About 3 Seconds Long

"It's funny how the colors of the real world only seem really real when you watch them on a screen."

~Anthony Burgess

Okay, so filming is underway in San Francisco, for the newest in the "Terminator" series, Terminator 5: Genesis. It officially began last night at around 10:00 P.M. and was due to film through the wee hours. I am not there, of course, but hopefully I will be able to make it over to San Francisco one day this week, with my camera by my side, to capture some of the behind the scenes fun! Or at least what Craft Services has available for the cast to munch on! 

Watching a movie being filmed is a little like watching paint dry. I have learned that whether there is a snack table for extras or not, always bring your own food. Both times I was promised food in exchange for being an extra in a film, I found that what we were told would be available was a striking overstatement. BYOF! Now, if you are merely watching the filming for the sake of having some fun and getting some behind the scenes photos, you tend to have more options, and there are usually several open restaurants in the general neighborhood that you can duck into. Still, I prefer to eat before I go, or eat after I am finished with my photo taking. But that's a personal choice. When I went to watch Woody Allen film Blue Jasmine, my blood sugar was out of control, all I had was some water and still my BG was over 200. Stress is stress... even the good kind!

This time around the celebrity is Arnold Schwarzenegger, who really doesn't due much for me! Not a fan! I used to be, then he became the governor of California and frankly, he put so many families in so much pain, based on his bone-headed decisions I couldn't even watch his films for a long time. I don't think about how hard things got for us, it's a waste of time now, but I haven't completely forgotten those times either. That would be difficult to almost impossible. But California is on it's way to healing, and it's a much brighter future, so let the filming on the next big blockbuster begin! I wish the film luck! And I am very happy for San Francisco! We need more filming to be done here! Apparently it's pretty easier to work here, because one onlooker described the scene being filmed in the Mission district as only being 3 seconds long! LOL. Sounds about how... ahem... filming with Schwarzenegger would be. I can only imagine, but the mind does reel!

Quiet 

Rolling

1 2 3

And Scene!

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

Round Robin Challenge: That's Odd!

"Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time."

~Steven Wright

RRC: That's Odd



Well, it is! :) And kinda cool to! You see, Alan and I were sitting in traffic, in downtown San Francisco, last Wednesday, and it wasn't it usual jam-packed traffic, it was jam-packed traffic on steroids! No kidding, the traffic since the opening of the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge, has been nothing short of horrendous! No one is really sure why the traffic has gotten so much worse in the last few days, but speculation is that folks are either being super careful crossing the new span, causing the back-ups, or the commuters are too busy driving slow to get a good look at the new Oakland side of the bridge. Either way... it's ODD! I am going to do an in depth post about the new span, complete with brand new pictures, next week! So be sure to stay tuned to Ellipsis for that! But for now, I wanted to show off the photo above. That's my little blue car you see in the picture. I tried to take the photo so I couldn't be seen, but I wasn't completely successful, so I wonder, is that considered a "selfie?"

Republican Oddities...



Who better to have their portrait done in jelly beans than Ronald Reagan? Like me, he had a sweet tooth that went straight to his soul, and jelly beans just happened to be his sweet tooth weakness! And I happen to know that President Reagan's favorite brand of Jelly Beans was Jelly Belly, jelly beans! I was working as an 800 Operator in the 1980's, and one of the corporate clients I was an operator for was the Jelly Belly company! One day, true story... my hand to GOD... I took an order for 800 lbs. of assorted Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, and one desktop dispenser, to be mailed to the White House Attn. Mail Processing Room at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! That was before all mail and special packages were moved to a special processing center on the other side of Washington D.C.! 9/11 changed everything, including where jelly beans get sent!

I took both photos in February of 2005, at the Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Factory, in Fairfield, in Marin County. The governor at the time was non other than old GAS himself Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger! Blech! But the Jelly Belly factory saw fit to honor him in jelly beans, so I took a photo of the two republicans for nostalgia. LOL. It serves to remind me that nothing BAD can possibly last forever... right? LOL. I must get back up to the factory again soon, I am sure they have honored our current governor, Jerry Brown, in jelly beans as well! Only that portrait will remind me that nothing should be taken for granted, so appreciate Jerry Brown while we have him in office!

I bet you never thought Jelly Beans could be so profound!

