of McDonald's and Chuck-E-Cheese.

I was at one point a subscriber of Adbusters - a magazine dedicated to fighting the corrupt nature of the advertisers. The more you realize you are being manipulated against your own will, the more likely you are to regain control. And for those who don't think advertising works, why would they spend so much on it if it weren't?

I barely watch TV, prefer DVDs without ads. But even short MPR ads stick with me. Not sure how YouTube is going to change this for me, though. Siah and I watch YouTube videos of my old fave shows like Danger Mouse. On DVD I have He-Man, but it's not likely he is going to find and beg for a He-Man toy at Target anytime soon. :D

A lot of Minnesotans do not realize that they can support renewable energy for pennies a day. I have been a member of Windsource since 2002. It was the same year I switched over all my light-bulbs to CFLs. I moved to Minneapolis and started to use the bus system more consistently, preparing my way to go carfree.

I encourage anyone that can support renewable energy based on their energy consumption to do so!

Easter Eve

I)Shopping

Today was QUITE interesting. It is the first Saturday I have had without Josiah so far in 2008 and I am not sure what to do with myself apart from keep busy. SO...I did.

I went shopping! I exchanged a couple videos and Blockbuster, then got my Yuban coffee on sale at Rainbow. Then I hopped over to Target to get a Radio/MP3/CD Player boombox for my living room.

Upon getting home, I checked out the player, and it worked okay. But on my older MP3 cds,it tended to skip 1/2 seconds every so often. It played a newer one fine. I am going to test an audio drama I am recording right now from my iMac. Can't wait to listen to the new Doctor Who I just downloaded! Though I almost wish they made a Torchwood one now! Man that show is hot!

Then I cleaned the living room while listening to some older faves of mine.

II) America's Financial system and Peak oil discussion

Lynne Mayo invited me to attend a discussion at her place about issues that concern both of us more than the average citizen. I will go into this topic more on the Multipartisan blog.

It is interesting to note that Dureti mentioned the night before (on break ) that she was interested in these money-making schemes known as derivatives. She knows people that make money on it, and she feels just as deserving. Of course, I told her this was gambling, which...it is. But day-trading can be thrilling for some. I prefer real work with real benefits. But some wish to work "smarter not harder." Though I prefer to serve regardless.

III) Easter celebration with Jehovah's Witnesses

Tim and Myrtle Williams invited me to attend this celebration at Sabathani Community Center. I accepted. It is amazing, because this was held in the same room where I attended my first Green Party function!

Anyways, one might find it odd that I am a Buddhist who hangs out with Jehovah's Witnesses. But they are exceedingly nice, and even though I don't agree with resisting blood transfusions(or their view on sin or everlasting life), I like a lot of their perspective on the Bible. And Buddhism doesn't prohibit me from celebrating other beliefs, which is ironic as I am celebrating with people who have this as their only holiday which is Nisan 14 and not Easter! I really enjoyed my time there. As wonderful as it was, I didn't hang out with them at Christo's afterwards.

IV) Shopping again

I did what I had already planned. I went to Rainbow for another can of Yuban. You see, there was a limit on how many one could buy - one. And they were $6.50 off! I love them, and I also wanted the organic canned green beans on sale for a dollar each. Paper bags were important too.

V) Following my instincts

I already knew before I went to Sabathani my plan for the night. I would go there, then to Rainbow, then take the #21 to Bloomington and take the #14 home. I usually take the train home, but somehow I KNEW that I needed to do that. And there seems to be a reason I listened to these strong instinctual-like feelings.

While waiting for the #21 just outside Blockbuster, a #7 dropped people off. Just as it was leaving, a man shouted to have someone stop the bus. I did. Had I not been there, the bus would have left him. The couple other people at the stop didn't seem as enthusiastic about doing anything.

The odd feeling about taking the #14 at Bloomington didn't seem to make sense. But I followed it. I waited there with this beautiful young woman. But she didn't know her buses, and needed to get to Robbinsdale. I assumed every 14 went there - they don't. So when the bus got there, the driver told her to wait for the next bus.

As we were about to drive off and leave her there, she shouted to stop and I let the bus driver know. Had I not been there, he would have never done so. She got on because she would have to wait 30 minutes out in the cold ( silly as it is, she didn't have a hat with her)! The bus would stop at a transit station that was warmer and would allow her to transfer to the correct bus. I wished her a good night as I got off on 24th Street.

