Spoiler argument still not made in US Senate race

I still think it humorous that many before the election would say things like "A vote for Cynthia McKinney is a vote for McCain!" Really? Ted Cross and Chris Candreva of Obama Election Watch sure felt so. So Ted and Chris, please define my vote for me. I thought I voted for McKinney, and Obama won. I feel let down by their expertise on democracy.

Here in Minnesota, I have yet to hear who knows who Dean Barkley "spoiled." Perhaps that is because NO ONE KNOWS who will be our next US Senator. Was it Norm Coleman? Was it Al Franken? Where are all those people who would have derided the Barkley campaign had a winner actually been announced? Dean Barkley may not have been a perfect candidate, but since we do not have NOTA ( none of the above ) on the ballot, he was my next best choice.

The Coleman-Franken ads were some of the worst in Minnesota political history. Their ad hominem campaigns contributed little to raising consciousness of Minnesotans on REAL issues. Dean Barkley was the only positive campaign that did try to change the consciousness of Minnesotans on fiscal sanity, fair trade ( not free trade), opposing the death penalty, energy as a national security issue, etc.

What did anyone learn from Coleman-Franken apart from name calling? Does anyone, apart from hardcore partisans, really feel that they are legitimate to represent our state after their negative campaigning?

Obviously, I believe that Instant Runoff Voting would have helped resolve this situation better. Not only would Minnesota have representation in the US Senate, in addition to Amy Klobuchar, but the negative campaigning would be greatly curtailed. IRV forces candidates to stick to postive messages, and even agree publicly with their opponents on issues. If candidates do this, they can get a #2 or #3 vote and could still win.

Many claim that IRV hurts third parties. Yet 2006 in Burlington, Vermont a Progressive Party member was elected as mayor. In a traditional election, it would have gone to the Democrat.

In Minneapolis, voters are "scared" a Republican could win( even though we have no elected Republicans). In 61B, many voters literally were frightened that a Green was running, because "a Republican could win!" These ignorant voters do not realize that only 5% of their neighbors voted for the GOP candidate, and 30% for the Green. Yet, fear motivates many whereas logic is difficult to adhere to in our culture. IRV eliminates the illogical "fear factor" of voting for a Green or independent.

We need more electoral reform than IRV, like proportional representation or a more digital democracy. But in Minnesota, IRV has the inertia and I think it should be used for statewide elections.

Facebook and the myth of online privacy

As someone who lost his job because I blogged about a Green Party candidate, I think it very funny people think the internet is "private." I attacked a political candidates "privacy" online. Ooohh. Do people really think that they can just gate off their digital information and assume no one else will see it? Okay, you are a moron if you think it is.

Your "privacy" is null and void in the 21st century. Digital devices can take our photos, voices, writings, pretty much every aspect of our lives could find its way online if we choose to do so. To assume nothing "private" will get online is ludicrous.

I consider anything in life bloggable, unless I receive a written, signed, and notarized statement from an individual who wishes not be "discovered" online. Do that with each blogger and Facebook user. I bid you good luck.

Okay, I don't write about everyone, but just send me an e-mail or txt msg if you have an issue with my blog. I have even been blamed for other's comments! And unless I am aware of them, I don't delete them.

Scam phone calls make me feel warm and fuzzy

I just received ANOTHER scam call from these people at "Warranty Service Center" who claim they are from Orlando, Florida. They called me from 386-427-6893. I do not even OWN a car, why would I want a warranty on one?

The first thing they ask is the make and model of my car. I ask them for their company, but they only give the vague name listed above. They hang up after explaining I do not own a car and would prefer they sold theirs so we can collectively begin to end our oil addiction.

They make a lot of money charging $150 warranty insurance cancellations, and their 90 day waiting policy to file claims.

Their company does not abide by the Do Not Call list. They are fined only $500 per offense, and since few complain, it is a very lucrative niche market. Complain to the FCC directly here: http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm


I found their actual number online: 1-888-282-3524 ext. 0 for operator or ext. 4209 for "Tina"
ext. 4207 for "Jessica Decapra"

Their actual address:

Pacific Guard Warranty
25 Crescent Dr
Suite A538
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

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.

Advanced Personality Test

After reading that one in five young adults has a personality disorder, I assumed I should take a personality test to see how abnormal I am.

Found this spiffy app on Facebook. The results (my comments in italics):

Low Extraversion - you are not very social. This can
be harmless preference but for some it correlates to
unhappiness. Go out. Do stuff. Make friends. -- maybe I
should make this a New Year's Resolution?

Interdependence - you enjoy working with others.
You understand that you can't accomplish things alone,
so maybe avoid jobs where you work alone.