I bet I know what you're thinking... you're thinking...That's Odd!

;)

Okay, you have seen my oddities, now go see what everyone else is up to for this Round Robin Challenge! Simply click the link at the beginning of this post to be redirected to the official Round Robin blog. That's where you will find all you need to know to play along with us, and a complete list of participants for this challenge!

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

As Normal Can Be At $7.25 Per Hour

From For Ellipsis

"Money will buy you a fine dog, but only love will make it wag it's tail."

-Richard Friedman

Back to normal. Alan just finished the second of two vacation stretches and now things are back to normal. Well, as normal can be, given that Governor Schwarzenegger has just signed an order lowing Alan's pay to $7.25 per hour! Frankly, while my schedule might be back to what it was a couple week's ago, my life really isn't. We are being legally robbed! Wrap your brain around that. The Governor, and the state legislators, can't do their jobs, and state workers are being held captive!

Alan and I might... just might... be able to keep our cottage. It will depend on if the owner will work with us. We have lived her nearly a decade, and she has been pretty easy to work with, but let's face it, she has bills to pay also. If she won't budge on the rent, we will lose both cars. We have stocked up on food, so we will be able to eat for a few months, and we have the cats well stocked on their needs as well. The phones will be shut off sometime around Thanksgiving, but for now the we have a few luxuries covered.

It's simple really. Don't you think?

What isn't simple is the way other families of state workers in California will handle things. Families with children and elderly to care for. Families that have suffered through the 3 days a month furloughs over the last couple years. Most of those families have had to use whatever savings they had, just to keep their heads above water. They don't have the money to sustain themselves at this point. Schwarzenegger and his Republican cohorts had driven this state to the brink, but hey, the bright side is that this is an election year, and I think most folks know what the right move will be. Can you say JERRY BROWN FOR GOVERNOR? Although, to be honest, in a lot of ways, he isn't any great prize.

Sigh.

He's better then the alternative, which I suppose makes him the man for the job! I don't think he will be able to clean up the mess Schwarzenegger has left for him. I hold little hope about that. Actually, I hold NO HOPE AT ALL.

Let's face it. With Republicans on the federal level, determined to stop every move that will help America recover, and Republicans on the state level, determined to steamroll over any state level recovery, what hope do we have as a nation? If average every day republicans don't wake up and see that their representatives only have the interests of the wealthy and big business as their first priority, then they get what they deserve come the fall!

It's really very simple.

Don't you think?

-Carly

Do We Need To Take Up Donations For Gov. Schwarzenegger?

"Laws control the lessor man, right conduct controls the greater one."

Mark Twain












I am beginning to think we here in the state of California need to be gathering up donations of food, warm clothing and a little pocket change for Governor Schwarzenegger and his family, because apparently they have fallen on hard times! That must be the case, because just yesterday, the governor's wife, Maria Shriver, was caught yet again thumbing her nose at the law. Yesterday morning, while out for a muffin, she was caught on camera by TMZ breaking the law not once but twice.

First she was caught red-handed by a traffic cop for not feeding the meter. But as the cop began to write her a ticket, her personal band of merry men, AKA the CHP Dignitary Protection Unit, quietly and apparently efficiently, talked the meter cop into NOT issuing her a ticket. It's all discretionary after all. Now, as if that wasn't bad enough... she then proceeded to drive off without buckling her seat belt. Illegal since the mid 90's.

It's embarrassing.

On the other hand...

I am going to try to remember that perhaps they have fallen on hard times. It might be entirely possible the Schwarzenegger's might not have even a little pocket change to spare, a situation I can relate to quite well. The economy has been hard on everyone, maybe they aren't any different. In the spirit of the season, maybe the rest of us should gather up a turkey, some bread, some canned vegetables and maybe a pie or two and deliver it to the steps of the capitol, to our governor who has apparently fallen on the same hard times the rest of us have. You know... in the spirit of THANKSGIVING.

Really Governor? Really?

SO sad. SO embarrassing. SO unnecessary.

Hang in there folks... I will be thinking the best for you!

:(


-Carly

View the video here.

An Open Letter To Governor Schwarzenegger...

"Integrity is what we do, what we say, and what we say we do."

