Story Archives

by Joe B.

Someone likes me so much that I’m in a $10-10 day introductory offer in Bikram Yoga, located at 1334 Polk Street.

It’s called the
Bikram Method, School San Francisco is one of its many locations.

A young friend badgered me into going for the 10-10 deal at the Funky Door Yoga.

If any adventurous soul wants to try it be warned eating an hour before this or other exercises can be a sickening experience.

[www.funkydooryoga.com/ PH: (415) 673-8659].

I know a little about swimming, weight training and eating minutes, or an hour before exercising but its been a few years, since I’ve lifted 250 to 300 or more pounds, using hands or feet when it was possible.

My first day is a Wednesday, [remember Wed. my day off].

Well I ate a tasty, filling mushroom-cheese 3 egg omelet, two slices of toast with butter and jam on the side plus a small glass of apple juice.

The jam I keep not eating it with toast is part of my willpower.

It was stupid but I though "what the heck" some twisting, sitting, very slow Tai Chi-like movements.

My friend who introduced me is not ready but quickly dressed in record time and up Polk Street we trudged with two towels and cold water we would be sharing.

We signed up, take off our street clothes leaving exercise ones on.
My second error is the regular short pants worn not active ware cotton or cotton blend shorts. We take clothes, towels, water, and complementary mats upstairs to where the Bikram Yoga students and teacher’s are. Its

Method is like a dry heat sauna where your movements are slow, deliberate, and methodical reworking of the our body’s internal/ external network into a balanced whole.

It happened in maybe 30 or 45 minutes I was feeling hot, sweating drips from every pore as we drink water. I really felt like the proverbial boiling frog-getting use to being slowly cooked.

My breathing is labored, as I go through some of the movements but when tightening the stomachs, chest, and buttocks I had to leave the class feeling queasy. The sauna effects I’m not using to but the young lady hung in there.

I try again after feeling less ill only after doing other lung, thigh holding moves the feeling of throwing up and this time I knew I’d did a stupid thing eating breakfast like an idiot.

I stay out until the class is over resting on the bench but I didn’t gather my gear and leave the building – which would be a total wimp-out unless it was a medical emergency.
A woman said looking at my how my breathing came in quick shallow, to normal breaths that "it’ll get better after getting use to the heat." "I think the three-egg omelet I had for breakfast near 9 am was the problem." I’m glad it didn’t get thrown up but settled down letting the body’s digestive juices do its job and it had lots of fresh water to help it."

We talked a bit before people started leaving.

"You should keep a journal, your funny."

I decided that I’d try this ten-day thing that knows it might be better.

Me and young women in question left actually I felt like my bones and muscles have jelled and I’m flowing down the stairs without legs so ended my first day in a Bikram Yoga class.
"Oh, God, nine more days of this heat-yoga stuff because I didn’t say right off the bat no first, well from now on I’ll relearn "The Wormy Dance"
Everyone should learn how to "Wormy Dance" it’s a survival technique I’ve lost since working for POOR Magazine.

But after this The Wormy Dance rediscovered.

To my sensei please forgive me I dishonored you and your school can I come back to the dojo and be more serious about my WORMY-FU.

Charles Pitts and I had discussed it weeks ago at a celebration at the United Nations in Civic Center.

Yes, it’s my fault for neglecting the rules of the Wormy Dance… Bye.

by Staff Writer

House Care-Pro Price range from:
1) $25 -50$ per day for apartments/flats/cottage.
2) $100-wkly $500 monthly For 4 bedrooms.

3) For 20 or more room mansions
$500-$1,000 wkly to
$5,000 monthly..

4) 50 rooms or more 1,000 per day
$50,000 monthly - Prices Negotiable.
Pet(s) Schedule of extreme importance.

Job’s snail mail: PO Box 1230 #645

Market St. San Francisco, CA. 94102

Or Email: askjoe@poormagazine. Org

Folks, as you can read above is my new fledgling business.

