Bad Poetry, Ranting, and Geekiness

That's a Big Rubber-Band, MAN??

2008-05-15T14:01:32Z

Random note:

An organizer is in from NYC who looks like the rapper T.I. - plus about a foot and 70 pounds.

When I saw him, I blurted out "we're getting serious up in here," but of course they took it as the typical Union Organizer "getting amped" talk.

Aight, back to the siege.

bombyamom @ 2008-05-08T15:24:00

2008-05-08T19:09:45Z

Labor Solidarity Video: May Day (Belated)

2008-05-02T15:49:37Z

Yesterday was May Day, the occation in the labor movement where people celebrate our right to organize and the history behind the international labor movement. I was not able to post in comment or celebration yesterday, because I was busy kicking ass and taking names in the labor movement. While I can't think of a better way to celebrate, I did want to post one of my fave videos. Pardon me for those folks who've seen this already:

Guilty as charged.

2008-04-29T18:14:45Z

You know that you need a reintroduction to feminism when, whilest at a party, you utter the following words in a group debate:

"Yall need to address your male privilege up in this bitch."

::headdesk::

I am full of fail.

Random Question of The Day:

2008-04-28T16:11:29Z

Do you have a memorable unrequited love? What happened with it? Tell the story!!

I Dead Beats Like A Dead-Beat

2008-04-22T13:44:13Z

One of the talents that I have completely neglected (and am now re-upping!) is the art of Freestyle Rapping. No one but some close friends who also freestyle have heard me really get down, and I am frankly petrified at the thought of having other people critique something so close to my heart.

But last night, at Tent State, I was ready. Some hippie kids had been hogging the mic, and after waiting a few minutes to try and get on, I hear this white kid drop an n-bomb. That's when I started to act up - going up next to the dudes and stomping my foot; yawning; checking my celly, all in front of some fans that I really wanted to get to know ::wink::

Unfortunately, this moment was written to remind me of the most fundamental rule of freestyling: No one is going to hand you the mic - you've got to step up and take it. I'm going to start practicing again - out loud - so that the next hippie who slips with his vocabulary will get schooled when I slap the shit out of his hand, catch it, and make him want to cut his dreds.

In real life, I don't brag about MC skills that I may or may not have. I am arrogant about a lot of stuff, but my freestyling is still just a kid wishing to be Snoop, and there is so much negative energy in rap already, that I don't want to add to that chorus.

Last night was great. It showed me that I can get over shit when I am angry enough. Perhaps it is time to find a different but familiar channel for my anger and frustrations, yes?

My summary of the current work situation:

2008-04-14T15:01:54Z

This union is full of fail.

To Beyonce:

2008-04-07T14:27:01Z

WHY??? WHY BAYBEE???

After all these years of vocal support, even defending your acting skills in Austin Powers, and still keeping you number one on my celebrity "Naughty Thoughts" list, you've gotta go get married behind my back? Without even giving me a fair chance to break into the event, and at least get with one of your cousins???

I will get over it, but I wanted you to know that I am thouroughly hurt, and will now use this moment to close with 1000% honesty: I liked "Pon De Replay" better than "Bootylicious!" OWW! Take that!

::sobs::

Celebrating Rap Feuds

2008-04-04T13:11:26Z

I am taking a break from Big Labor to talk about some crap that I saw on TV. I had just finished watching "Red Dawn," a cheesy 80's movie involving killing Russian invaders, when a top-10-list type program came on. The name of the show was "The Top 10 Reasons why we love Rap Feuds." It was a show on a local bamma network that was celebrating the violence, greed, and divisiveness of feuds in the Recording industry. In other words, it was a steaming pile of ignorant shit. Most of the commentators were white, and the one woman of color they had on there was a notably raw DJ on NY's Hot 97 radio station - a station that has been assailed by every civil rights and media watchdog group as the lowest of the low in terms of music and content. Hot 97 is an icon of the "urban" radio stations controlled by massive white-owned media conglomerates.

In an age where people like Nas and Jay-Z, (one of the most legendary rap beefs ever) can come together in peace (and to make money, sure...) to spread a message of "we are killing ourselves" these shows are a step back in an industry that is glorifying a self-facilitating form of genocide in the form of race-on-race crime.