-Don Galer









Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger

:)

You have the opportunity to do the right thing. Have the California Highway Patrol issue you a citation for parking in a red zone. You did it. You know you did it. You were caught... ahem... red handed by TMZ. How cheesy is that? You should have known better, now you need to set an example and step up! You have a real chance to show what you are about, now is a really good time to show your fellow Californians, and anyone else that might be watching, what your values are. Do you value the law Governor Schwarzenegger?

You looked the other way last month, as your wife was caught talking on her cell phone while driving, you signed the law into place prohibiting that, and was she issued a ticket like any other California citizen? No. She donated her beloved cell phone to charity as her fine. Hmmm... shouldn't she be issued a ticket for breaking the law? Lame, very lame. And when she was caught also parking in a red zone last month, nothing at all was mentioned as a fine for that violation. Really Maria? Really?

Shame.

Shame on both you!

Are you above the law?

Do you get to drive drunk also?

Do you get to park in the blue Handicapped Parking zones?

Step up Governor Schwarzenegger, and pay your $90 parking violation like everyone else has to.

Show some integrity.

The state could use the money.

"I love Thanksgiving turkey. It's the only time in Los Angeles that you see natural breasts."

-Arnold Schwarzenegger

-Carly

If you want to see our beloved governor getting caught red-handed click here to visit TMZ. If you want to sign this open letter to the governor, feel free to do so in the comment thread.

Welcome To California... The Tin Foil State!

From For Ellipsis

"I love California, I practically grew up in Phoenix."

-Dan Quayle

OK, to say I HATE the governor would be a strong statement. I don't actually hate Governor Schwarzenegger, I don't even regret my voting for him, I made a decision at the time, based on information that lead me to believe that he was the right man to lead California. But if I could I take the vote back now, I would have to say, YES! California is a blue state, and yet we Californians have been known to vote with our conscience, as opposed to sticking to straight party lines. Speaking for myself, when I vote, I vote who I think is best for the job. I am willing to listen to what parties, other then democrats, have to say. I try to be a fair minded person, but right now I am rethinking my way of doing things. I believe when Schwarzenegger first ran for office, he had the best interests of the state in mind, now, however, he seems to have caved to the wishes of his party, losing his soul in the process.

If you were following my blog last autumn, you already know about the difficulties all Californians went through regarding the California budget stalemate. It was an especially difficult time, in that my cat Elvis was going through a really difficult time with Cancer, and we were doing our best to give his as comfortable time as possible, as we prepared to say goodbye to him. Elvis was a once in a lifetime pet... the one you never get over. He deserved to have his chemotherapy, so he could enjoy his last days, by walking in his yard, and playing through the fence with the dog next door, and playing with his stuffed animals. I wanted to give him his last 6 months, rather then have him put to sleep earlier then we needed to. Alan and I knew, going into the chemotherapy treatments, that the chemo wouldn't save his life, but it would make his last days a lot more tolerable. But they didn't come cheap.

Dr. B. was wonderful. He worked with us, and with his compassion and understanding, we had our last 6 months together, but it was a financial struggle, and it was made much worse by the goings on in Sacramento. Their threats and in ability to come to a budget put a strain on everything. It crossed my mind, that there was a good chance that I would be living out of my car if things got any worse. We even went so far as to begin packing, in case we needed to move. It didn't come to that, but there was a real possibility. Then in later autumn, the budget was finally signed, Elvis passed away from his cancer, and along came the new babies. They brought some life back into my little corner of the world, and taking care of them, doesn't cost nearly what it did with Elvis, because of all of his special needs. But like I said... he is the one you don't get over.

Well, fast forward to this year, and Alan and I are once again, looking at making some difficult decisions. In February, Schwarzenegger furloughed state workers. Because of the job Alan does, he doesn't have to take the days off, instead they reduced his pay to reflect two days off. A couple weeks ago, the governor added an additional day cut, and is now considering adding a another 5% cut across the board in pay, which, if implemented, would equal a 20% cut in pay. Alan is bringing home, somewhere in the neighborhood of $750... a month... less then he did a year ago at this time. We are barely getting by. We have given up a lot, and may have to give up even more, including one of our cars. But as I said back in the autumn, as bad as we have it, it would be so much worse if we had children to feed and send to school. Alan and I will have to give things up, but we will survive, even if we do end up living out of our cars. But what about those with children and elderly to take care of... what will they do?

