iPod Essentials #76: "Smiling Faces Sometimes"--The Undisputed Truth

Ahhh, backstabbing. Just like the politicians in this once-prosperous state of California, like Arnold. While he was running for office during the disasterous governor recall, he promised never to cut anything in education.

What have he and his smiling legislators done?

The truth is, politicians are a joke. They stand in front of podiums, smiling mouths spouting campaign promises they have no intention of keeping, as they keep one arm behind their backs, fingers crossed.

What's Wrong With California, Part 2

So, California has finally passed a 'budget." It appalled me that Ahnold, along with chief legislative officials, had the nerve to announce the budget agreement, with smiles pasted on their doublespeaking mouths.

There's nothing to smile about. Education will be hard hit, with K-12 and community colleges, being faced with a $4.3 billion cut.

It's become clear that politicians want to keep the future stupid and either under or unemployed. Educated people ask tough questions. Educated people can think critically and with more farsight that these so-called leaders.

As my late grandfather would say, "Vote the bums out."

What's Wrong With California?

As a native Californian, I have seen the decline of this once glorious state, and it scares me.

California used to have good schools, good jobs, good government. Among the 50 states, it carried prestige.

So what the hell has happened?

Too much ineffective government. Take for example, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa who spent two weeks in South Africa while law enforcement and city council members were figuring out how to pull off "The Funeral of the Century"--the Michael Jackson affair. L.A. is millions of dollars in debt due to the severe budget crisis. It's only fitting that AEG or the Jackson family pay for the service. No, said Villaraigosa. During a news conference, he said that the death of Michael Jackson was a "special circumstance" and the city would pay for the police and pricy affair.

Gee, when most of us die, Mr. Mayor, will we get services at the Staples Center, too?

California is in this financial mess because of frivolous spending and senseless political posturing. Our governor acts his way through the job, and the legislature representatives need to grow up and work together. The waste doesn't come from schools or health services; it comes from the closed doors inside that big white building in Sacramento. Do politicians need perks like "state cars" and "necessary travel?" If they have to budget like the rest of us do, they would soon learn that actions, not words and tantrums, are needed right now. Maybe then they would learn to do their jobs.

iPod Essentials #75: "Philadelphia Freedom"--Elton John

Ahhhh, the Summer of '75. Lazy days, Hide and Seek, Cul-De-Sac Tennis, and this song.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote this catchy tune to honor Billie Jean King, the terrific tennis player who beat Bobby Riggs in a Battle of the Sexes. If women can be free, why not our country as well? I remember hearing this song on July 4 and feeling excited about my future.

iPod Essentials #74: "Am I the Same Girl"--Swing out Sister

This catchy tune is a remake of the late 60's tune by Barbara Akin, but before that it was the great instrumental, "Soulful Strut" Young-Holt Unlimited, also featured on my iPod and will be discussed on a later Essentials blog. Yes, it is featured on the MARTHA STEWART SHOW.

Swing out Sister is one of those bands that should have become more popular than it did. It was British, sophisti-pop. Two guys and a gorgeous girl, Corinne Drewery, who could also sing.

This song has a positive message about change and affirmation: "Yes, I am. Yes, I am."

Stop and look it over...

iPod Essentials #73: "Don't Talk to Me About Love"--Altered Images

Ahhh, how terrible life without You Tube would be. No videos, no memories. "Don't Talk" is a bubbly 80's pop song, perfect for this July 4. Altered Images was a Scottish New Wave band. I believe they have broken up. Clare Grogan was the great lead singer. Even though her voice was thin, it's perfect for this tune about love gone wrong.