Life After Connecticut College

On August 28th 2008 I began working for Grassroots Campaigns Inc. (GCI) an organization contracted by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to build the grassroots support that was going to put democratic candidates in office. This is the first entry of the story of the two months I spent raising money, contacting voters and organizing volunteers to support the Barack Obama Campaign for President.

I began my journey in New York looking for a job (how original is that). My Mom kept telling me to do something about the campaign. So one day I gave a call to Grassroots Campaigns Inc. a website I stumbled upon several times when looking for a way I could get paid to help out Obama. If I recall correctly I called on a Thursday and scheduled an interview for Friday the next day.

My interview that Friday went well (thanks to CELS training) and that night I got a call asking me if I was interested in flying out to Denver Colorado for special canvass director training.

I said “Yes, when do I have to be there.”

“The training begins Monday, you would fly out Sunday.”

“But it’s Friday night? Really?”

“At which airport should we book your flight?”

And from there the race to Nov. 4th began. I spent Saturday with the NY Office I’d interviewed with canvassing a Brooklyn neighborhood asking supporters for contributions to the DNC. I also called my Mom and family to tell them I was running off to Denver to learn how to be a “community organizer”. Sunday I was again with the NY Office on the streets of Manhattan flagging people down for contribution until I had to catch my flight to Denver.

What I knew:
In Denver I was going to be trained for four days as an Assistant Canvass Director and then shipped off to another swing state where I would open a canvassing office, hire and train staff to registration voters and coordinate volunteers.

What I did not know:
I would be sharing a hotel room with 6 or 7 other guys for four days of training. I would not know which swing state I’d be going to until midnight of the final night of training and had to be on a plane 6 hours later.

What else I did not know:
Once in my swing state I would work 7 days a week from 6:30 am till midnight, travelling 40minutes to the office. Every day I would spend four and a half hours on my fit walking in neighborhoods talking to voters. I would not sleep in a bed without another person snoring next to me for the next 64 days. If I was sleeping alone it would be on the floor or on a coach. I would be moved three times to other crucial swing states with only a 24 hour notice.

What I really did not know:
That I could learn and do so much in such a sort time.

Check in for more later! What was Ross’ first Swing State! Do Stressed out Directors have to Smoke! And how to put up 300 poster in one hour at midnight!

Posted by Ross Jordan at 9:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I survived Inauguration. A nine hour drive down, standing in freezing temperatures for hours, and another 9 hour drive back was absolutely worth making the trip to DC. Let me tell you why.

We departed on Saturday afternoon and arrived around 1:30 am to fellow Camel Ali Funk's sweet house in U Street Corridor. Although I was really excited to be in the nation's capitol, we went to bed in order to prepare ourselves for the free concert on Sunday. The concert, We Are One, kicked off the inaugural festivities and set the tone for the weekend. It started at 2 pm and we arrived at 1 to find there was already a huge amount of people gathered from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, where the concert took place. People climbed on top of port-a-potties, trees, and people to get a view but we managed to squeeze through the crowds and found a spot where we could see the stage as well as the jumbo-trons. It was a star-studded event that included performances by Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, Jon Bon Jovi, Garth Brooks, Stevie Wonder, etc, etc, and my favorite band OF ALL TIME U2! Needless to say, I was thrilled. There were also many actors who read dialogues about history including Tom Hanks, Steve Carell, Jack Black, among others that left you scratching your head wondering who thought it was a good idea for so-and-so to talk about politics. Nevertheless, the excitement and pure joy among everyone was very tangible. People had traveled not only from all parts of country but from foreign countries as well. Despite the large crowds of people and what normally happens when people are forced to inhabit each other's personal spaces, everyone was in good spirits. And so it began...

When Tuesday arrived, we woke up early and dressed in our warmest clothing prepared to stand in long lines and make our way through large crowds. And that we did. Upon our arrival to one of the entry points to the Inauguration, we were greeted by a religious fanatic shouting into his microphone who-knows-what with another equally disagreeable man yelling at him "you are evil" repeatedly. Eventually, the latter grew tired and stopped while the former man switched off with another religious fanatic. Super. Finally, we arrived at the tent where the security guards patted us down and we made our way in. However, we were disheartened to learn that we would not be able to make it into the National Mall since they had closed off the street. Determined to get a view of the capitol and the Mall, we left and speed walked/jogged/ran to the Washington Monument. With just minutes to spare we found our spot and the 2009 Presidential Inauguration began. Bush and Cheney departed to loud boos from the crowd while Obama (and Biden) were welcomed with triumphant cheers. After Obama gave his speech, everyone sighed a breath of relief and made their way to their respective homes with hopes for the future of their families, the country, and the world.