The California education system has been beaten down. Embarrassingly, IOU's have been put into place, to pay vendors. Parks are being closed. California's unemployment is still on the rise, we are now at 11.5 percent. Social programs are on the chopping block. And every single day that the budget is not signed, we go into the hole for another $25 million dollars. And there is no end in sight, but more devastation is. Now Schwarzenegger wants to suspend Prop 98, which guaranteed a minimum amount of money went to education. With that suspension, would come furloughs for those in the California State University system. California isn't the state it once was. With the IOU's came the downgrade of the states credit rating to BBB or basically, two steps above junk status.

Sigh. The Golden State really isn't the "Golden State" anymore. We are considered the 8th largest economy in the world, yet we are virtually bankrupt. The answer to all our problems, according to Schwarzenegger, and republican legislators, is to cut, cut, cut, cut spending. NO NEW TAXES. Honestly, what good does it do to cut the budget to the point that we give up on our education system, we close parks, and we take food out of peoples mouths, all so we can hear NO NEW TAXES. It isn't realistic to think that cutting programs alone will fix anything. If you live in California, and you want to enjoy the basics of doing so, then you have to pay your share. Period. Yes, taxes are high now, but what are you getting for them, if programs, and salaries, continue to be cut? What should the trade off be?

Stupid children? Elderly who have to dumpster dive in order to eat? Wastelands instead of park lands? Folks having to stay home from work a couple days a month, because they can't afford the gas to go to work. The next time you are standing in line at the DMV and it is taking a long, long time, consider why this might be. California's DMV will now be closed 3 Fridays out of every month, due to Schwarzenegger's "Furlough Friday" program. So, the next time you are inconvenienced by this, consider what the alternative might have meant. Without tax increases, we will be facing a meltdown of what made California a once great state. Taxes are a necessary evil, without that being part of the compromise, California can forget the name "Golden State" because soon it will then be the "Tin Foil" state.

NOTE: I know it's not just my state facing troubling times, look at what the Governor of the state of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, wants to do...

Boston Zoo May Have To Close (AOL News)
(Animals may have to be euthanized)


Additional Reading...


California Credit Rating Cut Close to Junk IOUs (Bloomberg.com)

Schwarzenegger's Call To Suspend Prop. 98 Jolts Capitol (Sacramento Bee)

California Budget Gap Grows $25 Million A Day (Sacramento Bee)

California State University Furloughs To Start in August (KGO 7)

Schwarzenegger Plans 20% Pay Cuts (Sacramento Bee)


Opinions, opinions.

Feel free to share what you think. What's it like in the state where you live? Do you think the Obama stimulus plan will help your state? What do you think about the governors who want to turn down stimulus money? Do you agree that taxes are a necessary evil? What is your states employment outlook? Have you seen any improvements since the stimulus package was put into place? Do you approve of a second stimulus package?


-Carly

The Facts As They Are

From For Ellipsis

"Bad planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part."

-Proverb

Life happens. I remember a conversation I had once with someone that brought both of us to the same conclusion that life moves you through doors whether you want to go or not. It just does. Why am I contemplating this right now? Well, you see a few days ago I posted an entry about big changes coming to my life. A new bed, a possible new move to a bigger apartment. You know... life changes. Well, the bed is written in stone. Alan and I are getting the new bed, but the new apartment upgrade is something that will just have to wait. I was sitting on the fence about it because there is just too much going on to feel secure in a move, you see, Governor Schwarzenegger is proposing yet another pay cut for state workers. If it is approved, it will mean that Alan will be losing another 5% from each month's check, which will mean that we are making 15% less then we were a year ago.

Sigh.

I don't have the same worries I did year ago. No cat dying of cancer. No trying to beat the cancer with expensive chemotherapy. No worries about losing my current apartment, as I know that the owner of the property will work with us. She likes us a lot. A fact I found out this week. It makes me smile to think there is one more person who likes me. It's a good feeling. And a secure one. I do have two new little mouths to feed, but we considered all that when we got them, after Elvis's death. We will be ok, but we will be cutting things really close.