I don’t know how old it is because I’ve received no letters yet for my services.

I hope to receive letters from people who’ve have had their friends, relations watch their home and will try me the next time around.

So that’s my business blip and maybe I’ll earn enough cash to buy a palm pilot, laptop so I can still do work at POOR while earning extra with this side job.

My business cards don’t have all the info on the website guess I’ll have remake the cards.

Enough of that Palestine might get a homeland maybe peace will brake out and weapons will have to be scrapped for more schools than jails.

Did you ever feel we were set up for this lame near-do-well future, while in some other parallel world most of the worst was avoided.

Those people are riding air-cars, hover-skate/surf boards, molecular knowledge accessible by idea-think net technology by mole-like dots near or about the forehead, or the late Mr. Gerald K. O'Neill habitats all between space, where spaceships with people live, work, and have died.

It seems if our world is so flawed might there be one exactly like ours that skipped most of our bad history.

In a past, present, and future where people made the hard, difficult choices in every country, each decade, generations, for hundreds of years advancing so far that they are approaching a state -of-grace or near-God like abilities as a civilization.

I know I’m in the wrong flawed world and the only way of correcting it is making the one we’re on better everyday.

All supposition, muddled or wishful thinking that is until our world actually becomes the reality we’ve always dreamed it could be.

I hope to live not just long enough to see but participate long after this new, realized, comes into being.

Wish I had more to say but going to Birkam to exercise, loosen, and stretch bodies, spirit, and mind is dehydrating and make the brain go numb just like when one was kid eating an ice cone to fast.

Guess its doing me just fine except for feeling sleepy.

Ever dose off in the morning or afternoon and wake up the next day?

That’s how I feel for the past few days lethargic and satisfied.

Guess I’m in my own alternate universe where I can have a business where I can sit on my bum, in someone’s house or apart- ment and make money doing it just as some people are literally physically having sex on screen and getting paid for it – I even hear they have groupies too.

Whatever world you folks reside in I hope its less stressful and dangerous than where most people live and work… Bye.

PS, If some words seem odd its because of the dehydration effects of the particular kind of Yoga I’m learning to endure and adapt.

please forgive my writing errors as I adapt and endure the exercise process.

by Staff Writer

Krea

By Jewnbug

Warrior of justice

emergez from Aztlan, China, Philippines, Hawaii

long silky cocoa strandz

grow in overcrowded apartment on Bernal Hill

honey roasted almond handz holdz dreamz n beliefz

strugglin wit family borderlines poverty

extendz expandz

explorez

relyz on tha Lord

yearnz fo mo luv

undastandz elements b-low n above

economy suppliez n demandz

wit parentz n sibblingz n frenz strugglin 2 pay tha rent

ventz fistz wet tissue hissed

sentencez spoken wips

battlin state n church

she parted one day É missed

livin on streets hustlin

young run awayÉresistz

public skool system failed

she prevailed

high skool diploma

pursuin college

scholar of street knowledge

gives birth 2 rising sunset in Afrika

sacrificez university education

teachz n learnz across generationz

enrolled hard knockz skool

her experience iz da key openin doorz, cellz

breakin heart mendz wit frendship

sailin partnership buildin tribe

Seinna Charlie Leal Ajah

strugglin 2 make endz meet

mo den her feet walkin

mo den her voice talkin

her righteous spirit fightin

fo houzin, food, healthcare, livin wage

not jus fo self

fo da people

sheÕz a sizta, daughter, Mama, spiritual being

caged bird singin!

by Staff Writer

Lisa Shirley

by Mari

Trying to maintain her composure..

The plain, ivory, painted walls covered the exterior of the room,

Deep brownish wood decorates the glass doors.

The lowly dimmed light hits Lisa's blond streaks that are running through her light brown hair

her light alabaster skin smoothes her face, baby blue eyes are the centerpiece of her face,

her blanca shirt grazes her fertility and her corazon

Her azul shorts flowing on the legs she uses everyday to keep on surviving.