Low Need to dominate - you have little interest in
leadership. When you feel you are the most capable,
step forward on occasion.

Romantic - you desire true love. Take note though,
romantics are more likely to stay too long in bad
relationships. -- *sigh* SO true

Low Wealth - You're not rich. You're probably not
even a fiscal conservative - I try :P

Humanitarian - you want to make the world a
better place. I hope to hell you recycle.

Honor - you are true to your word. This is admirable
generally but keep in mind that inflexible honor can
sometimes be less than admirable/wise (like staying
loyal to a bad person).

Low Paranoia - you trust people generally. This
generally suggests health unless you have a pattern
of trusting bad people in which case you need to be
more discriminating. -- Grrr... must be more paranoid. :D

Low Extravagance - you are not into the bling-bling.
Vapid attractive people might not want to sleep with
you. -- This is why I turn them down first. Ha!

Above are my outliers, below are moderate scores:

Stability - you are tough and resilient. You have an advantage
over others in challenging and high stress careers / activities.
-- this could be why I survived all those jobs most people could not
withstand for five minutes!

Orderliness - you prefer an organized life. You would likely
prefer the predictability of a corporation to a startup company.

Intellectual - you want to advance your knowledge. Find
job(s) and/or hobby(s) which can satiate your curiousity drive.

Mystical - you like to explore the unknown and mysterious.
You might enjoy being a Shaman or studying ESP.

Low Materialism - you're not interested in chasing money.

Low Adventurousness - you are risk averse. A certain
amount of risk has some place in any healthy person's life.

Work ethic - you prefer to feel productive and busy. For
you working adds meaning to your life. You would not enjoy
a slacker existence or a career that was too easy.

Low Anti-authority - You don't have a problem taking
direction from an authority. Make sure you don't follow
authority blindly.

Dependency - you want to be taken care off by others. This
trait correlates more than any other on this test with Learned
Helplessness so look that up.

Change averse - you like to maintain the status quo. You
probably would not enjoy a job with entailed a lot of
unpredictability.

Cautiousness - you desire safety and security. You
probably would not be happy living in a dangerous
neighborhood. -- East Phillips isn't that bad, is it?

Sexuality - you like sexual pleasure
(and probably pleasure in general).

Low Peter pan complex - you are very mature
and probably may even be responsible. I hate you (sarcasm).

Low Vanity - you are not superficial (or so you claim).
Please note, though, that physical beauty has been
found to correlate to physical health.

Low Hedonism - you're not big on cigs and/or alcohol.
If you have substance abuse problems that's a good thing.
If not, moderation has been shown to have some health benefits.

Physically active - you like to lead a physically active life.
You probably would not relate very well to a non active person.

Religious - you are true to your religious beliefs.

Low Self image - you don't think you are attractive
(which may or may not be true). If there are healthy
changes you can make to improve that (exercise/diet), you
should. If not, don't worry about it. -- What's wrong with average?

Family drive - you value having a family.
Over population is no joke, replacement level reproduction please!

Followed by the simply average:

Accommodation

Narcissism

Conflict seeking

Avoidant

Individualism

Histrionic

Artistic

Fiscal acumen

Accountability

I found another quiz, not as extensive, but focused on personality disorders. Now I can stop worrying about possibly having one, and focus on maintaining and improving my health.

The results:

Disorder	Rating	Information
Paranoid:	Low	click for info
Schizoid:	Moderate	click for info
Schizotypal:	Low	click for info
Antisocial:	Low	click for info
Borderline:	Low	click for info
Histrionic:	Moderate	click for info
Narcissistic:	Low	click for info
Avoidant:	Low	click for info
Dependent:	Moderate	click for info
Obsessive-Compulsive:	Low	click for info

GI BIll Red Tape

Now that I actually have time to myself, beyond when Josiah is asleep, I thought it would be excellent to continue my education. But it appears that the much touted Post 9-11 GI Bill is nonexistent. Everyone assumes that Iraq War veterans get free college and health-care. That's why I have had no health- insurance since being laid off in May, and now I am about to apply for the GI Bill and get this message:

The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently NOT accepting applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Information will be posted on our website as it becomes available.

So, I have been asked by the VA to subscribe to an e-mail notification process, where I will be told when I can apply for the Post 9-11 GI Bill that I already qualify for. Oh, and the notification itself has an expiration of 90 days. Democrats and Republicans united to support the troops, huh? Or is that only if we re-up?

So, fortunately there is an ALISS grant to pay for my first class. Those who I assisted getting into college by co-signing for them have ruined my credit, so I have to pay-as-I-go until the VA can actually do what was promised. In January, perhaps the FAFSA will turn out to be productive. Until then, wish me luck!

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.