All in all it's ok. We don't eat out much, and we grow a lot of our own veggies in the summer and autumn. We do love our Starbuck's, but I can make my favorite drink here at home. Just as good. In fact, if we have to give up our favorite guilty pleasure, Starbuck's, then maybe I will use the time to create some new sinful beverage that Starbuck's doesn't even serve! LOL. Take that bad times... YOU CAN'T STOP ME! LOL. It's times like these that I try to keep the words to the Sheryl Crow song, "Soak Up The Sun" in my brain, especially the part about "It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you have."

Sing it with me...

Soak Up The Sun
By Sheryl Crow

My friend the communist
Holds meetings in his RV
I can't afford his gas
So I'm stuck here watching TV
I don't have digital
I don't have diddly squat
It's not having what you want
It's wanting what you've got

[CHORUS:]
I'm gonna soak up the sun
Gonna tell everyone
To lighten up (I'm gonna tell 'em that)
I've got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame
I'm looking up o I'm gonna soak up the sun
I'm gonna soak up the sun
I've got a crummy job
It don't pay near enough
To buy the things it takes
To win me some of your love
Every time I turn around
I'm looking up, you're looking down
Maybe something's wrong with you
That makes you act the way you do
Maybe i am crazy too

[CHORUS]

I'm gonna soak up the sun
While it's still free
I'm gonna soak up the sun
Before it goes out on me
Don't have no master suite
I'm still the king of me
You have a fancy ride, but baby
I'm the one who has the key
Every time I turn around
I'm looking up, you're looking down
Maybe something's wrong with you
That makes you act the way you do
Maybe I am crazy too

[CHORUS]

I'm gonna soak up the sun
Got my 45 on
So I can rock on.

Earlier this week the governor proposed closing 80% of California's parks! 80%! California is broke, the cutbacks that are happening are affecting everyone, but things are getting really bad. What is life, without the open spaces to enjoy nature and get away from the harsh realities of things. I can't imagine the parks closing, and more folks out of work in one of the states with the highest unemployment rates. It's so sad, but, whenever I start feeling sorry for myself, I remember those who have it so much worse then I do.

Even with all the uncertainty... I am a happy person.

-Carly

Here We Go Again

"A budget is just a method of worrying before you spend money, as well as afterward."

-Unknown

Here we go again...

Yesterday, a judge in Sacramento gave Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger his way, he granted Schwarzenegger permission to impose a work furlough on California state workers, which will require them to take 2 days off every month, without pay. It isn't a total surprise, I think I mentioned the possibility here late last summer, but I was really hoping it wouldn't come to this. We are in a better financial situation then we were back then, but it is still stressful to deal with.

Living in California is a trade off in many ways. It is unquestionably beautiful, and it's comfortable, but the cost of living is difficult, especially if you are a one income household. Jobs are becoming scarce, as more and more homes are foreclosed in the area, and companies are laying off. Earlier this week a chocolate company, here in Berkeley announced it's closing, and if you drive through any community here in the Bay Area, you will see more and more small businesses and companies gone. It's sad.

This move by the governor will cause a hardship for families already struggling under the pressure of the sunken economy. With this work furlough in place, more homes will end up in foreclosure, and as families will be forced to tighten the belts even further, and spending will drop even more. This idea of Schwarzenegger will help his budgetary problems initially, but it will devastate the economy of California for years to come, as we all struggle to recover. So why are we in this mess? Simple, the powers that be in California are too busy engaging in politics to care what they are doing to the rest of us.

And where is Washington?

Posturing mostly. Taking credit for how clever they are. President Obama has reached across the table to work with republicans, to try and find a solution to the stimulus resistance, what did he get for the gesture? Not a single republican in the house voted for the latest version of the stimulus package. Sigh. We have got to get on with life and rebuilding. California is not the only state with financial problems, we are all suffering. So where are the republicans this weekend? On a retreat to Virginia. Nice... very nice.

Every single politician, democrat or republican, that voted for the financial system bailout last autumn should be ashamed of themselves right now. I said it at the time that if there was no oversight, no accountability, it would end up exactly as it has. Millions and millions of dollars went to bonuses. But really, who didn't see that coming? It was a Bush parting gift to all of us, but hey, Obama voted for it knowing there was no accountability in sight, so what are you going to do?

Disappointing indeed.

Loans vs Grants to struggling states is still something that needs to be ironed out in the stimulus package. Personally, I don't really care which it is, we are at the point were something has to be done. Period.

Think good thoughts for California. Ok?