It was truly stunning to see the number of people that showed up to stand in the freezing temperatures for hours just to see history being made. For me, the Inauguration of President Barack Obama was more than the swearing-in of the first African American president. To me, it signified progress after a period of retrogression. We chose a president that represents our ideals, our fears, in essence, ourselves. The citizens of the United States had grown tired of being represented by old, white men from wealthy families. They do not know nor do they understand the average American. Furthermore, Obama becoming president is at the core of the goals and principles the United States was built on. People have come to this country for centuries seeking refuge, freedom, and new opportunities. Across the world, people have become inspired by his triumph.

It's been only a week since President Obama came into power, but he's already making significant changes in the government that I fully support - closing Guantanamo Bay and overturning the global gag rule are just some. I appreciate his swift, unhesitating action and hope that he continues to address all issues with the same degree of importance. I am also absolutely giddy about the White House website, complete with blog and the agenda. And you should most definitely check out the agenda. It is truly refreshing to have a President who truly represents the American people right down to our addiction with technology and the internet.

As I've said before, President Obama still has to prove himself. Only time will tell what his term will accomplish. Even so, I'm optimistic. Now, if the media would just stop reporting Michelle's fashion...

Posted by Marissa Velarde at 8:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Happy new era in history, everybody!

Sweet sugary gumball goulash, what a week it has been for myself and the rest of the nation. Since I last blogged, Welcome to Florida headed down to Washington, D.C., for Inauguration Weekend (which for some reason occurs in January and not in a month where people would actually enjoy standing outside). Wes and his new ladyfriend made their way south on Friday afternoon, and the rest of the band met me here in New London on Saturday morning. Despite all the predictions, the ride down there really wasn't too bad (well, not in terms of traffic anyway, though sitting in a cloud of Duncan's BO for eight hours wasn't exactly a dream come true). Actually, the most difficult part of the drive there was finding a parking space anywhere near the venue at which we were playing or the place where we were staying (it didn't help things that we always travel in a modified '86 Wienermobile). We persevered and eventually found a decent spot, and just in time because at that point my bladder was somewhere around 112% capacity.

We got settled in at the apartment of two of our drummer's friends, which from what I could tell was actually the set of the new Ludacris music video (it was baller), and then headed out for a delicious sushi dinner with a live jazz trio followed by drinks at a nearby cowboy-themed bar (we were going for an East-meets-West theme for the night). Despite the fact that all the people in our group were telling us that this bar was kind of a dive and not very popular, there was a line to get in! It turned out that there were so many visitors in town for the weekend that literally every bar we walked past had a line, regardless of how popular it was normally. Once inside, we only stayed for a few minutes because we were all pretty tired and wanted to rest up for the next day (we're old).

On Sunday morning, we fueled up at Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts (we all couldn't agree on which was better so we had to go to both) on our way downtown to watch the free We Are One concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Though the crowds were large and the walk was long, it was fun because everyone around us was in such a great mood. The concert was awesome, and I was impressed by how well all of the unusual pairings of musicians like James Taylor with John Legend worked out (with the possible exception of Peter, Paul, and Marilyn Manson). During our journey to and from the performance, Duncan and I had an opportunity to tape a video tour of historic Washington, D.C., which you can view online (disclaimer: it is hosted by me).

The WTF show that evening went off without a hitch, which was great because it was also a fundraiser for a really wonderful non-profit called Millennium Promise. I encourage everyone to check out their website; it's an outstanding organization! The show was packed, which got us really excited to play, but it occurred to me halfway through our performance that there was, as I had observed the night before, a line to get into every single bar in the area, so most of the people there probably didn't really care what we sounded like. Whatever, they still came!

The return trip was a little more stressful than the ride down, mostly because of all the snowfall in the New York/Connecticut area. We finally made it back to New London at around 7:15, just in time for me to eat dinner then go to rehearsal for two hours, yay!

Despite my exhaustion, it was a great weekend and I was very happy to be able to witness a piece of history. Regardless of your politics, I think everyone has to be pretty excited about entering a new chapter in the story of America (did I really just use that phrase?).

Take care, everybody!

Posted by Chris Reilly at 8:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Happy Monday, everyone!