Lately, I have been rather anti-violence, and have frankly become a little disgusted with it all. This is including the many old skool "gangsta" records I've got, like Dre and Biggie. My conscience is bothering me about the content and the energy that it puts into the universe, let alone the fact that my money is going to the corporate machine.

Feel free to comment!!!

White Privilege Manifesting.

2008-04-02T15:57:04Z

This week, I had my first face to face with a bamma ass supervisor. It was an instance where I can't help but wonder if my race and gender had something to do with it. Dude is a total punk, and has talked down to his Delegates like they are nothing. The two Delegates in question are African-American (male) and a white woman. I have heard stories about this dude, so during the meeting, I made sure to stand over him after forcefully suggesting that he sit down and listen. He spoke to me the way white men speak to each other when they're in a back room, and are trying to be all Good Ole Boy about shit. It was the attitude of "O, you're not a worker, because you obviously know what's going on." This is in spite of the fact that the worker I was speaking to him about was present (but ignored of course) and frankly knew more about his contract than I did. There was essentially no reason for me to be there, as the worker outlined the case FOR ME and told ME how to best handle the dude. The worker did everything but move my tounge and lips to articulate the sentences. But of course, I have to show face from the Union, and of course the workers couldn't possibly be educated about their own work place. ::eyeroll:: It was evident that he listened to me for other reasons, even though all I did was repeat what was said by his employee the last time that they met about the issue. Often, the Union will have to just show up to prove that they are serious, but it is this other attitude that really pisses me off. After seeing that his tactics aren't going to work, he acted like a dude in a principal's office - until the end when he tried to belittle his workers again.

I really can't articulate how this makes me feel, except to say that I am beginning to understand why Union organizers never talk about their work that much, even to other organizers. After watching shit like this every day, I am not much in the mood to talk about it either.

Back to it, yall!

Emo Post #1234666

2008-03-31T13:12:32Z

This Union has to be one of the most mediocre, back-stabbing, hypocritical organizations that I have ever been a part of.

It really doesn't help that I'm getting homesick, am feeling the financial issues, and well, it's gloomy outside. And it's Monday.

Can't I just go back to bed now? I shaved and got dressed! You owe me world!

Not sure whether I should be happy or ashamed

2008-03-29T00:39:40Z

In spite of knowing my circumstances regarding my arrest, two of my bosses insisted that I come out with them for drinks. My boss can really put them away. We got into a contest, where she tracked the statements I made that were probably unprofessional and/or offensive. In two hours, while trying to be on my best behavior, I made 7 of them that she noticed. This didn't even include the half hour explanation I gave everyone about how to succeed in casinos/gambling, and gave them basic poker, blackjack, and roulette strategy.

I love my job.

Divide And Conquor: Race

2008-03-24T23:08:07Z

I am not going to be able to begin to properly address this issue in the 5 minutes I am stealing to post this, but I will do my best.

One of the more frustrating parts of my job is the level of success that the bosses of unionized employees often utilize in order to keep their workers divided and unable to resist their policies. It is my job, then, to overcome these divisions, and get everyone in the shop to start thinking as a unit. When it happens, it is the best high in the world. While you're doing the long process, though, it can be infuriating.

I have spent some time thinking about prejudice amogst people of color. These past few weeks, there has been a frequent occurrance of prejudice against certain racial or cultural groups by people who claim to speak for their whole department, culture, etc, and it has been a tough edge to walk. On one hand, I understand the frustrations of the workers, especially when management has been seen to outsource jobs to lower-paid workers of a different ethnicity. Moreover, I think that prejudice amongst different people of color is more complicated than say, Chaz Frat Guy says the same things. In the end, it's still wrong, but macroscopically, somewhat different. (I can't get into a detailed explanation just now)

The RL example that prompted this post, is that a few individuals claiming to speak for every Spanish-speaking person in the building (at least 1/2 of the workers) that there is a rift between the Spanish-speaking union memebers and the outsourced Agency folks, who are predominantly from the Phillippeans. There is also a huge element of anti-semetism, going so far as to question my loyalty to the union since "I look like a Jew and have a Jewish name" and that Jewish folks happen to run a lot of the facilities that we oversee. Obviously, the people speaking are very frustrated with Management who is taking advantage of them, and the Union, which has dropped the fucking ball on their workers in almost every conceivable way. It was the first time I had encountered this in this job position, and I am sad to say that I didn't do much to challenge people. I did keep it professional by mentioning that everyone is potentially their Union Sister or Brother, and that they need to stick together, as everyone is being screwed. It is also obvious that some folks besides these 3 bigots need to be involved in this process...

