Live from New York, it's CRASHING THE STATES!
Today's entry has spawned a dilemma that is currently plaguing me--and, I am sure will plague other bloggers long after my blogging days are over: namely, how do you blog about an event that has already been liveblogged, and still make it interesting?
You know what I'm talking about...the Blograiser with Brian Keeler!
Well, one way is to post pictures that haven't been seen before. So you can go below the fold to see even more images of the event--from the Crashing the States point of view.
And the other reason is mentioned in the diary title...BONUS SPIDERS!! In today's bonus spider epilogue entry, I bring you...spider vs. spider!
So follow me below the fold for more exciting Crashing The States coverage!
Now, I'd love for everyone to think that there's a good reason why you haven't seen these pictures yet. That they're "special" or something. But the truth is far less special. The truth is that I really wanted to get all these pictures to lipris so he could liveblog them from one of the numerous computers in the region--but the truth is that the USB connection from my camera to lipris' computer simply didn't work. So I was unable to share them with him.
So they made their way to my photobucket account--and now, you can see them.
But before I start in with the photos, I have two announcements to make.
FIRST: Our own clammyc has started an initiative, and could use your support. As a counter to the (unfortunately successful) Republican adoption of our flag, clammyc has had made a bunch of "we the people" constitution lapel pins, and will be donating the proceeds to worthy candidates and causes. He'll be setting up a PAC soon for this effort, but please, give him some early support. clammyc was there at the blograiser selling these pins and donating the proceeds to the Keeler 2006 campaign. So please get in touch with him and buy some pins. It's a great way to show your support of the Constitution while also supporting progressive causes and candidates.
I'm sure that clammyc and his wife (sorry clammy, I'm horrible at remembering names!!) thank you for your support!
SECOND: When we started this trip, there were only two Kossacks on this trip--me, and Reality Bites Back.
But now, there are three. Our cinematographer, A.J., is now a Kossack. Everyone, please welcome pelagos--one of our most recent additions. No comments yet, but I am in the process of explaining site culture and protocol.
This event was really something. There's a sense of history being made--not only concerning the type of event this was, and the fact that it had satellite events in Berkeley and Long Beach--but simply put, the idea that a State Senate race could attract so much nationwide attention is historic. Unique. No other way to say it. And I'm happy that I got to be a part of history; part of a new method of politics in support of a new type of candidate.
I spent most of my time just meeting a whole bunch of Kossacks and others I didn't know, and reintroducing myself to people I did know. And a good portion of our time was spent getting footage and interviews for our project. And I doubt any picture could be more symbolic of the Crashing The States project than this--me conducting an interview with some prominent Kossack or other, with RBB on one side and Pelagos on the other:
It's hard to speculate how many people were there--but it was a good-sized crowd! In the center of the picture you can see pontificator, lipris and Sam Seder:
The candidate himself was in fine form, and is quite good at stump speeches:
It was, however, a little strange seeing Brian on all the TV screens at the bar, especially since the wrong disc was put in and the same property-tax TV spot kept on looping over and over again. It was weird, in an upside-down 1984/V for Vendetta type of way:
For those of you that don't know, Sam Seder was there because if I understand correctly, Sam resides in Brian's district and will be represented by Brian starting in November! His presence drew a lot of buzz:
Tom Ball, of course, ROCKS! And here he is with the candidate, watching the campaign ads--which were ideated and produced entirely by fellow Kossacks!
My two fellow Kossacks were, of course, having a wonderful time getting it all on tape for your future edification and amusement!
And, of course, no photoessay of the Keeler Blograiser would be in any way complete without a shot of the candidate himself liveblogging!
And now for the special treat of this diary--SPIDERS!!
When we were leaving goldberry's house in New Jersey, I happened on a fascinating scene on the outside wall of the house--and I wish I had caught it on video, but pictures will have to do.
I was observing a jumping spider on the outside wall of the house, when all of a sudden a netcasting spider ambushed it and started to wrap it up:
The cute little jumping spider, however, did not consent so readily to being lunch, and after much writhing, managed to free itself, sending forth a silky strand and floating down to the ledge below.
And the netcasting spider? Well, it just retreated back to the crevice it came from to prepare another ambush.