This event was the big thing in town tonight, and with the arena having a capacity of 9,000 or so, I knew we would not get in. People had been in line for hours waiting to see him. I am all for it though, even if it meant we just have a nice walk across campus holding hands. Well, we park the car and walk about 10 minutes only to find a line of thousands. We walk past the rec center, the soccer fields, Hayward Field and finally come to the end of the line. We realize we won’t make it in, but let’s just wait until someone says its full. Keep in mind, this event is free. About two minutes later, groups of people are walking past us, saying the arena is full and we should head to the overflow area to hear him speak in 45 minutes. We following the small groups heading to the overflow area (the back of the arena) where we end up standing about 7 or 8 feet from a barricade. Speakers are playing the opening acts for the event. These are state politicians speaking inside the arena, but no one outside is really listening.

We stand around from 8:30 until 9:12pm when Obama comes walking down a ramp with secret service in tow. The thousands outside scream and chant “Yes We Can” as he takes a microphone and addresses the crowd. He spoke only for a few minutes and then proceeded to shake hundreds of hands. We had a great location because he was about 7 feet from us. He then made his way inside the arena where 10,000 are waiting to hear him speak for the next 45 minutes. It was a wonderful to be part of history.

Here are a couple blurry photos from my cell phone. Obama is in there.

Here is a video of Obama speaking to the crowd we were in. You can only hear him because of the angle of the person filming.

Here is the video of what he said inside the arena, and what we watched at a local bar with others who didn’t get inside.

Today, we continue with human suffering based on intolerance and misunderstandings. We see images on television or internet displaying the worst acts of human aggression because we choose to remain ignorant, and steadfast in our irrational ideologies rather than listening and trying to understand the differences that make each of us unique. Volunteering your time abroad, even if for a short period, can make a difference in your life and the lives of the host nationals in which you encounter. I would encourage you to read the following articles that offer policy recommendations for Congress to support funding that will expand the number of Peace Corps volunteers, and develop a Global Service Fellowships Program that supports a wide array of non-government organizations, faith-based entities, corporations, and universities seeking to put more American volunteers abroad in the name of global peace and stability.

• The Best Diplomats: American Volunteers
• Global Service Fellowships: Building Bridges Through American Volunteers
• International Volunteering: Smart Power
• Reconsidering the Peace Corps
• The Peace Corps in a Turbulent World

Young and old, we all have something to contribute to a more stable and peaceful world! Contact your congressman today and ask them to support increased funding for international volunteer programs.

Great power and great wealth do not necessarily produce greater respect or greater security… [An] effective foreign policy in the age of global politics must combine power and cooperation.

–Daalder and Lindsay in Agenda for the Nation

Putnam privileges primary interpersonal ties above all other forms of social and political activity, because he believes such interactions uniquely foster trust and cooperation. The more face-to-face group interaction a nation has, the healthier its people and the more efficient its government and economy will be.

–Skocpol in Diminished Democracy

UNPLUG IT!!!

Please unplug all plugs from outlets while you are gone for the holidays. Save energy while you’re gone!
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PHANTOM LOADS

Did you know that many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These “phantom” loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. In the average home (and office), 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. This can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strips.

Nationally Phantom loads make up about 6% of our entire residential electricity consumption! A decrease of 1% of industrial energy use would save the equivalent of about 5.5 million barrels of oil per year, worth about $1 billion. (UC Berkeley)

Unplugging your electronics when not in use, or using a power strip to shut them down, can eliminate as much as 500 pounds of greenhouse gases each year and trim your electric bill, and that’s just for one power strip! (Seattle Power and Light) =============================================================

CHECKLIST FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION WHEN YOU’RE GONE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
TURN OFF AND UNPLUG:

• Surge protectors
• Printers and photocopies
• Computers
• Office Equipment
• Stereos, lamps
• Space Heaters
• Micro-waves/coffee pots, rechargeable items unplugged
• Thermostats set back to 55 degrees
• Hallway lighting kept to minimum
• Windows tightly closed and locked
• Blinds drawn/closed
• Lighting and computer monitors and cpu’s off when unoccupied
• Personal refrigerators emptied, cleaned, shut off and left open

Have a safe and pleasant holiday!
THANKS FOR PULLING THE PLUG ON GLOBAL WARMING!

God Bless Bush!
“See, free nations are peaceful nations. Free nations don’t attack each other. Free nations don’t develop weapons of mass destruction.” —George W. Bush, Milwaukee, Wis., Oct. 3, 2003

“I can only speak to myself.” –George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., April 28, 2005

“It’s in our country’s interests to find those who would do harm to us and get them out of harm’s way.” –George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., April 28, 2005

“I have a record in office, as well. And all Americans have seen that record. September the 4th, 2001, I stood in the ruins of the Twin Towers. It’s a day I will never forget.” –George W. Bush, Marlton, New Jersey, Oct. 18, 2004

How much longer are we committed to this blunder? How many more soldiers and innocent citizens will die for the wealth of politicians and businessmen? 2,500 U.S. soldiers so far. Number of Iraqi citizens? Tens of thousands. Why one more?

Benjamin Franklin wrote:

Never has there been a good war or a bad peace.

Why can’t those who lead our nation understand this concept? We must continue to defy our nations war tendencies by changing our consumer attitudes, by educating ourselves to understand our fellow humans, and by striving to always choose non-aggressive means over aggressive measures. We have the capability to think critically, to act rationally, and seek knowledge to better ourselves. Let’s start today!

I encouarge you to check out the short films title “The Chernobyl Accident” and “Iraq: A Depleted Generation”. The photo essay titled “Ushguli: A Village at a Crossroad ” by Gia Chkhatarashvili reflects on a remote village in the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, north of Armenia. Another photo essay titled “Self-Immolation: Afghan Women Cry Out for Help” takes a look at the slow progress in social change for women in Afghanistan. The photos can be a bit graphic. These movies do not have your typical movie stars to adore, instead they have real people suffering as a result of circumstances beyond their control. Get off your butt and do something.

I added new links in the Activism section. This is a very important area of the website to us, as it reveals a lot about who we are and what we believe in. We encourage you to visit this area often, as we will keep adding new sites to visit.

We believe that inorder for our society to truly succeed we need to evolve from a society that is centered around greed and the corporate machine to one that centered around the collective as people work to help one another. How can a corporation that only serves to make money for it’s stockholders at the expense of human rights, health, and the environment do us any good in the long run? It can not. We need to take a stand against such machines and encourage one another to produce and purchase in sustainable ways. Support your community services and grassroots efforts that encourage a healthy sustainable society for everyone. It is time to act now and to vote with our money. The most influential action one can have on society is how you spend your money. If you choose to purchase name brands that don’t offer a living wage to it’s workers living in horrible conditions then this is what our society will evolve into, but if you want a society that is rich in natural resources and ecourages everyone to live healthy and happily then purchase products and support services. Don’t waste your time on mind-numbing pleasures, but prefer to not insult yourself and go out and stimulate your mind. Read, get outside, talk with one another, learn about each other.

If you are not sure where your money is going, then take the time to research the companies. The internet makes this possible. Be an investigative reporter trying to uncover the truth. I know that I don’t know everything about every company but I don’t sit on my ass and claim I didn’t try. Everyday brings new opportunities to change this world. WE MUST ACT TODAY!