Calling All Artists, Creative Types, Fun People and Other Superheroes Meeting at Specialtys Cafe in Santa Clara was enlightening. We turned the corner in the cafe into the meeting area to see a bunch of tables covered with butcher paper, crayons and miscellaneous other stuff: big fluffy brushes, cat musician statues, pine cones, press-on lights and turkey feathers. All tools to inspire and motivate brainstorming. Our host Janet, AKA Jon, got our creative juices going.
Meet with like-minded friends and neighbors for an lively brainstorming session on what we can do to start creating the change we want. Expect to come away with specific, achievable and fun objectives; small steps and short term goals with long term results.Our first event was a lot of fun, and people came away with a better sense of where they wanted to contribute their time and energy. Since we have a mix of new people and people who were at the first meeting, we will blend the same kind of brainstorming with coming up with at least one small, easy step we can each take toward achieving our contribution goals. We will stick with things that personally intrigue and energize us, to make it easier to take those steps.We need all of us, with all our various interests, abilities and experiences to make this a great nation and a good world, whether times are good or bad.
Meet with like-minded friends and neighbors for an lively brainstorming session on what we can do to start creating the change we want. Expect to come away with specific, achievable and fun objectives; small steps and short term goals with long term results.
Our first event was a lot of fun, and people came away with a better sense of where they wanted to contribute their time and energy. Since we have a mix of new people and people who were at the first meeting, we will blend the same kind of brainstorming with coming up with at least one small, easy step we can each take toward achieving our contribution goals. We will stick with things that personally intrigue and energize us, to make it easier to take those steps.
We need all of us, with all our various interests, abilities and experiences to make this a great nation and a good world, whether times are good or bad.
It kind of worked. By having people write their notes in crayon on the tables, it put most of the group on the same wave length. Silicon Valley, the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California, United States of America and the bay area in general, have over 100 active BarackObama.com active groups. Most groups are within an hour drive of each other. We are concerned that ideas and work may be duplicated because each group is isolated. We could strategize more efficiently and work towards results if people interested in the same topic connected.
We broke into four groups of 4-5 and brainstormed together. My groups spent the part of the 20 minutes or so talking about how we could find out what other regional groups are working on. How to merge interests and resources? We also discussed specific ideas people want to champion such as converting from oil to solar energy.
After 20 minutes, everyone got up and switched groups. So by the end of the meeting, you talked with at least 12 people, a majority of folks who showed up. Many had participated in the Santa Clara economic recovery meeting at the library mentioned in the San Jose Mercury News article, "Weekend 'Stimulus Parties' Bring out Obama Faithful Across the Nation" by Denis C. Theriault. The group plans to meet monthly, so it'll probably get a lot done over time.
Over 20 humans and 3 dogs met the first Saturday of February to talk about the Obama Administration's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, at that time known as the economic recovery plan.
fixing the economy is like our getting our new puppy. you get an older one to help entertain the new guy. she takes off gets hit and you gotta pay the vet bills. Plus all the normal puppy work.But now you're obligated, so bear down and learn to enjoy it. No turning back. It'll get better. So come see our new dogs, and we'll watch barack.Most People are talking about shooting for noon. and hanging out for an hour or two. my original idea was an open house, but maybe that defeats the purpose of networking between y'all. Anyway i'm excited to network. My ideas on the stimulus plan line up with Obamas call to winterize homes. I'm into energy policy, This seems like this is a good way to flex this Organizing for America system and see if it works.
fixing the economy is like our getting our new puppy. you get an older one to help entertain the new guy. she takes off gets hit and you gotta pay the vet bills. Plus all the normal puppy work.But now you're obligated, so bear down and learn to enjoy it. No turning back. It'll get better. So come see our new dogs, and we'll watch barack.
Most People are talking about shooting for noon. and hanging out for an hour or two. my original idea was an open house, but maybe that defeats the purpose of networking between y'all. Anyway i'm excited to network. My ideas on the stimulus plan line up with Obamas call to winterize homes. I'm into energy policy, This seems like this is a good way to flex this Organizing for America system and see if it works.
