Dreaming Big

Zephyr Reunion

Julia from Pasadena — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:33:45 EST

We had a reunion at the coffee shop where we first started meeting, the week Barack Obama announced he was running for office.

It was a great night, lots of stories and laughs were exchanged. We had a reporter from a local paper there, and got a chance to talk about our current and future endevours at Rose City Obamaworks

Change Event - Dec 13th

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:34:12 EST

We met in Pasadena at the home of Lonnee. About 20 people showed up (there were many events around town including the 500 event in Los Angeles about 15 miles away). Many of the people were old friends, some were new to the campaign/movement.

We introduced ourselves, watched the video, decided on 2 upcoming events.

We decided to do to service events, one for this Saturday (food banking and clothes banking) and another on January 19th (the campaign asked everyone to do service on the 19th, which is MLK day and a traditional service day). We have a few things lined up for that day including helping out a foster kid organization (that one of the people was involved in). We also discussed some long term goals like helping local schools build gardens. There were about 20 of us there, most of us worked hard on the campaign but there was at least one new person getting involved.

What was really impressive was how quick we got going, because we all knew each other, and knew our skills, etc. We had the mailing list in place, and even had someone volunteer to be secretary and take notes and summarize our action plan. We decided to rotate locations (houses and coffeshops) and rotate who will lead the meetings, and we chose a date for the next meeting, and a leader and place. And we assigned our communication officer (same guy as on the campaign) and the person who will coordinate where the meetings are, and a secretary.

And we got great food and wine and finished early (took an hour and a half). It was, by far, the best first organization meeting I’ve ever been involved with.

Paris Hilton Responds

Julia from Pasadena — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:59:59 EDT

Paris Hilton gave a fantastic response to McCain's ad. Talk about backfiring on the old white wrinkly dude. The video is here

Pet owners prefer McCain over Obama - BAD STATISTICAL INFERENCE

Julia from Pasadena — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:35:54 EDT

This article is interesting
Pet owners prefer McCain over Obama
http://news.yahoo.com/page/election-2008-political-pulse-pets-and-politics

but I'm guessing the writinger failed statistics, if they even took it. Its a good example of how correlation does not imply causality. (the typical example is the number of icecream cones sold increases as the number of people wearing shorts increases, but they don't have any causal relationship, they are both confounded by SUNSHINE).

Anyhow, this silly article talks about how pet owners prefer McCain to Obama, but they act like its a true finding, and not just confounded.

For example, another explanation of this finding could be age, age could be counfounding. We already know that younger students tend to favour Obama. And what do you know, younger students tend to not have pets yet, 'cause their life is unstable. So age alone might confound the results.

I'm sure there are other things. And I really wish we could teach all reporters basic statistical thinking so they would stop making such silly inferences.

Sierra Madre 4th of July Parade

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:51:10 EDT

There were Obama supporters in the Sierra Madre 4th of July parade. I only got one picture though, because I was busy hugging my friends (Obama supporters) as they walked by and meeting Russ Warner. Oh well. The supporters marched with Russ Warner who is running as the Democrat for Congressional District 26 in California. The seat is currently held by a republican, Drier. We really want to turn this seat BLUE. Drier rode alone in the parade. Warner had quite the entourage.

Obama at Venice Beach, California

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:41:18 EDT

I was at Venice beach this week (showing a visitor around Los Angeles) and saw an AMAZING Obama table. They have shirts and stickers and info and more. Apparently they set up 6 days a week (not Monday's) and are doing a FANTASTIC job of being FIRED UP and telling folks about Obama.

Supreme court

Julia from Pasadena — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:39:23 EDT

The day after the Supreme Court ruled that detainees imprisoned at Guantanamo are entitled to seek habeas corpus hearings, John McCain called it "one of the worst decisions in the history of this country." Well.

Does it rank with Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857), which concocted a constitutional right, unmentioned in the document, to own slaves and held that black people have no rights that white people are bound to respect? With Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), which affirmed the constitutionality of legally enforced racial segregation? With Korematsu v. United States (1944), which affirmed the wartime right to sweep American citizens of Japanese ancestry into concentration camps?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/16/AR2008061602041.html

GI BILL

Julia from Pasadena — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:14:50 EDT

http://blogs.wsj.com/numbersguy/tallying-the-effects-of-the-new-gi-bill-352/

Excerpt from the story: Opponents of the bill, including Sen. McCain, have said they oppose it because the sweetened benefits package -- including an average tuition assistance of $1,700 per month -- would induce more soldiers to leave active duty for university. To back this argument, they've cited a Congressional Budget Office study estimating that the bill would reduce retention rates by 16%, from a current rate of 42% to 36%.