VI) Audio Dramas and then.....

Okay, I made myself some tea and will have some chips and salsa. Have these while listening to the audio drama on the MP3 CD I just made while typing this. Perhaps I should write my first review of these. Or just go to sleep afterwards....zzzzz

Greenwashing ads in south Minneapolis

It is humorous how this project self-imploded. Even with political insiders like Barb Johnson supporting this. But it was not destiny and did create casualties. I was fired for blogging over this, so I assume the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community or its members were also investors. ( These investors were never disclosed. ) To the left is an exemplary example of greenwashing I clipped from the Southside Pride.

Don't believe the hype. Research everything.

Mufin - where are you?

This sticker is from the bus shelter on Franklin and Hennepin.

I have run into her messages often in south Minneapolis. Once I dropped off a letter in a mailbox on 24th Street off of Nicollet Avenue. Inside was the message printed out on a sticker:

Mufin Mufin Bo Bufin
Banana Nana Mo Mufin
Me Mi Mo Mufin
Mufin

Other places I saw the "Hello My name is... Mufin" stickers.

I met Mufin only ONCE briefly at MCTC. She's both cute and hot! Wish she had a blog or something online to admire....

The Multi-Caucus Night

Instead of going to the DFL caucus in support of Obama, I campaigned for Farheen Hakeem. This was my choice, as Farheen's plans allowed for those who wanted to caucus to go after passing out lit. Farheen's support goes beyond any single party.

I was just coming off of a bad flu - and had sleep from 1AM the previous day until 4PM to ensure I would be well-rested. I sent off a couple txt msgs to those who asked me to give them their caucus locations, took a quick shower, and then biked to the rally point near Powderhorn Park.

The ever-thoughtful Farheen had several boxes of Pizza freshly arriving for volunteers when I arrived around 4:40. Not wanting to end my fasting, I declined. Though she even had some Pizza Luce specialty vegetarian and vegan varieties those of us with more unique diets!

Republican Caucus

Not worried about food, I pressed on with assisting in the literature manufacturing, folding, and sorting. Every precinct caucus in 61B would be covered! My own caucus of choice was the Republicans, who happened to choose Powderhorn Park community center as their gathering place. As soon as I prepared a package of triple digit lits, I set off to take them on single-handedly!

To my pleasant surprise, I arrived early. Their were maybe a dozen politically active GOPers in the community room. Introducing myself, I found the room quite interested in Farheen's campaign. After leaving the room ,and wishing them a good political afternoon, I headed for the main entrance. There I greeted incoming Republicans, opened the door for them, and handed them the literature announcing Farheen's campaign. It was very fun, and I enjoyed being the unofficial greeter.

The reaction was very positive. Many stated they had seen Farheen speak, or heard many positive things about her. Very few handed me back the literature, finding her progressive stance not to their liking.

Several DFLers arrived, confused about their caucus location and stating that it's location had changed. Fortunately, there were flyers stating where they would go. These maps could have been more detailed, or copied more clearly, as I strained to help people locate their homes inside of a precinct. ( fortunately, this was when no GOP arriving )

The buttons and stickers I primarily saw were those for Ron Paul. I have a feeling many anti-war protesters were assisting him in his bid solely on this issue. The Democrats have truly failed the anti-war movement. Since taking over both the House and Senate, Democrats refuse to cut funding for the war or reduce the troop level. They deride a Department of Peace or any other method for preventing future wars. The pervading thought in Washington is that our Empire cannot be maintained through peace. These "Republicans" wanted a real change.

The parking lot was packed. The community center packed nearly to its limits. The Republican Party is small in Minneapolis. While the DFL organized by precincts, the GOP combined ALL of Senate District 61 into this single building. They didn't expect such turnout. Nor did our campaign, as I ran out of literature after half an hour!

Nonetheless, getting the word out was important. And better to give them all out than find too few caucus goers! Walking back to the campaign, I was pleased that things had gone so smoothly and pleasant!

Arriving for a second time, I began assisting with some other sorting and paper organizing. Dan Dittman was intending to go to the Independence Party caucus, informing me that Farheen had left keys for me to drive us their ( Dan doesn't have a license). It sounded excellent, so I hopped in a Toyota hybrid and we headed out.

