Cuts Hurt?

In my opinion, there is no other story in the news today that is so over hyped than the current California education cutbacks. The sensationalism propagated by the California Teachers Association is nauseating. It is virtually impossible to have a reasonable discussion in the media regarding this important topic. Now, the odds are that Gov. Schwarzenegger will not be able to cut 4.9 billion from the education budget. There will be obvious compromises. I am just fed up hearing the same slogans "More money for education" year in and year out. Where does all that money go??? Maybe some of the CTA fat cats should contribute to their own cause.


Food for thought: If we barely have enough money to pay for public education, how is the state and federal government supposed to pay for UNIVERSAL HEALTH INSURANCE??? I am already taxed enough to support the wasteful enterprise of public education. Why in earth would I surrender more of my income to the disaster in the making known as Socialized Medicine??? But alas, that is another topic for another day.

Schools

Olympic Torch Relay

Ever since the olympic torch left Greece on March 30th, it has been harassed by protesters aiming to disrupt the symbolic torch relay. I have been captivated by this volitle news event and I am in agreement that a boycott of the 2008 Olympic games should be imposed. China is still one of the most restrictive nations in the world today. They continue to persecute political and religious dissenters on a daily basis. It is a crime that the summer games will be held in an communist nation such as China. 

Here are some good links if you want to learn more about the torch relay and the organizations opposed to the Beijing games.

Reporters Without Borders
Olympic Official Condemns Anti-China Protests
Journey of Discord

Yogi Berra

This might be my favorite commercial of all time. Its at least five years old but I still crack up every time...

WAKE UP! TAKE ACTION!

Many of us do not take the time to reflect on the countless freedoms and benefits of living in the United States. Everyday, we do not hesitate to exersize our rights of religious freedom, assembly, speech, petition, and of the press. However, the vast majority of the world's inhabitants do not live with these liberties. Billions live in fear of torture and death. Billions have no voice. 

North Korea is without a doubt the worst violator of basic human rights in the world today. They unapologetically persecute Christians and dissenters who refuse to worship Kim Jong-il. Under Kim Jong-il's rule, millions of North Korean citizens have died of starvation due to widespread famine. Christians are especially at risk and if discovered they are swiftly sent to N.K. work camps (death camps).

If you are reading this, please watch the video below to learn more about the deplorable conditions within North Korea.

Angels Outlook for 2008

Baseball season is almost a week old and I must admit, I am very excited to watch baseball on tv again. It seems that there is a bit more optimism in within the Angel fold. We have a plethora of outfielders including the newest Angel Torii Hunter. With the signing of Hunter, it is hoped that he can provide more protection to Angel's slugger Vladimir Guerrero in the batting lineup. However, unlike past seasons, the Angels are having health issues related to their pitching staff in the bullpen and in the starting rotation. 

One shining point compared to 2007 is that Angels GM Bill Stoneman is no longer the GM. I thought it was a joke that he hoisted the 2007 AL West Division Champion banner before last night's game. Its probably because of HIM that it was AL West banner instead of a World Series flag. 

My biggest concern for the team this year is whether they will have enough pitching to get them past the stacked lineups of the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers. I believe the Angels have the pieces to make the post season but I am still not convinced that they can beat the Red Sox. I was right last year (in April) when I said the Angels would crumble against the Red Sox. And I was right when I said that they did not have enough offense. I still think that the Angels are a team built to win their division but not the best team in baseball: Boston. 

Those are my thoughts on the Angels. My allegiance to my team is still as strong as ever. However, I don't want the mistakes of the past to carry over into the 2008 season. 

Meet the Misses

On March 26, New York Yankees Outfielder Hideki Matsui surprised the world when he announced his marriage to a still unknown girlfriend from Japan. Winning a bet on who would get married first, Matsui shocked Derek Jeter and fellow outfielder Bobby Abreu. The amount of the wager has not been disclosed but Matsui unquestionably pulled a fast one over his teammates. 

Here is a rare photo taken from the wedding day



Congratulations to the happy couple!

Absence

I can't believe its been almost three weeks since my last blog. Man, oh man, does time fly by... I feel that things are happening to me at a rapid pace that I have not had the time to relax and take it easy. Work has been crazy, I started a computer course at Irvine Valley College, and I've been trying my best to save money for the summertime. 

I think that trying to save and stick to a tight budget has been the most difficult thing to do. Denying my immediate needs in place of future plans is a big deal for me. I am the type of person who likes to have things now. Perhaps that is just pride getting in the way and God is showing me how I need to be more prudent with my money. Fortunately, I don't have any issues with shopping or wasting money on frivolous items. My biggest downfall is food and eating out. I have cut back drastically on my eating habits by packing lunches and eating out only once or twice a week. I feel that I can save a ton of dough by cutting back in that area. Overall, I think it will be a good challenge for me and I am looking forward to the payoff this summer.