But there are a lot of caveats attached to the 16% figure. It's hard to predict what today's soldiers from all branches will do using numbers about their predecessors, mostly in peacetime, and only in the Army. It's balanced somewhat by an expected increase in recruitment thanks to the allure of the benefits to undecided would-be soldiers. And the CBO estimates that the military could adjust spending elsewhere, such as on re-enlistment bonuses and advertising, to even out the expected changes in retention and recruitment.

Lots of honking = lots of bumperstickers

Julia from Pasadena — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:12:39 EDT

I communte in Los Angeles and typically spend at least an hour each way on the freeways. I always look for Obama bumperstickers, and catch up to the driver and honk and pass them (so they can see my Obama and Women for Obama bumperstickers).

At first (16 months ago), I never saw any, I still remember the first one I saw. Now, I can't remember the last time I drove without seeing at least one, and today I saw many. I even saw a car with two, to make sure everyone knows.

OBAMA '08

YES WE CAN!!!!!

Voter registration - Pasadena, California

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:14:48 EDT

There was a fantastic turn out to the voter registration drive (and BBQ) in Victory Park, Pasadena, California Today. Apparently the (grassroots) organizer thought there would be about 5-10 people interested, but 192 signed up for the event on Mybarackobama.com and there was quite a turn out. Everything was incredibly organized and groups of voter registers (some in fancy red shirts the organizers had made) went out to local areas and REGISTERED PEOPLE TO VOTE!!!!!

The volunteers today really reflect the wide diversity of Obama supporters, many different races, shapes, colors, ages. And many different Obama shirts!

These drives will be happening all over Pasadena (and other areas), and we are planning tabelling at all the local farmer's markets.

WE ARE STILL FIRED UP. AND READY TO GO.

(If anyone would like larger sized copies of any of these pictures, please drop me a note).

More pictures under the cut.

Voter registration - Pasadena, California

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:13:09 EDT

The volunteers today really reflect the wide diversity of Obama supporters, many different races, shapes, colors, ages. And many different Obama shirts!

These drives will be happening all over Pasadena (and other areas), and we are planning tabelling at all the local farmer's markets.

WE ARE STILL FIRED UP. AND READY TO GO.

(If anyone would like larger sized copies of any of these pictures, please drop me a note).

More pictures under the cut.

Voter registration - Pasadena, California

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:11:38 EDT

The volunteers today really reflect the wide diversity of Obama supporters, many different races, shapes, colors, ages. And many different Obama shirts!

These drives will be happening all over Pasadena (and other areas), and we are planning tabelling at all the local farmer's markets.

WE ARE STILL FIRED UP. AND READY TO GO.

(If anyone would like larger sized copies of any of these pictures, please drop me a note).

More pictures under the cut.

Voter registration - Pasadena, California

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:10:08 EDT

The volunteers today really reflect the wide diversity of Obama supporters, many different races, shapes, colors, ages. And many different Obama shirts!

These drives will be happening all over Pasadena (and other areas), and we are planning tabelling at all the local farmer's markets.

WE ARE STILL FIRED UP. AND READY TO GO.

(If anyone would like larger sized copies of any of these pictures, please drop me a note).

More pictures under the cut.

Voter registration - Pasadena, California

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:08:55 EDT

The volunteers today really reflect the wide diversity of Obama supporters, many different races, shapes, colors, ages. And many different Obama shirts!

These drives will be happening all over Pasadena (and other areas), and we are planning tabelling at all the local farmer's markets.

WE ARE STILL FIRED UP. AND READY TO GO.

(If anyone would like larger sized copies of any of these pictures, please drop me a note).

More pictures under the cut.

Voter registration - Pasadena, California

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:07:31 EDT

The volunteers today really reflect the wide diversity of Obama supporters, many different races, shapes, colors, ages. And many different Obama shirts!