Voter intent on bailing out automakers

Since I am a citizen and we in Minnesota are so focused on voter intent ( or is that just for the U.S. Senate race? ) then I will show my support for the Big Three bailout. Below are the years since 1990 and how many cars I purchased ( including non Big Three ) :

1990 = 0
1991 = 0
1992 = 0
1993 = 0
1994 = 0
1995 = 0
1996 = 0
1997 = 0
1998 = 0
1999 = 0
2000 = 0
2001 = 1 ( Daewoo Lanos 2-door hatchback - not a Big Three car )
2002 = 0
2003 = 0
2004 = 0
2005 = 0
2006 = 0
2007 = 0
2008 = 0

I foresee this trend going for some time, as I sold my car in March of 2003. I have no intention of owning a car, so why are my taxes expected to bail some car-makers out and not others? Toyota and Honda deserve a fair shake at a bailout if the Big Three get one.

But this is just one voter's intent. I would like to see an overall analysis of the US voter opinion on this issue.

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.

Imagine you picked up a magazine out of your mailbox and recognized someone you knew that was missing his leg! I met Tony Larson at a party with some National Guard friends. Probably went out drinking with him several times in Saint Cloud. He and I chatted, but everyone I hung out with talked about Tony in an ecstatic manner when he wasn't there. So yeah, I hope he's okay and that all works out well.

But I am SO LUCKY that I haven't had anything similar happen to me - or worse. That car crash in New Jersey before the deployment sucked enough!

This was published on the back cover of Veterans' Health Fall 2008.

Josiah's Arsenic test

Yes, it's crazy. The only urban EPA Superfund site in America is located in south Minneapolis. The majority is in my neighborhood: East Phillips. I moved here because the rent was the same as Stevens Square ( or slightly lower ) but the amenities were much higher. I do not see drug dealers or strippers on my block. No one asks me "Wanna get hiiiiigh?"

The biggest benefit has been for my son Josiah. There are more children here! There were none in on my block, or even the apartment building of 110+ units! The negative: arsenic in the soil. My home was tested and was low. This did not mean I was not worried. So I had Siah tested for free by the Minnesota Department of Health. I have posted their testing results on the left.

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

Initial denial of Unemployment

I am confounded as to why the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance denied my claim. I wonder if they do this to prevent people from actually receiving any money. It could be a tactic that they use to "save" taxpayer money. But in actuality, they are only shielding the worst employers from their duties to formerly loyal employees.

Anyone who is denied benefits in Minnesota should appeal and fight it as long as they can.

Why is it that everyone I know that worked at Mystic Lake and is fired without a reason is initially denied? Alan Maki believes that the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Develeopment ( DEED ) are conspiring to do this intentionally. This could be true, as Mystic Lake's lawyer didn't even bother to show up to court. I won my appeal, because they never stated in writing why I was fired.

Because I was denied my unemployment, I had to go without income for two months. Fortunately, I had been saving up for an emergency like this.

Compassion vs. Communism

Or is it peace versus authoritarianism? People tend to see them as interchangeable.

Having just seen the movie Kundun rented at Blockbuster, I cannot fathom why Mao did not want to work with the Dalai Lama to achieve their goals. The Dalai Lama was told by Mao that "religion is the opiate of the masses." Well you can believe something is awful, but what do you replace it with? Communism replaced it with the same thing America did: materialism. Americans pray to the dollar just as the Chinese now do.

Regardless how the Chinese religion has changed,the Olympics are an opportunity to rectify past and current wrongs. It could be a time when Tibet can gain meaningful autonomy. This is what they want, not an independence wrought with war against China. Allowing the Tibetan people the opportunity to speak their language openly and freely. Allowing the Tibetan people to practice the religion of their own choosing. But how are they to do this if the Dalai Lama is not even allowed to attend the Olympics?

China has decided where it stands on human rights - on the side of tyranny. Are the Olympics just another long version of the Super Bowl - just another sport to pray to the almighty Dollar? If they are, then we can send China a message through our mutual societal faith: boycotting the Olympics.

Of course, my Communist acquaintances believe that Tibet was a feudal state under the 16-year old Dalai Lama. Decades after the occupation of Tibet began, they still state their feelings word for word what the Chinese media stated in the movie Kundun. But if Communism has been so wonderful for Tibet, why do ethnic Han still have to uphold their rule by military power? Wouldn't the Tibetans welcome their liberators? I guess we only have to look at our delightful occupation of Iraq. Of course the life of Saddam Hussein and the Dalai Lama aren't anywhere near the same, regardless what the Chinese propaganda of the day is. But I don't think my Communist acquaintances will watch Kundun, preferring to read the latest on Xinhua.

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!