It's the dawn of another work week, but fortunately here on campus it's still Winter Break, meaning that students aren't around and we get to dress casual every day (ironically, I'm currently wearing a t-shirt that looks like a tuxedo). As per usual, the weekend felt like it was about 15 minutes long, but I can't say that I didn't have any fun, so I shouldn't complain.

On Saturday, Welcome to Florida braved the snow on I-95 and headed down to New York for a show at our favorite venue the 169 Bar. Despite the inclement weather, the show was PACKED, so I want to thank everyone who made it out, including fellow 2007ers Nate Borgelt and Melissa Skolnick (your gift baskets are in the mail). Melissa, who conveniently arrived after we had finished our set (she secretly hates music), brought along her new boyfriend, who I have to say is one of the dreamiest dreamboats I have yet encountered (I hear wedding bells, Melissa!). The show was a lot of fun, and I can't wait to play again at the 169!

The return trip to New London was significantly more interesting than the ride down (and not just because we sang a 3-hour rendition of "The Wheels on the Bus"). Just as we were getting to the NY/CT state line, we saw an electronic road sign that said 95 was closed starting at Exit 4. Thinking that that could not possibly be true, we soldiered on, only to encounter traffic at a complete stand still just a few miles later. Fortunately, just as we spied the gridlock ahead, we managed to sneak over to the exit ramp and find an alternate route over to the Merritt, so crisis was averted. I found out later that the traffic was caused by a thirteen car pile-up, and they weren't even filming a new Blues Brothers movie or anything!

When I finally got back to the Whaling City, I saw that it had gotten completely hammered with snow, making it the third serious snow storm of the winter thus far. As any Conn alumni readers out there know, this is highly unusual for New London, which typically escapes almost all the wintry weather that the rest of New England experiences. "What outlandish but probably true hypothesis do you have that can explain this phenomenon, Reilly?" you are almost definitely asking. It's pretty clear to me that what is happening is that people are leaving their refrigerator doors open too long while trying to decide what to eat for lunch and this is causing a sharp decrease in temperature throughout the region. I am hereby calling for more lunchtime decisiveness throughout New London County so that I don't have to scrape ice off my windshield as often.

Hopefully the weather will be better this coming weekend because Welcome to Florida is heading down to our nation's capital (which I just recently found out is actually Washington, DC, and not, as I had previously believed, America City) to play a show on Sunday. I'm pretty excited about being in town for the inauguration, but I'm also worried that the traffic will be so bad that I may not even make it back home by the time the Obama administration leaves office. I'm sure it will all be worth it though!

Well, it's probably about time for me to face the music and get to work. Have a great week, y'all!

Posted by Chris Reilly at 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's been many moons since I've posted. But new year, new me, new resolution to write more....

Life at Men's Health has been buzzing along. I'm still working as an Editorial Assitant to the Editor in Chief. I also was able to research and write for one of Rodale's hottest book franchises Eat This, Not That!. I helped with Eat This, Not That! Supermarket Survival Guide, which hit stores in late December. It helps shoppers both make smart decisions while food shopping and also avoid hidden calorie/sodium/sugar/fat/trans fat traps. (The first two books in the series were geared towards restaurants.)

Some of my research involved reconnaissance in grocery stores all around New York City. I will tell you one thing: extended amounts of time in supermarkets s is overwhelming. Nothing like fluorescent lights and a million mascots goading you into buying their product.... David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding, co-authors of the book, realized the need for a supermarket cheat sheet in times when eating at home will be better for your wallet and your waistline. It was a great experience to work with them and see how a book comes together. Check it when you can!

Besides that, life continues at a break neck pace. I, however, will try to stop in more frequently to keep you posted on the world of healthy men.

Posted by Sophie Fitzgerald at 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Happy 2009, everybody!

Sweet sassy Santa Claus, December was more hectic than any I can recall (with the possible exception of the year that I got tricked into ringing a bell outside of Wal-Mart for 50 hours a week when the Salvation Army said they had "drafted" me). I've been merry-making just as hard as I've been a-wassailing, and I've got the Kringle-esque nog gut to prove it ("Nog Gut" actually sounds like a delicious new strain of super-nougat laced with vanilla and rum).