These drives will be happening all over Pasadena (and other areas), and we are planning tabelling at all the local farmer's markets.

WE ARE STILL FIRED UP. AND READY TO GO.

(If anyone would like larger sized copies of any of these pictures, please drop me a note).

More pictures under the cut.

What a long, strange trip its been

Julia from Pasadena — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:20:36 EDT

Its so amazing that we won.

North Carolina ROCKS!

Julia from Pasadena — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:02:06 EDT

Thanks to all the great folks in North Carolina.

Keeping the Spirit Alive - Past the primaries!

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:38:07 EDT

Our new weekly meeting in Old Town Pasadena, California happened today at the Metropolitan Cafe in Old Town (12-3). There are still several weekly meetings going on in Southern California. Our goals are to train new people in how to set up MyBo accounts, how to phonebank, organize, and whatever else.

Today we had some new people, some high school kids, a Pakastani-American man who wants to do Pakastani outreach in PA and the other primary states, and I trained a few people how to process volunteers in PA, and we all did some clickin for Obama.

CALIFORNIA is STILL FIRED UP and organizing!!!!

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 20:32:18 EST

We had a new organizing meeting in Old Town Pasadena, California today, with lots of new volunteers who are FIRED UP. We are going to keep meeting each week, to make phone calls and discuss tactics, and be READY TO GO. Someone walked by in an Obama shirt too, great omen. I wore my new 'Deadheads for Obama shirt' (which are sold out, sorry).

All we need to meet & phonebank - chairs and wireless.

Results watching Party

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 12:34:48 EST

Here are some pictures from a 'Results watching party' in Covina, California (CD32). Thanks Ralph for having us.

More pictures from Phonebanking in Pasadena, California

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 12:05:19 EST

Here are some pictures from phonebanking to Texas at the Metropolitain Cafe, in Pasadena, California. We are meeting there today if you want to come join us.

GOTV phonebanking in Pasadena

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:14:09 EST

Here are some pictures from our phone banking GOTV to Texas in Pasadena, California.

We were at the Metropolitan Cafe, on Colorado in Old Town. We'll be calling again today from 12-5 and would love to have people come out and join us for an hour or two (or five).

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4r8cw#rsvp to RSVP.

UCLA event with Michelle, Caroline Kennedy, Oprah, and MOVE

Julia from Pasadena — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:59:59 EST

Sorry about the delay in posting my pictures of the UCLA event last Sunday, but the servers have been so busy dealing with all the donations and people making phone calls because we are FIRED UP.

The UCLA event was fantastic. Here are pictures from a volunteer perscpective. And it truely is amazing that such a large volunteer work force was assembled in less than 12 hours. We are FIRED UP.

Rally with Ted Kennedy in East Los Angeles

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:11:07 EST

Today's rally in Montery Park at the East Los Angeles Community College with Senator Ted Kennedy was truly inspiring. There were many V.I.P.s there, including California Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero and Congressman Adam Schiff (from Congressional District CD29). I missed the other names because I was helping show where the V.I.P. parking was. I got to stand in the street, and I waved at everyone and got a FANTASTIC response. Almost everyone waved back, and many honked.

Phone Banking in Pasadena - Answering the 100,000 call California Challenge

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:17:23 EST

Saturday was an exciting day in Pasadena, California, at the office on 37 Union street (in Old Town). The phones were ringing for the 100,000 call California challenge. WE MADE OVER 200,000 calls in California, and over 5,000 in the new Pasadena office.
We had some special people give some encouraging talks, including
California Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero, Chris Holden, Pasadena city councilman and former mayor of Pasadena, Patricia Horton, assistant to Adam Schiff (our member of congress (CD29)who is supporting Barack Obamba), Henry Lo, member of Garvey High school board, Nancy McCullough - went to Harvard Law School with Barack, and Nancy and Dorian Harewood - Nancy is Barack's cousin. Dorian is an actor. They have traveled to Iowa and NH to campaign for him and live locally.

Pasadena, California Office Opening - Thursday Jan 24

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:04:40 EST

Here are some pictures from the opening of the Pasadena, California office - 37 Union St.

The office is located in 'Old Town' Pasadena (inbetween Marango and Fair Oaks) and is there thanks to the hard work of Lonnee (CD29 Coordinator) and Laura (office manager() and , hard working volunteers.