Anyway, in my mind, this is just The Man working here. A common colonial tactic is to separate racial groups, and then treat them differently. While it isn't perhaps overtly on the basis of race, I do see how it is aggrivating an already bad situaiton - and in the end, it only benefits the boss.

And so much of the youth wonder if they'll ever get a job where anti-racist training is relevant. If only they'd realize that it is relevant and NEEDED at any sort of job, club, or social situation they participate in.

I want to take the time to address this divide and conquor, since really, it is the fundamental example of why unions and organizing work - people united cannot be isolated, and people united have power. I need to get back to work though.

I apologize that I wasn't able to get too deeply into this, and that I frankly haven't even re-read what I am about to post. But I am hoping that at least by putting something out there, some folks can witness and perhaps ponder what I have been pondering.

In solidarity,

Peace Love Respect.

In Solidarity With The Fraternal Order of Police!!!

2008-03-18T19:49:05Z

I got the cops called on me today. It's the first time that it's happened in this campaign. In NJ, the police are union, so they laughed when we told them that it was over a labor dispute. A radical organizer from Queens, NY and I had just sat through a 2 hour meeting with workers who've been screwed with for a year, and the union hasn't done shit to help them. We tried to speak with the head boss to schedule a Labor/Management meeting, and she told us to talk to her lawyer, and basically started insulting us to our faces. Sister from Queens goes OFF, and then the second in command tries to threaten her. I swear I thought that it was about to go down. I pushed my colleague out of the door, and by the time the authorities arrived, we were ready with our statements.

Who'd of thought that the manager of an Old Folk's Home would be so willing to take it outside??

In Solidarity.

Near-Meltdown

2008-03-14T13:42:29Z

It is amazing to see what happens when workers get together on a decision. The workers at one facility decided that they'd had enough of the lack of service from their union rep, and he was run out of town on a rail. I went in there with this dude from the NORTH Country, NY and sat and listened as this member straight-up reamed me out. Back in the day, I used to be flustered by stuff like this, but when I see the working conditions of these women (and some men!) it becomes apparent that they have a right to be angry, and that it is my time to listen, even if I cannot offer a bigger solution than "I am sorry, I've been here for 2 seconds but I give you my word that I will take this matter up with my peoples." That was a run-on sentence, but I've got to get to working on lists.

I also want to document that I was so stressed that I had to leave a party last night and go to bed early, but my heart was feeling for the workers this morning. I think that this may be a first for me - I left fun to think about work.

I ~~hate~~ love this job.

Jersey Labor

2008-03-13T21:40:42Z

So much has happened since I've left Maryland!

It has only been 10 days, but I am more excited, grown-up, and exhausted than I ever have been. I love working with the members. I love by-passing expensive security systems. I love deflating the egos of management. I love that I am making money, and working a satisfying job.

There are difficulties, however. The Labor Politics are rediculous right now. ABSOLUTELY. REDICULOUS. I can't get into it, but it's bad SON! The hours are also insane. I typically wake up between 3:30-4AM, am at a facility in time for the shift changes between 6-7AM, and then am able to take a few hours for personal errands and napping. Then, around noon, we do our afternoon and evening visits, which run until 5-7PM or so. Then, we alternate between evening shifts that go from 9-1:30PM. I wanted to mention this shit, since I have a certain reputation involving sleeping, lol.

I have many stories about the workers and the bosses already, but I'll update those as they happen, hopefully. I gotta get to another dumb meeting, so I gotta be out.

Sugar aka "The Fucking New Guy."

Eyes Of Chaos Analysis: Spitzer

2008-03-11T17:50:08Z

I think he had a relationship an old informant, and ended up having to pay. That, and it was discovered that he'd secretly go for Obama as a superdelegate.

Clinton vs Obama

2008-03-05T15:33:41Z

"...and in the distance, a tearing sound was heard - like cloth being ripped by an angry lover. And after the sound of the tearing, a great erruptive BOOM as the proud structure came crashing down to the ground with an earth-shaking reverberation."