Our host, Tod, started us out by playing Governor Tim Kaine Answers Economic Recovery Questions video. The next few hours we spent talking issues important to Silicon Valley in specific and America in general.A couple of the action items we took away was to contact (e-mail, phone, snail mail) our US Congress representatives and other influential congress people in other states.We could focus on whatever topics interested us most but the main goal was to encourage them to support the stimulus bill. Most non wealthy people can afford to wait out the bad economy without work from our government.
Below are pictures of some human participants and a couple dogs. The long haired Dachshund puppy was the host dog and the black terrier, Culo, was the visitor dog.The meeting ended with a homemade berry and oatmeal dish, salad and pulled pork. A very nice Mountain View CA meeting all around.
I've been counting the days on my facebook status and 10 days into it ... I feel extremely excited about what's to come in the next 4 years (possibly 8) with Obama as president. It appears that Obama has worked harder and has been more active then GWB's last 8... but I'm so partial toward Obama, that I've already deemed him GOAT (Greatest of All Time) not even 1 month in office yet ... LOL.
I do find it very interesting that I'd even say that.
My reasoning would have to be because of the intelligence and composure of the whole presidential campaign. if I were to ever run for President, which I'm not, but if I were to ever run for President, I now have blue print of how to do it.
His focus to stay on the RELEVANT topics, the way his team passed information to the masses from the simple grassroot gatherings to the highest forms of technology (Did any of you happen to download the Obama iPhone app? AWESOME), the orchestrating and publishing of the his book, the debates were spectacular vs Hilary & McCain and the combo of his personality and intellect were far above any candidate that I've ever met/heard/seen.
I related with Obama, as did nearly 70 million voters...
And what's really weird is that it feels as if I could actually call Obama and talk with him like a friend? I'm talking about the having a President who I feel can understand me and my point of view so much so we'd could have a conversation. Wow!
As an Black American/Native Indian mix and ex Army soldier... I finally feel included.
Spread Love!
- Alonzo -
www.apowerhouse.com
We have two hotel rooms reserved in the Washington, D.C. area and will only need one. The reservation is at the Marriott Fairfield Inn at the Washington-Dulles International Airport for four nights, January 17th with a checkout on January 21st. The room has two double beds and comes with free hot breakfast every morning. We're asking $250 for Saturday night and $350 per night Sunday, Monday & Tuesday. Hotel rooms in the Washington area are now going from $600 and up if you can even find one. This hotel is mere minutes from the Vienna, VA Metro subway station and is a very short ride into Washington. Cars are not recommended on inauguration day.
If you're interested, contact me at markbrickman2002@yahoo.com or call 650.346.8498. Time for this deal is limited.
Embossed Metallic Engraved Seal
Earlier this week, I got a very official looking invitation to the Presidential Inauguration coming up in 11 days (YaY!). It includes a fancy embossed metallic seal on cardstock. You can tell it's the real deal because the back is pressed in.
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Back of Embossed Metallic Engraved Seal
I wish I could be there, but no way could I hang in a crowd of an estimated 1 million to 5 million people with only a few port-a-potties sprinkled around. In the snowy cold no less. True, watching the first African American being sworn in person is a once in a lifetime, never to be repeated again event, is worth the hassles to plenty of people, but I'm not one of them. Although some of the goings on look really good and I hope they show the events on TV.
Envelope for Presidential Inauguration Invitation
Monday and Tuesday Events related to the Inauguration.
Lance Wyman designed art piece inspired by Barack Obama’s campaign.
This multimedia production celebrates the landmark political win of Barack Obama in 2008. Illustrated by quotes from the media and supporters from all walks of life, this production helps us remember some of the most momentous times of the Democratic campaign.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFAgZs1uqv4
A few pictures of the Dawn of a New Day, Change is Coming event in Menlo Park, CA, yesterday on 12-14-8. Friends and neighbors will meet to discuss how we can help Barack Obama bring about the change for which we elected him. Hosted by Amar Singh and his wife at the Peninsula School.
About 35 people showed up to contribute to the lively, thoughtful discussion. The great thing was the amount of enthusiasm and energy people want to contribute to help Barack Obama achieve success of his visions. Looking forward to having more and deeper discussions on issues facing the United States.