Obama supporters were FIRED UP at the Doo Dah Parade in Pasadena, California

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 21:37:34 EST

Lots of Obama supporters showed up today to march in Pasadena, California's famous Doo Dah parade. The Doo Dah is known for its craziness - to give an example, we followed the bees. We chanted and got quite a few really great reaction from supporters in the crowd.

There were some really fantastic homemade Obama t-shirts and signs and costumes.

Phonebanking at Joe's Place in Duarte, California - off Route 66

Julia from Pasadena — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:59:38 EST

California's CD32 had a phone banking/meeting at Joe's Place in Duarte, which is on the famous Route 66. Joe's Place is a new sandwich cafe (with internet) and it was kept open just for us, the owners are Obama supporters! The food is wonderful - Its on Huntington in the 'Big Lots' mall for those of you in the Duarte know.

This is the CD32 volunteer Coordinator, Robin.

Phone Banking in California's CD32

Julia from Pasadena — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:28:49 EST

Instead of our usual weekly meeting, we gathered tonight at a local coffee shop to make phone calls to voters in our congressional district. We are only at 40% of our quote for this month.

It was a very productive night. We made about 100 calls, left a lot of messages, talked to a lot of undecided voters, found a few supporters, and a few people who didn't know anything about Obama and where interested to learn.

Sherry won the $25 kiva.org gift certificate door prize.

Community Service for Obama

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 22:50:25 EST

Our volunteer group - California's CD32, did a second community service - distributing food for the holidays. It was a lot of fun and we got a lot of visibility for Obama.

Several of the other volunteers were Obama supporters. They were thrilled to get pins. Sister Marion (wearing the ears in the picture) said she had spent most of her life working in Africa and 'of course she was an Obama supporter'.

Tabelling in Pasadena California

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 08:55:38 EST

The Obama table at Pasadena High School yesterday in CD 29 was ROCKIN. There were many people asking for literature and coming by to talk about Obama. People at the Edwards table next to us even came by to tell us they appreciated our candidate's comment at the debate, the one about having Hillary be one of Obama's advisors.

California's CD32 is FIRED UP

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 08:46:26 EST

Our volunteer group in California's CD32 is FIRED UP and READY TO GO. Our wonderful leader, Robin gave all the volunteer coordinators special gifts - Obama & JFK books. Very touching.

We are phoning all the voters we can in our district. Let me know if you want to help!

Canvassing in Duarte, California - Nov 24

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:53:46 EST

It was a beautiful day in Duarte, California yesterday when CD32 went off canvassing for Obama. We finished the routes we didn't complete in our 'walk for change', and did a new route in the area. We started at a really nice park in the foothills. The only picture I took was of Shelly and Robin setting up. We're adding information flyers to the Campaigns glossy Obama's position on Iraq flyers to hand out. We leave one at every door, even if they aren't home. Supporters get the cool poster. And we personally mail information to all the undecideds and supporters, expecially the ones without computers.

We had a great response rate, many people seemed happy to see us and we think we convinced a few people to vote for Obama and consider voting for Obama. Most people we spoke to were still undecided (I don't have exact numbers yet, haven't entered the data yet!).

Canvassing is not at all as scary as it seems. I always worry that I'll get grilled on specifics on issues I don't know, or get a lot of grumpy people who are angry that we are bothering them. Neither things happened yesterday. People didn't ask us about issues, even when we asked them if they had any questions about Obama. We got a few people who say 'no' behind closed doors, but we just walked on. We got so many people who were happy to see us (including people out on the streets) it really made our day worthwhile. And it was fun!

If you've never canvassed before you should consider doing it; its a great experience and its real easy to do.

Food Banking for Obama

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:36:36 EST

To help show how the Obama campaign is about more than politics, the Volunteers of California's 32nd Congressional District did some food banking on Saturday. We helped put together food boxes and bags for local families for thanksgiving. The event was at the Los Angeles Arboretum.

This pictures includes a young Obama supporter who was thrilled to see us there (and even happier to get a button from Shelly).