First she takes a deep inhaling type of breath,

she's trying to maintain her composure, letting her lips speak about her $65.00 in food stamps that was stolen,
That $65.00 was going to feed her mijo.

Trying to use her palabras, as our program director says.

"Someone stole my $65.00 in food stamps that was going to feed my son."

Then the room became so silent you could hear a pin drop.

Talking, speaking, & maybe almost crying

she still handles herself like the warrior she is.

She's fought against drogas, prostitution, alcohol, and her own worst fears.

Resisting, thriving, and surviving.

Always coming back to focus on the positives in her crazy life.

Her words speak realness, her brain thinks of her goals she wants to accomplish, her hands and her arms are how she shows you her love.

Working on family reunification, because her mijo is her heart and soul.

by Staff Writer

Sarah Calhoun Thompson

Born in Houston, Texas
September 11, 1913 to 1963

layed to rest in

Bayview Mortuary

San Francisco.

At Cypress Lawn, Colma

I remember her

round face covered

with nut brown powder

red fox stockings, on her tall legs.

A woman of the real world

resisting stereotypes.

Sarah had goals, ideals, strength

and backbone.

A focused woman

driven by her desires for personal best

to be all she could be

Sarah was filled with savvy and smarts

And she wasn’t scared by far

She made her way to Cali

reaching for the stars

she knew a professional trade

would give her a new start

she resisted the Jim Crow Laws

a woman driven by her own goals

She believed in herself

Her heart was solid
as gold.

Nana Sarah would say
be true to yourself

things will fall into place

by PNN staff

What is the true color of pain…

Pain is the same color as rain…..

"I started writing a book on child abuse in November of 1999 – when I was appointed by god to write the book by two little boys who were my godsons. They were abused by a family member- I was also abused when I was a kid coming up."

Byron Gafford is a poet, a storyteller, a child abuse survivor, or like he would tell it, Appointed by God. When Byron contacted POOR a few weeks ago, he asked if we could help him get the word out about his book of poetry entitled "Through the eyes of a Child.. we were intrigued and invited him into Community Newsroom, when he opened his mouth to tell his story, the whole room became intrigued.. "God gave me the inspiration to write the book to focus on not just children, but adult victims who were once children"

Byron’s tall, lanky body draped over the Newsroom chair. As he spoke, his large deep brown eyes looked straight ahead, focused on his vision. His voice was deep and yet lyrical, like a soft wind traveling through the room, " All my poetry are testimonials… they came from my own experiences, my family and interviews I have done with people who are victims of abuse. I translate their stories through poetry.. I am 23 poems away from 1400 poems on child abuse….I am currently working on Volume 7"

" I was born and raised in the Double Rock Projects (in Hunters Point) – and in my community you don’t hear about the beatings- the issue of abuse is on the hush–hush noone wants to talk about it, people in my community are starting to come out on the issue, but just barely. I work in a drug treatment center and out of 800 clients that I deal with –from so many ethnic communities, cultures and nationalities – they all have shared the experience of abuse and they have never even talked about it – since I have started doing the interviews for the book, they have all started opening up to their own experience with abuse.

Byron was asked by one of the POOR staff if he had traveled to other areas, " When I first started writing the book on child abuse – I didn’t really need to travel because my soul was taken out of my body by God and God let me see around the world- He let me see the abuse of all children… and in my book I touch on issues from abuse in our communities to domestic violence, abuse from priests, teachers and other authority figures"

As Byron’s presentation came to a close Dee Gray from POOR summed up how the whole Newsroom staff felt about this inspiring young man, " I can’t find the words to describe how brilliant your book project is, as not just a work of literature but a work of art…"

What is the true color of pain

Pain is the same color as rain…..

Pain is the color so deep within.