Independence Party Caucus

Upon arriving, I was hopeful their would be a decent turnout. The IP had combined SD61 & SD62 for their caucus. But I think that the energy of the Obama and Paul campaigns had zapped the IP of their numbers. Their were maybe a dozen in the room. Rather than bust into a caucus ( it is very rude!) we gave lit to those who occasionally left the room. We stayed for perhaps 30 minutes, and chatted with a few people. Farheen's message had been passed around to those in 61B - mission accomplished!

We did talk to one non-IP woman, who simply arrived to assess the turnout. She was just at the DFL caucus, and stated she is supporting Jeff Hayden in 61B solely because he personally helped her. She "owed" him, yet then stated that "Farheen will win."

After returning her automotive, I decided to call it a night. Though I had to chat with some of her volunteers a bit before leaving. It was fun and I can't wait until it is warmer and be outdoors. But the campaign is in it's early stages. We definitely out-did her initial opponent Jeff Hayden!

The only other vying to win 61B that I am aware of is E. Scott Henry of the Republican Party. Otherwise the DFL machine intends Jeff be their candidate. But Farheen's in this race, so it won't be that easy for them - if at all.

For those who missed the caucus or are independents - you can go the "virtual caucus" at MNIP.org or attend the Green Party caucuses on Tuesday, March 4th.

Sledding!!

I took Josiah out sledding at the East Phillips Park today ( we do as often as we can ! Some other kids were out and so we raced them - and Siah and I won the majority of the time. Occasionally we would flip over, or hit a huge bump. Going off on the other side of the hill towards the sidewalk, one hits a hill and rarely makes it over.


He had a blast, laughing and chuckling the way he always does up until the end. Being out about an hour, Siah wanted to go in - saying he was too cold. I didn't even want to go inside quite yet, but he insisted we leave.

Siah's birthday: going to a Twins game!

strik
I got tickets to a Twins game for Josiah's birthday. We did not have a big party with all the neighbor kids as we did the night before. But it was very fun, though Siah was not calm enough to stay the entirety. :(

But I saw Carlos Santana set a record for the most strikeouts in a Twins game: 17! Amazing.

I still love baseball, but don't think Hennepin County taxpayers should foot the bill for a regional asset.

Of course, this is Siah's birthday. So we finished the day by going to Holy Land. :D

Black Candle with Brandy

I went to see this with Brandy. It was excellent, and the first showing of anything at the Ritz Theater is years! Very fortunate to have been a part of such a momentous event! I loved this, though it is still very difficult to acknowledge how much women have to achieve in this world to gain equality.

Brandy and I really needed to get out more at this point. She had just spent several months in Costa Rica. We were moving to from Stevens Square/Whittier to East Phillips. It was a busy time! But I cannot miss out on events such as this.

Always eager to see more plays and dances!

Transit rally at the State Capitol

It was less than an hour before my planned trip to Saint Paul when Brandy called. Josiah would have to come with me. That is fine, but I could not be as present at the rally with him there. Nor could I find my friend Mason as easily either. But it went okay.

I did see another comrade of mine who deployed with A co 1-194AR to Iraq: SPC Hanson. It was interesting to see him at the rally, seeing he was from the Brainerd area. But the entire state wants to see more roads and transit built.

Josiah was able to take a tour of the capitol. He also found a dog to pet and play with before we left the rally - early. But I am still glad to have been able to show my support for transportation. If only our Governor Pawlenty shared the same vision - for this century and not the next.

While I held a sign for the already built and quite effective Hiawatha line, other lines need to be built. The line that I think shows quite some promise in the near future is the Bottineau route. Currently BRT is being touted, but LRT would be much more effective in this working class area of the Twin Cities.

The Bottineau Partnership states: " BRT generally fails to attract the “non-transit-dependent” rider at the same scale as LRT. These riders will park and ride to an LRT station, but shun BRT" It is quite wise that Bottineau be considerd for LRT.

LRT would attract far more riders and be a true alternative to car driving. This should be a goal of any transit route and system. I would like to see more of Minnesota become a part of transit. Rail should connect from the Twin Cities to Duluth, Saint Cloud, Rochester, and Winona.

AMTRAK already does this, but its hours of operations are sketchy, and its system needs a major reform. AMTRAK is a national system that should focus on long-range travel. Perhaps it should skip cities that have local transit and focus on larger cities to improve travel times. Either way, faster forms of rail travel should be explored in America as oil prices continue skyward.