Fired up - Ready to GO

Julia from Pasadena — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:21:11 EDT

Here I am before an Obama meeting last night for the volunteers of California's Congressional District 32. I'm wearing my new Obama fleece jacket, with a 'women for Obama' pin. I'm also wearing a 'Got Hope' shirt. My purse has both a Barrack Obama and a Michelle Obama button. I have an Obama bumpersticker on one side, and a 'Women for Obama' bumpersticker on the other. You can see the Obama rally card that I got in February in the back of my car, but you can't really see the NY rally card beside it (given to me by a friend, I wasn't there). There are more rally signs sticking out of my knapsack, and buttons inside the bag, and a square Obama button on the knapsack.

Guess who i'm supporting for president!

Obama publicity in Japanese

Julia from Pasadena — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:55:15 EDT

At the Grand Opening of the Headquarters in Los Angeles today we got to see a copy of Frontline, a Japanese publication that we were interviewed for.

The picture us in Second life at the Obama headquarters made it into print.

Los Angeles Headquarters Opening - Party

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 21:28:52 EDT

It was ROCKIN today at Obama Headquarters in Los Angeles - today was the Opening Kick Off PARTY.

As you can see, a few people showed up.

Lots of pictures below.

Obama in East Los Angeles - a volunteers perspective

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 01:23:19 EDT

I got to see Barack Obama in East Los Angeles today. Here are LOTS of pictures to show all that went on.

Tabling (?) in Pasadena, California this AM

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 00:45:44 EDT

Mike and I set up at the Pasadena High School Farmer's market this morning .

and were joined by a high school student who was getting credit in her goverment class to participate in something political. So she chose to do something for Obama.

Canvassing in Duarte, California

Julia from Pasadena — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 22:12:23 EDT

CD32 for Obama took Duarte by storm, canvassing around Royal Oaks Park. Duarte is located in the North East area of Los Angeles, up against the mountains.

Snow in Monrovia, California

Julia from Pasadena — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 21:42:37 EDT

More great pictures from Ralph's archives, snow in Monrova! It was trucked in and dumped infront of a store. Ralph took the opportunity to make an Obama photoop.

A security guard was real excited to have his picture taken with the Obama sign too, to show his support of our candidate.

Pictures of tabling at the Monrovia Street Fair/Farmers market - June - now

Julia from Pasadena — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 23:04:04 EDT

Here are more of Ralphs wonderful picture's. These are of the Monrovia street faire table, that has been going on (almost) weekly since June.

Here's Robin & Ralph - who make it all happen (with some help as you'll see).

Second Life Weekly meeting update

Julia from Pasadena — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 22:16:07 EDT

We discussed a few things at our weekly second life meeting. We're still waiting to hear when the ABC news special is airing.

We have progress on our projects, more freebee stuff on slexchange, and a draft of our Ad!

Its here, and please feel free to comment

Obama in Second Life Ad here

. We also discussed participating in the 'Familes for Obama' cookbook and will be digging into our inventories for recipes. Prim ribs anyone? If you want to contribute one, please leave it as a comment or contact Julles. Artwork & stories needed too.

Support in the park

Julia from Pasadena — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:27:29 EDT

Obama in Pasadena (June - Ralph's pictures)

Julia from Pasadena — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 00:47:22 EDT

Here are some more of Ralph's great pictures from the June event in Pasadena that Barack and Michelle attended.

Here's Ralph.

Free Obama shirts, buttons, hats, banners, flags

Julia from Pasadena — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 22:37:02 EDT

Lots of free Obama stuff - 3 types of shirts, buttons, banners, hats. The catch? They only fit virtual people in Second Life. I just put this free collection up on slexchange, which is like Second Life's ebay.

Ralphs pictures - Pasadena fundraiser in June

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 00:59:39 EDT

Here are some more of Ralph's great pictures, these are from the fundraiser in Pasadena in June.

Here is Mike, one of the biggest Obama supporters in Pasadena.

Ralphs pictures - Flash back to February

Julia from Pasadena — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 01:02:24 EDT

Ralph gave me some great pictures to post and share. Here are a few from the rally in Austin that he attended in February. He just happened to be in Texas when it happened, drove a few hours to the rally, and it changed his life. Or at least this year of it, Ralph is very active in the Obama campaign and one of the volunteer coordinators of CD32.

This was the rally where it rained. And noone seemed to mind.