Welcome to Florida recently played a few Christmas-themed shows, much to the delight of yours truly, who had the foresight to hang mistletoe over my own head in order to catch any free-roaming holiday cheer that may have been circulating around. There was a small but positive response to this idea, so much so that I'm considering hanging mistletoe over myself during every show, regardless of whether or not it's Christmas season (whoa, I just had a vision of this idea going horribly, horribly wrong and me getting some kind of probation for committing some kind of sexual harassment). Both shows were a ton of fun, and I'm proud to say that we collected a pretty great amount of canned goods for charity! Hmm, maybe we can also start collecting canned goods at every show regardless of whether it's Christmas season, and that can help me assuage some of my mistletoe-related guilt!

Speaking of Welcome to Florida, I spent Christmas and the few days following in our namesake state to help my grandmother move into her new condo in Clearwater Beach (city motto: "Get Off Our Lawn, You Good for Nothin' Teenagers!"). The weather was beautiful, but there was just a little bit of a shortage of people between the ages of, say, 18 and 40 (a group I like to refer to as "individuals I might actually want to see in a bathing suit"). It was nice to spend some quality time with my family, but it turns out that being unable to play bass or talk to pretty ladies for six days is my Kryptonite, so I was glad to return to New England.

Upon flying back to New Hampshire at the conclusion of the trip, I decided to stop by Boston for a few hours to say hi to some friends on my way home to New London. To make a long story short, one thing led to another and I ended up staying for four days (oops!). I had a blast, of course, but what I didn't have was any clean clothing since I had originally planned to just drive from the airport back to my apartment. Thus, I had a very fun, if somewhat malodorous, New Year's Eve celebration in Boston (actually now that I think of it, pretty much all my New Year's Eve celebrations have ended up getting pretty malodorous one way or another).

Whatever smelly or unsmelly things we did for NYE definitely worked, because 2009 is already off to a great start. This morning at work, for example, I found out that my coworker Skip's wife is pregnant! Since I work with almost all women, there's some pretty stiff competition to see who comes up with the best ideas of what to name this child, but fortunately I cleared out my work schedule so I could focus on brainstorming some nomenclature. Skip's wife's name is Candy, so I'm thinking if it's a girl they'll name her Brandy, and since their last name is Wilson, if they have a boy they can name him either Flip or Mister.

I'm also happy to pass along the news that fellow 2007er and New Londonist Laura Brown got engaged!!! Congratulations to her and her fiancee Fran, who, for the record, is possibly the sexiest and most Spanish man I have ever encountered. "How sexy are we talking here, Reilly?" you're probably asking. Let me just say that between the sparkle on the diamond and the dazzle from his smile, I basically had to wear sunglasses all night while hanging out with them. I had known that their engagement was imminent, but I was still excited when they made it official. I was also quite excited to hear that they'll be getting married as early as July! That will make two weddings for me this summer (as of now), since I've known for quite a while that my good friends Steph and Jeff (Jeffanie? Stephrey? No? Never mind) are tying the knot in August. Looks like I had better iron my best suit and get ready to schmooze with some available wedding guests! Although, now that I think of it, I'll probably know all of the guests at both weddings already. Well, back to the romantic drawing board!

One final piece of good news is that several of my friends are starting new jobs today. Best of luck to Jay, Brooke, and Kevin!

Since I'm on the topic of new beginnings, I guess it's appropriate for me to take a moment to reflect and think of some New Year's resolutions that I'd like to make for 2009. Sure, I could be predictable and say I'd like to tackle this gut or maybe try to drink under 20 beers a week (it just occurred to me that those two issues may well be interrelated), but as we all learned in the recent presidential election, real change is about more than the superficial (uhh, I think we learned that). The improvements I'll be making to my life this year will be lasting and impactful, and they'll inspire the people around me to take stock of their own lives and really evaluate what's important to them. With that in mind, here are my resolutions for 2009:

- Make the most of every day: Don't let the sun go down without having listened to at least two Welcome to Florida albums.

- Treat my body like a temple: Buy softer underwear and floss more (important note: stay focused and don't accidentally buy floss-like underwear).

- Make sure my loved ones feel appreciated: Hug my good-looking female friends as often as possible. Starting a kiss-on-the-cheek policy might not be a bad idea either.

- Be more environmentally friendly: Conserve paper by canceling my subscription to O: the Oprah Magazine (Cosmo has better sex tips anyway).

- Support those who have supported me: Make my annual contribution to Connecticut College online at http://giving.conncoll.edu (shameless plug).

With these resolutions, I'll be sure to have a great 2009, and I hope that all of you have a great year as well!

Posted by Chris Reilly at 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)