Thanksgiving 2009

GEO Strike at UIUC

I was a member of the union that recently went on strike for two days. I did not go out and picket but I did do some chants at a rally before the strike.

"What do we want?"
"Contract"
"When do we want it?"
"Now!"

And we did get our contract after two days of striking. The two days we were on strike it was both rainy and cold, but a lot of my GEO friends went out and picketed anyway.

I did have to go back to work today, and was happy about that. But, I'm not very political I think, but I do believe in the rights of the union and when we voted for whether or not to give the strike committee authorization for the GEO to strike I was of the 6 or so percent that said no. It was my first union experience and overall it was really interesting and exciting to see how the union leaders and stewards organize, because even though it wasn't for me personally a big deal, it was for the GEO and the university. Fight the power folks!

Fun With String

This is from a blog that I read called Awful Library Books. It's about weeding old books from library collections. I thought this would be something fun to share with you all.

I volunteered at Voodoofest this year on Halloween day and Nov 1st. I went to some awesome rock concerts (Gogol Bordello, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Jane's Addiction, Wolfmother) while dressed as this bafoon of a viking. The only downside is that it's hard to headbang with a hard-hat turned Viking Skullshield on. I modified it later that day to have a little strap that keeps it from falling off during dramatic movements. Oh and to explain the huge sandwich--It's a muffaletta, a New Orleans style giganta-wich which is meant to be cut into fourths. Italian meats, olives, oils, spices, etc. It's not meant to be eaten alone.

On Nov. 1st I saw the Flaming Lips, and the Meat Puppets. They were both life changing shows. I recommend everyone at least giving the Flaming Lips a good serious listen, and if you like them, to see them live-they are really really really fun.

I'll be sure to post more pictures as I get them. I'm a little sad I can't come back for Thanksgiving (I'm given that Thursday and Friday off and I could request off the Wednesday... but I would have a hard time paying for the trip up and back down. I miss everyone very much.

Hes looking at you, Matt

So Matt, I said I would post this on the Blog because I thought it was so awesome.
Story: Was bored, drew this.
Matt's computer is to the left of mine. That explains it, hes looking at Matt!

Second, I want you all to give one adjective to describe this picture. I'll start.

FEAR

Shadow of a viking!

this is a shadow of my costume!!!!