Vegetarians for Obama

Julia from Pasadena — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 17:11:00 EDT

Vegetarians for Obama will be doing a section in the Families for Obama Cookbook. We need help! Inviting all vegetarians, vegans, and veggie friendlies to help out with our section. We need:

recipes (with stories if possible)

artwork

sayings/quotes/statements. Reasons why to be vegetarian. How vegetarianism relates to Obama and/or politics.

There are FIFTY ONE current members of Vegetarians for Obama, and probably many more vegetarians who aren't in the group yet. Could at least half of you do something to help?

The cookbook will be in *.pdf format and FREE.

Oct 2 Rally in Los Angeles

Julia from Pasadena — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 21:50:34 EDT

The rally at the Federal building in Los Angeles was great! The weather was beautiful, the speeches were moving (and short) and the turn out was great for a Tuesday at noon.

My batteries in my camera were not so great, I could only take a few pictures and had to take them fast without composing.

Second Life Weekly meeting update

Julia from Pasadena — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:27:40 EDT

Second lifers for Obama had quite a week. We got interviewed by ABC news (inworld, including a film crew at one of our members house). We hosted a Debate-Watching party at the Capitol HIll sim, and got an honorable mention in the group fundraising challenge!

We also moved our weekly meetings up to 7pm SL (Pacific time) to make it a bit easier for our East Coast SLers.

The ball of white light is actually a person. You don't have to be human to support Obama in Second Life. All our welcome.

Second Life is a virtual reality world that is FREE TO JOIN, just go to www.secondlife.com. You'll need to set up an account and learn how to navigate around in the virtual world. Then come find us (along with many other sims that are educational, non profit, social, historical, and lots more). To find us, do a search on OBAMA! Join our SL group Obama for President, and our MyBo group Second Life Residents for Barack Obama.

Oct 2 Rally in Los Angeles

Julia from Pasadena — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:53:09 EDT

The rally at the Federal building in Los Angeles was great! The weather was beautiful, the speeches were moving (and short) and the turn out was great for a Tuesday at noon.

My batteries in my camera were not so great, I could only take a few pictures and had to take them fast without composing.

CD 32 Organizational Meeting

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 09:13:25 EDT

We came in from the cold! Ok, so we're in Souhthern California and it hasn't been that cold. But our meetings moved from the cardshack to the community center. We hadan enthsusiastic turn out, and everyone had been there before. So we are DEDICATED.

Debate Watching in Second Life on Capitol Hill

Julia from Pasadena — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:29:30 EDT

We had a few people show up to the debate watching party, and I think most of us had fun. We couldn't get it streamlined in (due to MSNBC) but those who could watched it on TV or the net.

Obama in Second Lifers get Inteviewed by ABC

Julia from Pasadena — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 20:05:12 EDT

ABC News interviewed a few of us in Second Life this morning. They actually went live to 'cubsfan's house and filmed from there, and interviewed him in person.

An ABC reporter came into second life (she's the one in the suit) and met us at the Obama grassroots headquarters. The other avatars pictured are Liam (who owns the headquarters and set it all up), cubsfan (who runs the Second Life Obama group and the meetings), Baijan who runs the Mybo Second life group, and me (in my new Dutch clogs). The reporter didn't ask about the clogs. But she did ask why Baijan was green.

Stay tuned for debate watching pictures at the Capitol Hill sim. And please help support us by making a donation on our group page, we are actually at 3rd place this week in the <30 member group donations. (check it out here. And please donate

here

Free Obama shirt and buttons

Julia from Pasadena — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 20:28:06 EDT

Free Obama shirt and buttons - the catch - its for your virtual self. I just put the Obama shirt and buttons on Second Life exchange (like ebay for second life) for FREE to help other avatars spread the world about Obama. Check out our Second Life group.

Obama is fighting for Vets

Julia from Pasadena — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:05:32 EDT

Obama is fighting hard for vets. Look what he did on Monday.

September 24, 2007

CHICAGO --Sens. Dick Durbin and Barack Obama want the secretary of Veterans Affairs to explain how a surgeon with a history of malpractice complaints in Massachusetts was hired at a VA medical facility in Southern Illinois.

CD 32 Organizational Meeting - at the Card Shack in Monrovia, California

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 21:41:48 EDT

We had another inspiring CD32 (California Congressional Distric 32) meeting at the Card Shack in Downtown Monrovia (officially part of CD 26, but we play well together).

