Blog for Boomers

Flooding Hits the Philippines

Typhoon Ondoy hit the Philippines on September 26, 2009. News reports call the flooding the worst in 40 years. The below videos are in Metro Manila and in Makati. You can learn more about the tragedy and make a donation at the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC). To visit their site click HERE.

Second Video In Makati

Politics and the Art of Mis-Information

Sacramento, Ca. The Governors office, Department of Personnel (DPA) and Union SEIU100 are throwing punches over Holidays. The holidays in question are Columbus Day and Lincolns Birthday.

Many State employees would rather work and get paid a little more during the year. Many holidays were concessions to get contracts signed without pay increases.  Politics rules and getting the truth out is pushed aside.

Here is a link to the SEIU100 web page for the Union perspective to the holidays. Just click HERE.

Here is a link to the DPA perspective to the holidays. Just click HERE.

Read both pages and you have to wonder who is telling the truth and who is being less than honest. As usual employees pay the price of not knowing and trying to determine the right thing to do.

Mother Theresa Award Winner in Philippines

Dr. Rufino Tima was the 2006 Mother Theresa Award Winner in the Philippines. I had the privilidge of working side by side with Dr. Time for three years while a Peace Corps volunteer.  Dr. Tima and Mrs.Tima have helped thousands of people and enriched the lives of many around the World, including myself. This is a very well deserved award. I congratulate Dr. and Mrs Tima on the endless energy in helping the Aeta people.

PART II

Video for Long Distance Runners

Dedicated to the memory of Steve Prefontaine. “Some people create with words or with music or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run”. This video was done by my friend Tom. Thanks Tom!

Furlough Friday

Furlough Friday Breakfast

The money part of being furloughed three days a month really stinks. I live downtown and see the failed economic policies of GAS in the nearly empty shops and restaurants. The multiplier affect of less spending does not help anyone. The State budget furloughs were suppose to help the deficit, but in the end only puts less $ in the general coffer. Employee morale bites and the economic stress reduces productivity.

There is nothing really good about the furloughs. At the same time it is not all bad.  Right now I am taking a break from studying. I have been spending time learning SQL. I do wonder if these new skills will be used with the State or maybe somewhere else? Maybe the governor wants us all to get better paying jobs elsewhere. Who knows what he is thinking? The chances seem to be pretty good that he is not.

The furlough time is good for reflecting and being grateful for everything from good health to the jobs we do have. It’s also a good time to stay current with what is going on in the rest of the World. The Governor opens our eyes to new possibilities.

Capital Air Show 2009

A friend of mine shared this video from the  Capital Air Show 2009.  A great seven minutes of video from YouTube! Thanks Tom!!!

NPR Radio-Furloughs

I have expressed my opinion on furloughs and how they are affecting State economies. California is not the only State using furloughs. National Public radio interviews small business owners and State employees for their perspective. The audio clip is also from National Public Radio (NPR).

Go directly to the story at NPR by clicking HERE.

(Click on Play Button > to Listen)

Remembering “Diamond Dave”

It has been almost 1 1/2 months since my brother departed suddenly for a better place. He is gone from this planet, but not forgotten. Not forgotten for even for a moment.

(Double Click on any picture to see the full size at Flickr.com)

Labor Day and the Laborless

Labor Day is a holiday created to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers. This Labor Day many don’t have much to celebrate. Finding labor is their job on this day. Sadly, this recession and the millions of jobs lost could have been prevented. Greed had a trickle down affect beginning on Wall Street and spreading to greedy speculation in the housing markets of California. State governments were not wise enough to see revenue streams drying up and now there is no $ to help stimulate the economy out of the recession. In California the Federal $ coming in is being negated by State $ cuts.

This blogger still thinks the next BIG crisis is going to be a labor shortage. Literally millions in this aging population are thinking and planning their retirements. Many have postponed the date for economic reasons. The day is coming when there is not going to be enough young workers to replace retiring employees. That day will be sooner rather than later, especially when employers are giving older workers less reasons to stay.

What is Labor Day?

1. Wikipedia article explains the origins of Labor Day.  Read by clicking HERE.
2. History.com takes a good look at the origins of Labor Day.  Read by clicking HERE.

Labor Day Weekend

Leaving on Friday for the Labor Day weekend! Have a safe and fun holiday!!!

I hope you will return for another visit.