Temo Figueroa, a former top Obama field organizer, said the volunteer base is "hungry" to be engaged on the most important issues.Role for Barack Obama's volunteer network still in flux, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-obama-networkdec05,0,7403685.story"I don't think e-mails or YouTube videos from the president-elect are going to be enough," Figueroa said. "These people want to continue to be a part of whatever agenda comes out of the White House, and they want to be active participants in this government that they feel they have ownership of."
Around this time of year, there are lots of requests for our dollars. All good causes, like Kiva, of course. With the financial uncertainty of these times, I don't have a lot of spare cash to donate to Kiva at the moment. Participating in community Barack Obama events is another way for me to stay engaged. I signed up to participate in Voting Reform discussion and how Californians can help Barack Obama bring about the change for which we elected him. I look forward to both events. A lot of stuff is going on this month to choose from.
I encourage you to click on the Find Events link in your http://my.barackobama.com/ account to find a way to participate. If your schedule is too booked for this year, I'm sure there'll be other chances in 2009. "Be the change you want to see in the world"is more than just a slogan. Here's the opportunity to show and prove.
If you were busy Sunday night like myself, you're kicking yourself for missing Barack's appearance on 60 Minutes. Well, fret no more. Here it is. I will watch it myself.
All the best!
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/16/60minutes/main4607893.shtml
Did you get to go to Chicago to see Barack's acceptance speech? Were you hanging out with them in their hotel room before the event? Would you like a little behind the scenes peak at the event?
Then check this out......
http://flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157608716313371/show/
My thanks to my friend Lamont.
There are over a million active supporters of the Barack Obama campaign. At least that’s how many people are a part of the interactive community-based website mybarackobama.com. Among those people are men and women with very unique talents, and every once in a while, one rises above the crowd. I was lucky enough to have found one. Her name is Stacy Beyer.
Ms. Beyer is a huge player in the Nashville music scene. In addition to performing for the purpose of celebrating the hope and promise of the Obama campaign, Stacy is very heavily involved in Nashville’s vibrant Jewish community and writes and performs Jewish oriented music for the purpose of enhancing and promoting the enjoyment and appreciation of Jewish music.
I am very certain that Stacy Beyer’s star is on the rise. Please give a listen and a look to this wonderful video and be a part of something great.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN_NNZyh43s
As you can see, the visible score of my Obama campaign involvement is a paltry 1/10 (recently reduced from a 2/10 for some reason)! In reality I am extremely proud of the behind the scenes work I have done, as well as others have done, to support Barack Obama's candidacy. I have worked at the local volunteer center making many calls there, e-mailed copiously, covered my car in bumper stickers, talked to everyone who would engage with me, etc. While the work wasn't recorded officially, it was still done.
How amazing is it that our generation and our children's generation gets to become comfortable with this kind of leadership change in America?! President Obama. What a beautiful sound.
Congratulations to everyone who helped make this possible!
I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first. We just made history. And I don't want you to forget how we did it. You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change. I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign. We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next. But I want to be very clear about one thing... All of this happened because of you. Thank you, Barack
Find a polling place near you at Last Call for Change.
Something great to get your Monday morning started!
http://www.theobamaexperiment.com/Videos.html
Enjoy!
Welcome to the BA meeting, Barack Anonymous. I'm Mark (Hi, Mark.) And I'm addicted to the Obama campaign (groans!). No, it's true. I swear! I have been living and breathing this campaign, and with three days left, I'm not at the Obama office, and it's killing me. I will be there later and work well into the night, but I have a bi-yearly commitment and today is the day. I know I'll survive, but I'm in pain. Just sneaking on to a computer that I found here to write this is a little solace, but I must be with my compadres at the Obama office.
Oh, no...I just thought of something else. What am I going to do on Wednesday? Can I find a BA meeting anywhere? I doubt it. How will I see my Obama friends? Just pop up at their front doors and ask them if I can use their phone to call New Mexico? No, that won't work. Oh, I know...we'll all meet for dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, or even Chinese. Yeah, that's the ticket. Oh, and I feel so positive that we'll have something really good to celebrate.
Does anyone else out there in Obamaland not know what they're going to be doing after this campaign? Oh, well. I'll think of something.