Obama supporters at the Route 66 Parade in Duarte, California

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:18:41 EDT

They say it never rains in Southern California - It pours. Well, it poured on us today. It rained the hardest while we were waiting, but stopped when we walked. So it turned out real well.

We even recruited a new supporter during the rain, the person who took this picture for us will be coming to our organizaitional meeting this week. We got his contact info!

Obama supporters at the Route 66 Parade in Duarte, California

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 15:44:18 EDT

They say it never rains in Southern California - It pours. Well, it poured on us today. It rained the hardest while we were waiting, but stopped when we walked. So it turned out real well.

We even recruited a new supporter during the rain, the person who took this picture for us will be coming to our organizaitional meeting this week. We got his contact info!

Debate Watching Parties in Second Life on Capitol Hill

Julia from Pasadena — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 18:23:24 EDT

We have a place to watch the debates in world! Capitol Hill is the perfect place to gather, and the sim owner is happy to have us participate in democracy.

Weekly Obama in Second Life Meeting

Julia from Pasadena — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:15:34 EDT

We had our weekly meeting in Second Life yesterday (Tuesday, 7:30 SL or Pacific time).

polls smolls

Julia from Pasadena — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:27:30 EDT

I think I'm too much of a gamer to be worried about the polls. To me its kind of like playing chess and complaining that they have more of your pawns, and you only got their only queen. There are many games where a good strategy does NOT have you leading at first. At the end of the game, the only thing that matters is who won. Not where people stood during the race.

The poll right now reflect name recognition. And I would hope more people have heard of Clinton than Obama (and who are the 1% who never heard the name Clinton?). People have known for years that Hillary was running. Obama is new to many, especially the apathetical who don't follow politics.

Most people decide who they are going to vote for about 2 weeks before they vote. That's when the polls might have meaning. Until then, just remember, the polls showed Dean and Liberman winning at this time in the last race.

Obama in York

Julia from Pasadena — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:35:53 EDT

Just wanted to post some pictures of me in my Obama shirt in York, Great Britian. Here I am in front of York Minister Abbey, and with a Viking at the museum.

IIgnore the polls, here's a promising sign from the Trader Joe guy.

Julia from Pasadena — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 23:17:01 EDT

Ignore the polls, here's a promising sign from the Trader Joe guy.

I shop at Trader Joes (a small grocery chain) and have had 3 interactions with a particular worker regarding Obama. The first was in February. He saw my button, and expressed his opinion that Obama didn't have a chance. He thought he was an ok guy, but Hillary was a better choice because she had the Clinton backing and could raise way more money, and politics was all about money, etc.. He basically said it was great I was sticking to my beliefs, but I needed to be realistic. I just smiled and said 'we'll see'. I don't argue with people who are sure they know the outcome of elections. I know enough to know there are too many variables to be able to predict the future. So I smiled and said we were meeting every week at the local coffee house and he was invited.

The second time we had a conversation was in May. He saw me wearing my Obama shirt and said something like 'I could vote for that guy. Hillary has the nomination though, she's has a bigger force, more experience, etc... I just smiled and said 'we'll see'. And invited him to a few of the regular Obama events we have going on.

Yesterday, he saw my shirt, got all excited and danced around and said 'yes, I want that guy to win. He's got some great ideas. What can I do to help? So I smiled....

Weekly Zephyrs meeting at the Art and coffee shop.

Julia from Pasadena — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 01:02:18 EDT

We (Aileen, Julia, Vickery, Mike, Ralph) had a great meeting at Zephyrs tonight. Aileen came by, she is a local student who is returning to UC San Diego and will be setting up a Students for Obama group there. She came by to pick our brains about setting up a group and running events. We had a great time giving advice. Hopefully she will find lots of USCD students to join her in her enthusiasm for Obama. And her CD organizer will be happy when she calls offering to host phone banking parties! 'Cause we know what the campaign wants, lots of phone calls to connect to voters.

Second Life Obama Meeting - Guest Speaker discusses upcoming REZ THE VOTE SL event.

Julia from Pasadena — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:13:41 EDT

We had a guest speaker Tuesday night at the Obama in Second Life weekly meeting - Jamming Independent came to talk about an SL voter registration event - REZ THE VOTE.