You can read more about the judge's decision by clicking the link below.

"Judge Approves Schwarzenegger's Worker Furlough Plan" (Sacramento Bee)

-Carly
California Capitol Building
Sacramento, California

Weekend Assignment #231: Candidates With A Difference

"When the president decides something on Monday, he still believes it on Wednesday... no matter what happened on Tuesday."

-Stephen Colbert, referring to President George W. Bush

Weekend Assignment #231: Over the years we've had a number of oddball candidates for public office, from cartoon characters to a live pig, from comedians to TV stars to an ex-wrestler. But it's only in recent years that a candidate who doesn't fit the usual profile can run for office and actually expect to win. Who is the most unusual political candidate you have ever supported, either seriously or in just?

Extra Credit: Present politicians excepted, have you ever regretted voting for a candidate, in light of later events?

-Karen Funk Blocher, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin

I guess this my weekend for politics! LOL. See my entry from yesterday! Although as we get closer and closer to the election in November, I expect I will be spending my weekends sharing my political observations. I hope the thought of that doesn't make you run and hide in fear, because I am not always serious when it comes to politics, I can find the humor from time to time, so you never know... maybe I can make you smile.

Anyway, onto the assignment Karen asked us to do. All my life I have been democrat. My first crush in life was on Hubert Humphrey. LOL. SIGH. There was just something about that man. In my teens I admired Jimmy Carter very much, and I still feel that he wasn't given enough time in office to accomplish his goals. As an ex-president, he has been an even greater man, and I still admire him and his work for Habitat For Humanity. I didn't get excited by too many others, until I saw Bill Clinton on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, and I remember Johnny Carson saying that night that we should, "Keep watching Governor Clinton, because one day, he will be president." Johnny was right. I consider him the best president in my lifetime. I know, I know, he is a bit randy... so what? His policies were sound, people could afford to live their lives and he left office with a surplus, not to mention the fact that, while he was in office, we were a happy nation. What could be wrong with that?

But the people I just spoke of were in the mainstream of politics. Karen wants us to discuss the unusual politicians we supported. I was a bit stumped by that request. I haven't ever really gone for the novelty candidates. Although, I was once really intrigued by an episode of Maude I saw as a child were Maude, sick to death with politics as usual, decided to launch a one woman campaign to get Henry Fonda elected to the presidency. Mr. Fonda declined to run, but the thought stuck in my mind that politicians weren't a different species, they were human beings and not really larger then their celebrity. I have since rethought that, lol, and at times I am indeed convinced that they are different species, otherwise how could they do the things they do. Oh, not the affairs, or the scandals, but rather allowing, and sometimes causing the suffering they do, in the name of love.

I thought and thought about the assignment. Had I ever, EVER, considered and alternative to the same old, same old? Then it hit me! How could I have forgotten? Earlier this year, we got a chance, albeit a slim one, that Steven Colbert could have been our other choice in the field of primary candidates. He applied to the Democratic party, and was promptly turned down because he wasn't a seriously viable candidate. I think he also applied to the Republican party, but I don't remember what became of that.

His candidacy didn't last long, but while it was alive, I kept my fingers crossed. And why the hell not? Wouldn't that have been a nice strong statement to send to Washington D.C.? I swear, after the piss poor showing of the democrats and the lunatics some people refer to as the Bush Administration, I was ready for intelligence, and humor again. And intelligent humor for that matter. Google "Stephen Colbert For President" and see what you find. I wasn't alone in the idea of having a really different choice to vote for! So, to answer the question for the assignment, Stephen Colbert is the most unusual candidate I have ever supported, if only for a few weeks anyway. :) I like that man!

Extra Credit: Arnold Schwarzenegger! What the HELL was I thinking trusting that republican? Well, we Californians are like that, we look for talent, and promise, and if it happens to be in the form of a republican, we will listen. I am rethinking that philosophy. I can admit when I have made a mistake, and voting for Schwarzenegger is certainly it! The thing is, considering many of his policies, he leans away from traditional republican ideals. Sometimes I think he might be a democrat at heart, and it simply hasn't occurred to him!

-OndineMonet

California Budget Crisis Update: Monday, August 11th

"Budget: A mathematical confirmation of your suspicions."

-A.A. Latimer

:(

Well, just to bring you all up to date about the stalemate going on with the California budget, as of this afternoon, Governor Schwarzenegger has filed a lawsuit against the state controller, John Chiang, for refusing to comply with the executive order he signed last week, lowering the pay of approximately 200,00 state workers. Schwarzenegger gave Chiang until noon today, to give him a time frame on how long it would take to convert the current pay system to the new enacted pay scale for state workers to $6.55 per hour and $11.38 for supervisors. This afternoon, Chiang sent the governor a three page memo, asking for an extension until this Friday, so that he could deliver a more thorough report, but Schwarzenegger made good in his threat to sue, and the lawsuit was filed. The really frustrating part is that Chiang informed the governor, that as of the end of July, the budget still had approximately $10.1 billion in unused, borrowable resources that the state could use to meet it's bills, including the payroll.

:( I will continue to keep you updated, as I learn anything new. If you would like to call Governor Schwarzenegger, to tell him what you think of the budget crisis, here is his number...

1-916-445-2841

Office Of The Governor

To Send An Email, See Official Website at http://gov.ca.gov/interact#contact

Schwarzenegger To Sue Over Pay Cuts

Chiang's Full July Cash Flow Statement

Summary Analysis

-OndineMonet
California Capitol Building
Sacramento, California
October, 2006
Afternoon

The Golden Dream By The Sea

"Don't vote, it only encourages them."

-Unknown

"I have big hopes for California. President spoke of America as "the shining city on the hill. I see California as the golden dream by the sea."

-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, in his 2003 Inaugural address

Like most voters, I listen when the politicians talk. I am willing to listen if they really have somethings to say. When California decided it would be a good idea to unseat Governor Gray Davis, I was interested in hearing why a new guy would be the way to go. Personally, I don't think Davis was given a fair shake, he had come into his administration facing a lot of damage, left behind by the evil that was known as Gov. Pete Wilson. When I looked up the Wikipedia page for Wilson, I found a shockingly one sided definition of the man. Nowhere did it mention some of his harshest actions as California's 37th governor, such as during the IOU's he paid state workers, during the 1992 budget impasse, which lasted 67 days. Maybe President Bush is right, maybe history will remember him as a good president. Personally, as long as I have breath and access to the Internet, I am will to keep the record straight, that alone gives me plenty to live for.

Last night I decided to Google Governor Schwarzenegger's 2003 inaugural speech, to see what he was promising at that time. It really reads like the same old promises, made by just another politician. It's funny, when he took office, I thought it would be a strange spectacle. But like with most of those I have voted for, there have been good times and bad.What I liked about Arnold, was the fact that he, for the most part, made some good decisions, and didn't much act like just another republican. In fact, there have been times over his time in office, that I have been downright proud of his abilities. What I feared the most, way back in 2003 was his eventual downward spiral into business... political business... as usual. He has finally made it all the way down to the bottom of the barrel. It's actually sad to watch. I wish he would remember what he said in the beginning, and strive for that ideal he had. As I sit here today, trying to decide which to shut off first, the satellite TV or the Internet, I have to wonder who is the bigger schmuck? He for saying/acting those words, or me for believing them.

Text of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2003 Inaugural Address

I know the last few posts have been a serious departure from my usual blog entries in terms of attitude, and while I have felt like I have to be brutally honest about life from time to time, I also know that you get out of life, what you put into it. So, in an effort to live my life the best I can, and hopefully encourage others along the way, this is my last snippy entry about how unfair life can be at times. Time to make that lemonade I have been craving, I do, after all, have a delicious Meyer lemon tree right in the backyard of my cottage. :) So, starting tomorrow, and continuing on as long as I am here, things will be back to normal with Elvis updates, original photography, assorted political rantings (mostly about presidential politics) and maybe a recipe or two. We'll see. So, stay tuned.

-OndineMonet
California Capitol Building
Sacramento, California
Late October, 2006

California Budget Crisis Update: Schwarzenegger Makes Good On His Threat

Photo by Associated Press

Update: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger made good on his threat and signed the executive order at a little past noon, Pacific time.

I wonder when it will occur to him that he has lost his soul?

Wish us luck.

"Schwarzenegger Cuts State Worker Jobs, Moves To Cut Pay."
(Sacramento Bee)

-OndineMonet

In About 100 Days Or So...

"Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left, instead of right or wrong."

-Richard Armour

Can you believe that we are finally down to the last 100 days of the race to the White House? It has seemed at times, that time was standing still and we really weren't moving forward at all. Things will be picking up speed now, and if you haven't really been paying attention all this time, or if you were paying attention, but decided to give yourself a break from all the endless political fussing, well now is the time to start listening again. It is your future after all, but more importantly, it's my future as well!

Let's face it, about this time, every four years, we Americans get a little selfish with our decision making. When we step into those tidy little voting booths or sit down to cast our absentee ballots, we put ourselves first. Which candidate will serve me best? There's nothing wrong with that, it is your future, and mine, and the guy next to me. LOL. That would be Alan. LOL. But don't think for a moment, that he and I have always agreed on a political candidate over the years, not at all, as you probably know, he was a republican when I met him. I take credit for helping him see the light, lol, but he will tell you he wised up all on his own. Well, yeah, that's partially true, but I think we have both changed our minds about certain things over the years, as we matured in our relationship. I think it's one of the best things about us as a couple, we can still talk to each other intelligently after nearly 18 years of marriage!

The other day, Alan and I were commiserating with each other about how we would take back the vote, we both cast, for Arnold Schwarzenegger for governor. The change of heart came with the last straw either one of us could handle regarding politics either nationally or for the state of California. That straw being that Schwarzenegger has proposed cutting the pay of over 200,000 state workers, in order to balance the budget. Can you imagine trying to take care of your family on $6.35 an hour? And that is not the end of the fun, colleges and universities will be affected as well, and there will be layoffs and hiring freezes in place when all is said and done. What's particularly despicably about the governor's plan is the fact that California's state minimum wage is $8.00 an hour!

California was one of the hardest hit states in the mortgage meltdown. Stockton, leads the list nationally, with the most foreclosures, and the figures continue to rise. I find it insulting that both candidates, McCain, and Obama are have nothing to say, about Governor's Schwarzenegger's threat. I know, I know, Obama was in Europe and Iraq last week, demonstrating his foreign affairs prowess, and McCain was ready with the jabs, about how inept Obama apparently is, and how if we vote for Obama, all hell will break loose. Wake up McCain... ALL HELL HAS BROKEN LOOSE! Now what are we ( you and I) going to do about it?

Well, I can tell you one thing, a vote for McCain would be like cutting our own collective throats. Tell me, do you really need another object lesson when it comes to the way republicans do things? Bush sat back, and nearly bankrupt this nation fighting a war that had no merit. A war based on, if you believe it, faulty intelligence. A year ago, most Americans considered the war in Iraq to be their number one concern, today, it's the economy. My gawd... how convenient for the republican party, that we are concerned mostly about our own pocket books. Go figure. Sometimes the war seems a million miles away at times... doesn't it? Can you believe that there are still folks who hold steady the belief that Saddam Hussein had something to do with the events of 9/11? Every time I hear that, I shake my head and wonder who these people are, and then I remember, they are the ones who have admitted they will be voting for John McCain.

I have to admit, I am not sure what my biggest concern is right now. I know that if Schwarzenegger has his way, and he cuts the pay to state workers, it will affect this state in all kinds of negative ways, that it doesn't really matter if you are a state worker or not. Foreclosure rates will take on a whole new momentum. Again education will be affected to the core, and we won't even discuss morale. Every single industry will be affected. One month of that kind of oppression would be devastating, but Schwarzenegger is poised to do just that, as early as tomorrow morning. State treasurer, John Chiang has said that he will override the governor and cut the checks at the usual pay, but that will be a fight that will be hard to fight. I appreciate the gesture, but I don't count on it.

One thing is for sure, this close to November, the state of California will be keeping this move in mind when voting for a presidential candidate. At the same time, it might serve McCain and Obama to watch what happens with California very closely, and be standing ready to address the possible catastrophe waiting to happen. I am really tired of the two of them playing to each other, and forgetting about what we hold dear. I will be watching both candidates, but I won't be holding my breath waiting for a political solution.


State Workers Upset Over Proposed Pay Cut (ABC 7)

Governor's Pay Cuts Could Affect Colleges (ABC 7)

Correction: The federal minimum wage is $6.55 per hour.

-OndineMonet