Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
STOP THE DRAMA, VOTE OBAMA!!!!
Apart from adorning my vehicle with political statements, and asking everyone I know if they have registered to vote, I took it upon myself last weekend to go one step further and canvass for Barack Obama in Nevada.
By my lonesome I drove hours in traffic to Las Vegas not knowing with whom I was going to stay or what group I would be apart of for the campaigning itself. The idea of walking door to door or 'canvassing' as it it refer to in the political community, is not something that I would generally find appealing, however the thought of having 4-8 more years of the same bullshit has forced me to do whatever I can to prevent another republican from being elected into office (especially one with a running mate as embarrassing as Sarah Palin). Seeing as Nevada is a swing state (a red state really), this was something I could do to help.
My effort was well rewarded. I found myself staying with a fantastic couchsurfing host who welcomed me into his home and treated me with kindness. I also joined a wonderful group of folks from LA to canvass with, which made an experience that was nothing like I expected, much better than it could have been.
The canvassing itself was extremely intense. Your group is given a packet and you drive out to a neighborhood, equipped with lists and pamphlets, feeling like a Barack's witnesses.
The first day we were sent to 'Naked City', a place as Padraic (another lovely group member) later told us police only went to in groups, and I soon found out was the drug mecca of Vegas. We knocked on over 100 doors, and spoke to many people, most in good spirits regardless of their situation. Struggling single mothers, drug addicts, Vietnam Vets, all living in dire conditions just trying to survive. It was saddening, but it was reality. The next morning seemed better, but the afternoon's canvass proved everyone was having a hard time. Gangs, Pitbulls, Eviction Notices, Crack-heads, Condemned Buildings, the outskirts of Vegas were slums filled with people that go unnoticed by tourists vacationing in the artificial world created on the strip.
The trip was a wake up call, and unfortunately, even if we wake up, the people in these neighborhoods are not going to gain any resources or reap any benefits for years to come. I drove back home happy that I made the trip, but depressed in thinking about the mess we have gotten ourselves into as a nation, knowing that this lifestyles is more common than not across the US. Things need to change, but will they? All we can do now is vote and wait......
Thank you Wayne for being a wonderful host, and Danielle and Martha for making the whole experience as enjoyable as it could be!
The Great Freeloader
For all those that know me well, you will agree that I am not only a great resource for finding local events, but for searching for those that have some sort of added incentive. Well today was my lucky day! What started off as my weekly movie screening fix turned into an evening of freebie flourish. The night unfolded as follows:
#1 Deli Connoisseur: An email the night before notified me that the famous Canter's on Fairfax was celebrating it's 60th Anniversary. What could this celebration call for? None other than a 65 cent special (w/tax)!
That's right for a mere 65 cents you could fill yourself with a generous helping of corned beef on fresh rye, potato salad, pickle and a delicious chocolate rugelach. Self title the recession special, the hearty plate was worth every penny....who says we can't benefit from the economy's downturn? Added bonus: the service was so fast at the counter, I couldn't fish my book out of my cluttered bag before the food arrived!
The article tells all: http://laist.com/2008/10/14/canters_60cent_sandwich.php
#2 Political Activist: After that sweet sweet recession special, I headed toward the theater. While blasting the radio I happened to hear that the Paul Frank Store on Melrose was registering voters. Since I had just canvasses in Nevada all weekend, I thought I would check out how effective using a store as a political tool proved to be. It was conveniently located around the corner, so what did I have to loose? Nada. In fact I gained, turns out if you register they gave you a free concert ticket (already registered, of course, my canvassing efforts earned me a ticket to Of Montreal at the Palladium). They also had drinks, cupcakes, and deals on Paul Frank clothing once registered. I was shocked that the store wasn't packed, but I guess it is a reflection of today's youth.
#3 Film Buffy: On to the Montalban theater. This week they happened to be screening a Swedish Vampire movie titled 'Let the Right One In'. It was fantastic, one of the best films I had seen in a long time. This was a pleasant surprise since I figured it would be more of a horror movie (no my favorite genre). Sponsored by Flux and Nike, the Montalban theater has been pre-screening films every Tuesday night since August providing music, open bar, appetizers, and a slew of other goodies. A great way to spend the evening, and the cheapest date you could ever plan! Doors open at 7 and usually end by 10. I have enjoyed these screenings, and will be sad when the series ends this month.
Check it! http://flux.net/cinema-tuesdays-october
What a fun-filled (and super cheap) evening!
Moral: Look, Listen, Learn, Save?
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