California's CD32/West CD26 Organizational Meeting

Julia from Pasadena — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:54:15 EDT

On Sunday we had the second CD32 for Obama Kick off meeting and the first Joint - CD32/West CD26 meeting in Monrovia, at the card shack.

BBQ for Obama in So Pasadena

Julia from Pasadena — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:54:59 EDT

On Saturday we had a great BBQ for Obama supporters in South Pasadena, officially "Families for Obama: Los Angeles Potluck Party!". The event was technically in CD 29 (California's congressional district 29) but it was planned before Camp Obama had us start organizing in CDs. So it was really a BBQ for anyone who wanted to attend, and there were other CDs represented. It was a meeting of old friends, an introduction of and kids, and meeting of new friends.

A reporter at our weekly meeting

Julia from Pasadena — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 08:24:50 EDT

We had a reporter at our meeting last week. She was from Japan,doing a documentary. We told her all about what we are doing to get Obama elected. Between us we represent 3 Congressional district volunteer organizations (CD 29, CD 26, CD 32), and many other things (parades, tabling, second life), etc.

California's CD 32 off to a rip-roaring start

Julia from Pasadena — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 20:25:59 EDT

We had the first meeting of California's CD 32 for Obama Volunteer meeting on Sunday, at 3pm in the Card Shack in Monrovia.

The card shack is actually a significant meeting place, it was originally donated to the city as a place where people could hold meetings. So it was perfect for us, in the center of town.

Aug 17 Tabling for Obama in Monrovia, California

Julia from Pasadena — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 15:37:20 EDT

We had a wonderful evening at the Obama street faire last Friday. The Mayor of Monrovia stopped by for a bit. Ralph knows everyone.

Obama meeting in Second Life

Julia from Pasadena — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 20:41:28 EDT

I went to an organizational meeting for Obama supporters in Second Life last night. Second Life is a virtual reality that lets you interact as an 'avatar' (character) in a world that you can create yourself. At any one time about 40,000 people are logged on to second life (from all around the world) and about 1 million different people log on every month. Its free to join, all you need is a good gaming card and network connection. You can go to second life to sign up.

This is the Obama headquarters, its two stories high (can you see me flying in front of the building?). The HQ has some wonderful displays and information about issues, and links to web pages, and free stuff (shirts, hats, signs, flyers) and more. Big thanks to cubsfan for hosting it on his land and organizing us.

Welcome

Julia from Pasadena — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:45:45 EDT

Welcome from Robin, Julia and Ralph to California's CD 32 for Obama - the official volunteer site for our congressional district.

Weekly Obama table at the Monrovia Street Fair

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 14:24:27 EDT

Pasadena/Altadena's meetup was packed and included an international film crew

Julia from Pasadena — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:50:19 EST

Well I would say the first meeting of the Pasadena/Altadena for Obama group went quite well. We packed the place and even had an international film crew show up! Apparently the Japanese equivalent of PBS is doing a documentary on Obama and they choose our meeting to include in the filming.

I got to see Obama today

Julia from Pasadena — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 23:16:32 EST

Today was a good day, it had sunshine and Obama.

I saw him in Los Angeles this afternoon. The place was packed. It was so exciting. I heard a few people say they came 'cause they though it was history in the making. I guess that's why I went too.

The world sure will be a better place when he's president.

So what about an Obama game?

Julia from Pasadena — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 21:27:49 EST

I've been trying to think of what Gamers for Obama could do and then was hit by the obvious. How about if we develop an Obama game? I'm thinking a simple board game, a 'roll the dice, move your mice' sort of thing. Something we could have as a pdf file, and have cards (also as a pdf) so people print the game and the cards, and provide thier own markers and dice.

It could be a race for the presidency and be linear like the game of LIFE. The first big obstacle will be the democratic primary.

I have zero experience with this and am totally open to suggestions. Also, I have no idea how to design a game board.

Comments? Suggestions? Who wants to help?

Dreaming Real Big

Julia from Pasadena — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 02:54:29 EST

I have always found that my greatest achievements have occured when I have aimed higher than ever thought possible.

My fundraising goal can be achieved if:

1,000 people donate $1000 dollars/

10,000 people donate $100 dollars.

100,000 people donate $10 dollars.

1 million people each donate 1 dollar.

Can you help?