Its not just the color, its the freedom of skin

Pain is the emotion of something that’s felt

Pain is the feeling that’s brought on by the belt

And when someone puts pain on you

The tears you cry has a color too-

Excerpt from Through the Eyes of a Child by Byron Gafford

Byron Gafford is looking for a publisher for his book; Through the Eyes of a Child. If you would like to get a copy of his book or have any ideas for him contact POOR at (415) 863-6306.

by Joe B.

Tuesday, May, 14, 2002. As the Late Gilda Radner said “It’s always 'somethin."

Here we go, they (abc-network waited few months now a good, thought provoking show is on its way out if we don’t stop this hissy fit, brainpan-on-stupid, old guard, knee jerk, reactionary, hysteria.

Don’t the viewer’s have a say in this decision?

Let me get this straight in my head first.

Mr. Bill Maher’s late-night show “POLITICALLY INCORRECT” is being cancelled?

Since 1997 the show has made people laugh, think, and many angry especially after Sept. 11/’01 referring to our country’s Military actions as cowardly instead of the high jacker’s using America’s own planes as flying firebombs with themselves dying in the process.[this from abc News.com]

Many American’s want the show gone along with Mr. Maher.

ABC Chairman Lloyd Braun said Maher's controversial comment had nothing to do with the decision to replace him. (Yeah, sure you’re right) and acid rain stays in one place.

Looks to me ABC News is showing YELLOW STREAKS, with its thin excuse of lowered ratings.

People, lets brainstorm, write the station, Congress, Senator’s, and all our representatives on keeping Bill on the air.

Remember what the show's name is “POLITICALLY INCORRECT not LOVE FEST AMERICA-RIGHT-OR-WRONG.

That show makes one think outside boxes.

I have nothing against Mr. Kimmel’s talk show but what’s next “The Man Show” with curvacious women bouncing on trampolines?

Maybe after millions of irate viewer right, left, and middle-roaders come together especially you right winger’s who really get steamed with the show; think.

Once this show is gone another show you don’t like may go or its your show that’s next.

I’m asking all real patriots to really think how this works.

I don’t watch Politally Correct that much but when I do it does make me think what’s going on and maybe that’s the problem the show stimulates the brain in positive ways and makes adults and children if their up late question what’s happening.

Who cares, its one show, so are the show’s on the other networks.

I bet lots of people don’t like Buffy, Angel, or the WB block of black shows or all the other shows that have a bit of bite and intelligence maybe “SNL” or “Mad TV”, Remember “In Living Color” or “Hype”?

Granted they may have gone because of low ratings but what if “politically correct” minority decided these shows were going out of bounds and had to go?

If I had more money I’d get all those shows on video or dvd when I don’t want to see regular boob tube fare.

It’s as if broadcasters and advertisers want total control of our minds so they can take money from our blank, glazed eyes, tv-glued minds.

If “PI” is cancelled maybe Mr. Maher’s can go on cable or for more independence then he can really let loose and not hold back like he must on network tv, or spawn more “PI” show’s there of every stripe so one show cannot be singled out to be axed.

At this time I want to appologise to New Yorker young adults and children for not getting back to them - some stupid glitch has prevented me from getting it or its been rerouted from my site.

But if you saved a copy just relay it again... please.

Addled Brained Crumbs = ABC or whatever acronyms you can make up for other multi media outlets for example ClearTrap, Crap, Crock, Cruel, or Crummy Channel Radio.

I’m sure folks out there came up with many more colorful renditions.

Well, its been nice writing hoped I’ve helped a bit... Bye.

by George Tirado

Wow what an impressive book! For
the first time in many years a book that finally
speaks to everyone on something as basic as our right
to protest. The best part is anyone from a disenfranchised
homeless person to a punk rocker to a grandmother can actually read and understand this handbook.

This is not the kind of book that you just want to
sit down and read for pleasure, no this is perfect
group read, great for communities, such as schools and
churches and beginning activists, anyone who wants to
make change either through the environment or around an issue of
injustice, just remember what Martin Luther King
said "in justice anywhere is injustice everywhere."