Obama is ahead, but Clinton believes that she's got a chance, which means that it's time to get my slippers and warm up some Hot Pockets - this ish is going to keep going! I predict the fracturing of the Democratic party, which, like so many moronic liberals I know, won't be able to get their shit together and mount a successful presidential bid against McCain, IN SPITE of having a majority and the bad taste of Bush's administration being in everyone's mouths. Leave it to the Democrats to squander the opportunity. I actually hope it does fracture the party, because they've done such a poor job of actually being progressives, that I would love an opposing party to come in and unapologetically add some balance to America's new/old obsessions with Neoconservatism and Neocolonialism. Maybe then, they wouldn't act like the little brother to the Republicans - who makes a bunch of noise, but is out-gunned.

I would also ask: do we really want a candidate who just squeaks by in terms of popular support - or do we want a candidate who is right for the job, in the view of most of the party's base. The Republicans have made their choice already, and it's McCain. They're already rallying around their candidate while the Dems are playing footsie with the voters.

And I wish the media would stop making this Gender vs Race. I like Obama because his policies are more progressive, and because of the respect he's maintained. I dislike mud-slinging and hubris.

And Hillary? There's no crying in politics. Let alone:

"WAAAAHHHH!!!! YOU TOOK MY PRESIDENCY!!! WAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!! WHAT ABOUT MEEE? WHAT ABOUT HILLARY???"

I would also add that Hillary isn't the only one to get SNL endorsement. McCain (however you spell his devil name!)
appeared as a GUEST on the show, and was actually rather funny. He played the hippie art teacher!

Houston, The Eagle Has Landed

2008-03-03T19:13:52Z

carrotmofo and I have made it to the land where Jerseys are New. I am slowly relaxing into my new/old home, and the space I am renting is great. It's got a dishwasher AND washer and dryer!

I am exhausted and need to work, but I figured I'd update. My boss is very nice, and very detail-oriented - very good for me! She is also attractive - also good for me! What is it with me and attractive bosses??

Haiku Highlights: Economics

2008-02-28T08:06:01Z

Money's a good tool
if you've got yourself a shed,
or even a box.

Clinton and Wal-Mart

2008-02-26T15:59:25Z

So Clinton sat on the board of Wal-Mart between 1986 and 1992, according to the NY Sun. It makes sense, as they are from Arkansas, home state of Wal-Mart.

Read About It Here:

http://www.nysun.com/article/27089

Haiku For Borders Bookstores:

2008-02-26T01:10:30Z

(Dedicated to my friend, Zen.)

I used to put in
the worst albums possible.
I totally confess.

Status Update

2008-02-25T04:27:44Z

The mothership now has landing clearance, and short of any unforseen malfunkshuns in the hyper-drive, we should succeed in our one-way flight to adultsville. Please keep your limbs and genitals inside the windows at all times, as this flight is sure to start dipping if there is some turbulance. Note the exits coming out of all sides of your peripheral vision, and be ready to receive the rap-ture when you make your approach.

The landing gear is psyched to pad our touch-town, so sit back with a beverage and a seat belt, and enjoy as your flight comes to a soft and swift ending.

Would you like some peanuts?

When in doubt, use some ancient wisdom to guide you.

2008-02-22T18:30:48Z

I have been thinking very critically and unegotistically about my move to New Jersey. I am seriously doubting whether or not this is going to happen, which is only disappointing because I had it all lined up before I announced it, and it has since fallen through. I am a king of chasing dreams and losing interest and faltering, but this wasn't one of those times...

The book that every person needs to read is "The Art of War' by Sun Tzu. According to his logic, the troop moral (me), combat resources and terrain are not suitable to mount an effective campaign in New Brunswick. Simply transporting supplies there will bankrupt the war chests, let alone a few weeks of campaign before any spoils are received. I've learned my lessons about moving under these conditions...

At this point, it is looking less and less likely, but I am not much affected by it. Maybe it's because I padded my landing for this contingency. I may have made a whole host of mistakes in the past, but I refuse to be bound by them - and I could be totally screwed right now if I didn't plan.

So, yes, I may be in DC for a while yet...who knows...

Peace Yawl.

Richard Pryor in "Star Wars Bar."

2008-02-21T18:28:49Z

I def LOL'd: