Aug
29
2010
Sacramento-The Sacramento Rivercats played tough on Saturday night taking it to the first place Fresno Grizzles, winning 12-4.
Rivercats Fans Arrive Early for Big Game
The Rivercats took the lead early and never looked back. Fresno and Sacramento now share first place in the Pacific Coast League Southern Division. Who remains in first will be determined today in Sacramento with a 1:05 p.m. start time.
(Saturday nights at Raley field includes great baseball and fireworks after the game!)
Aug
21
2010
Oh, my gosh!!! Throw out everything that is taught in your intro to economics courses.
The latest from California: Governor Schwarzenegger is now asking for a 2 billion dollar loan from CalPERS to close the state budget deficit. CalPERS is a state agency that administers the pension and health benefits of public employees. This is the same agency that Schwarzenegger claims is unsustainable because of current retirement and health benefits. And now he thinks a loan from this unsustainable agency is a smart way to get to a balanced budget? Job creation fueled by spending California citizens will help resolve the state budget deficit. This spending along with a legislature that is not penny wise and pound foolish. Schwarzenegger is really asking for a Pay Day loan and CalPERS giving him a high interest credit card will NOT solve the budget crisis.
The latest Nationally: Where did all these austerity politicians come from? These hypocrites were not around when our former president decided tax cuts for the wealthy and unlimited government spending on two war fronts was affordable. Now in the middle of a recession we are suppose to have sleepless nights worried about the deficit? Unlike these austerity politicians, I worry more about U.S. citizens not being able to pay their mortgages or being able to put food on the table. This takes us back to intro to economics. Two thirds of our economy is based on spending. Our economy will not grow until more Americans are working again, buying cars, homes, appliances, and feeling confident about the future. The deficit being reduced has more to do with the psychology and how Americans feel about their possibilities than nutty politicians who suddenly have found a new religion and think deficits are evil.
Political ideology says austerity is needed NOW! Economic policy says we need job creation NOW! and when tax revenues increase we will cut government spending and the deficit will come down.
Oh my gosh!!!
Aug
15
2010
Local government moves forward despite the terrible economy. These videos are on the new promenade along the Sacramento River in the downtown area.
Aug
14
2010
The Capitol Rose Garden was ranked #7 in the nation. My pictures and video below were taken in May so there is a lot more blooming going on now if you plan a trip downtown to view the gardens. You can view a phone video and slide show on Flickr by clicking HERE.
You can view some pictures of the garden on the Sacramento Bee by clicking HERE.
You can also view a second video of the garden taken in the spring by clicking on the —> on the video.
Aug
8
2010
Quality: 3 1/2 barks out of 4 barks
Service: 2 paws up
Price: 2 1/2 bones out of 4 bones
Pretty Tasty Stuff!
Fox and Goose is a great English Pub in Sacramento on R and 9th Street. The people who work there are friendly and so are the customers. My latest meal was Banger and Mash and it was very good.
You can check out their web site which includes a menu by clicking HERE.
See what Yelp reviews say about Fox and Goose by Clicking HERE.
From out of town and don’t know where they are located? No worries just go to Google maps by clicking HERE.
Aug
8
2010
Roxy and I went over to Capitol Park to check out the Purple Heart Memorial.
I Love Capitol Park!!!
The Purple Heart is given to those wounded in battle or to family members of those who gave their lives. This Memorial is dedicated to them. The Purple Heart is also the oldest military decoration dating back to 1782. There is an article about this memorial in the OUR REGION section of the Sacramento Bee. Sunday, August 8, 2010.
Jul
31
2010
Politics rules in California. Sadly, it wins over telling the truth. It is amazing how hard it is for politicians and our leaders to be truthful. Lack of truth is not limited to government. Anyone who has worked in both the private and public sector can attest to this statement. Recent news stories and signs you are not getting totally factual information:
1. Sweeping statements are the “watch out” sign in many stories. Pension reform has been in the news a lot lately. I am sure you have read sweeping statements like: Pensions are the greatest threat to California! Oh, please! Stop, pause, pause a little longer, and think for a moment before you come to any conclusion when you read these crazy blanket statements. If you would like facts instead of re-runs of a bad B movie regarding pensions in California go to CalPERSResponds.com. The Governor makes his views known in a video posted on YouTube which was published in the Sacramento Bee newspaper online version. You can view the video below where he describes the crisis and the Stanford University study that backs up his conclusions. Thinking while viewing is optional. (Big Hint-Guess who paid for the Stanford University study?)
2. Sweeping statement number two. This statement happens in both private and public sectors. There is a big IT project going on that will make the organization much more efficient because customers will be able to do most transactions online. Here is what is said at staff meetings: The number of jobs in our organization will not be reduced. You will all have jobs when this project is completed. Oh, Please! Personnel costs is one of the biggest expenses in both sectors. If an organization becomes more efficient through technology, some jobs will be changed and some will be eliminated. In the private sector this comment is very common during an acquisition or merger and right before downsizing. A more truthful statement would be: There will be fewer jobs in the organization due to efficiencies created by this project. Your job may change or be totally eliminated. We prefer you stay in your current position until we no longer need you. If you choose to go elsewhere we understand. The truth is really, really difficult sometimes! When leaders do tell the truth it adds to their credibility and displays what real leadership is all about. Leadership is more than telling people what is convenient and what they want to hear.
Why are leaders less than truthful with employees? Jack Nicholson hit it right on the head in the movie A Few Good Men. This clip is from YouTube.
Jul
29
2010
Quality: 3 barks out of 4 barks
Service: 2 paws up
Price 2 bones out of 4 bones
Ambrosia Cafe serves a good lunch. I had the BLT and it was the best I can remember. There are so many good places to eat! Ambrosia Cafe is another one very worth a try. A well rounded menu will make you happy for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
You can go directly to their web site by clicking HERE.
Read reviews of Ambrosia Cafe at Yelp by clicking HERE.
Location and how to get there by Google Maps. Just click HERE.
Jul
28
2010
Quality: 4 barks out of 4 barks
Service: 2 paws up
Price 2 bones out of 4 bones
Good Outside Eating
I like Burgers and Brew. I visit the Sacramento restaurant often. The variety of burgers and brews are extensive. Their menu includes soups, salads and sandwiches. Burgers and Brew has a second location in Davis, California. It is located on 3rd Street.
Check out the burgers and brew review at Yelp by clicking HERE.
Not sue how to get there? Check out Google maps location by clicking HERE.
Jul
26
2010
Quality: 3 barks out of 4 barks
Service: 2 paws up
Price 3 bones out of 4 bones
I have only eaten at Shady Lady once so my opinion does not carry much weight. My meal was very good. Their drink menu is long so eating is good, but many people go just for the beverages.
Here is a link to the Shady Lady menu on their web page. Just click HERE.
Shady Lady Yelp review. Just click HERE.
Google Maps to Shady Lady. Just click HERE.