What we have here is a handbook that is stripped
of all political opinions and filled with practical
knowledge. For example how to plan a civil
disobedience action, from the start through the end, covering
every aspect from the press to arrest.

Yes I will admit there are chapters which get a
little heavy for example the Henry David Thoreau
chapter "On the duty of civil disobedience" but even
though it is rather long that's Henry David Thoreau
for you and it's a very important part of the history of civil disobedience. The
reasons these stories in the first part of the book
are important are to show us we are not alone. It
shows us to have courage, that if Rosa Parks can sit on
the front of the bus, or that a hand full of rich
Harvard students can sit-in long enough to help
cafeteria workers and janitors then we can change things
to.

With this hand book and a cool head just like
Malcolm X put it "by any means necessary we can win
the small battles which could turn into the war.

The Civil Disobedience Handbook
A Brief History and Practical Advise
For the Politically Disenchanted
Manic D Press Isbn 0-916397-76-9
U.S. $ 10.00 Now in Stores!! or go on-line to www.manicdpress.com

by Mari/PNN Youth in the Media Intern

I was so excited to go to Taiwain. I had no idea what to expect. As I was going through all the security checks I happened to be the "chosen one." I had to take off my shoes. The security went through my bag and put it through the scanner twice. They found the problem was with my nail file and the security people took it away. I saw the Army National Guard with their rifles. I got nervous and scared. I do not feel safe. They are laughing, which makes me even more nervous and scared. I also get flashbacks from when I was in the military. I push those memories out of my mind. With images of the National Guard with their rifles and the shock of my nail file being taken away I walk towards the plane gate to board the plane to Taipei, Taiwan.

I wait a little while to board the plane and while I am waiting I talk to Frank Darby who works in the Board of Supervisors office at City Hall. He works in the records mangement part of the office. SO I ask him about this old piece of legislation from like 1906 that is molding. I crack jokes about how I want to find out about every piece of legislation that the Board of Supervisors passed on my birthday. Finally, we get to board EVA Airlines. Anthony, a fellow Youth Commissioner, talkes about the flight attendant's big orange bowtie. Anthony and I get pulled aside by the airline staff. I am again the "chosen one." My bag is checked and I go through a metal detector.

I walk aboard the plane and find my seat. I get the seat by the window. I get ready for my 12 hour flight to Tawian. I write letters to my friends. I write in my journal. I try to get prepared for my trip to Tawian. I fall asleep and when I wake up the plane is over Taipei, Taiwan. The plane starts to land, and my ears start hurting. We finally land at the airport. I gather my stuff and head off the plane. The Youth Commission is greeted by Robert from the National Youth Commission of Taiwan. I shake his hand and at the same time he hands me his name card. He is very friendly and nice. We all walk towards the baggage claim to get our luggage. I pull out my camera and start to annoy the other youth commissioners. I videotape Jeffery who definitnly does not like to be videotaped espically after a 12 hour flight. Everyone gets their luggage and we follow Robert to customs. We all got diplomatic clearance and because of that going through customs was a breeze.

Robert tells us to wait for him while he gets our transportation. He comes back and gets us. We all walk outside and meet our driver Steve. We hop in the car and drive to our hotel. There are lots of plants, trees, and greenery in the city. I am amazed by all the scooters. There are so many scooters. There actually might be more scooters than cars. The car drives by the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), which is their form of public transportation. We see our hotel from far away. It is like a big Chinese palace that overshadows Taipei. We finally reach the Grand Hotel. It has a gate, and it is covered in greenery. I step out of the car, and walk in. My mouth is wide open. The Lobby is covered in red plush carpet. There is a grand staircase in the middle of the lobby. I can't believe I will be sleeping in the Grand Hotel for the next five days.The best hotel I ever slept in was the Holiday Inn. My mind wanders and thinks about what is to come in the next five days....(to be continued)