More Office Correspondence

These are the views of our shop steward, Medbh. I standby everything she says 100 percent:


"That is the crux of it, Pax. Either the state has enough money to function or it doesn't.

Corzine can't keep a special fund set aside for the salaries of political appointees and for so many new management positions, while most employees will take an 8.1% salary hit, due to the furloughs and the wage freeze, because he is crying fiscal crisis.


Either the state has enough money to function or it doesn't. The furloughs and wage freeze are a political gimmick to satisfy the public outcry over NJ's incredibly high property taxes, car insurance rates, etc. What did his Task Force look at when they reviewed where to cut spending? Did they consider consolidating some of the many municipalities and school districts that comprise 80% of the state budget? Did they consider increasing the income tax a bit more than .3/4% on those who make over $550,000? How about increasing the tax on alcohol? Or does that industry have too strong a lobby to go up against?

Even more importantly, this move by Corzine is in step with phasing middle class America out of existence. It is molding state government into a corporate structure. Corzine et al are attacking the strength of the Union (which protects a fair salary, benefits, and job security) by declining to negotiate with them, instead, he makes up his own rules and passes them through a self appointed committee.

He tried to cut the strength of the Union through bypassing the collective bargaining practice, and by Refusing to honor a legally binding contract that HE agreed to.

He is acting like a Decider Jr.

We need to take every means we can to ensure that he cannot emulate the other Decider.

Not only because this is probably just the beginning of an extensive plan to dismantle employee rights and any form of job protection, ( giving Corporations even more power, and allowing them to become yet more greedy) but because it is emblematic of the fashioning of our society into one of multi mil haves, and have nots.

Without job protection, we don't have a middle class."

Office Correspondence

On Friday, and then again today; our official layoff notices were issued. In keeping with bureaucratic double speak these are being called, "mandatory furlough" days. It starts with one unpaid day in May, and then another in June. When the new fiscal year commences in July, we will be issued twelve more of them.

You have to understand that everyone in my office understands what is going on in the nation, and that this is an unprecedented time. What's got our collective goat, is that just last week we were emailed notices of several people being appointed to very high paying positions in other sections of our division.

On top of this, management has been interviewing people for promotional positions for the past two weeks.

Oddly enough, there seems to be enough money for political appointees and new managerial positions - but not enough money to avoid 14 days of forced unpaid leave.


What's up with that?

Our union called a meeting this afternoon and briefed us on our next move. Sadly, many seemed resigned to the entire fiasco. Why is it that some people prefer to just roll over and play dead? Whatever happened to "...not going gentle into that good night"?

We'll be having a march next week at lunch. I've already planned to make my own sign. It will have a copy of the furlough letter on it, and read, "Twenty Two Years As A State Employee, And All I Got Was This Lousy Lay-Off Notice!"

How They Keep Food Cold at Fox News Headquarters

Watch it to the end ... it's worth it!!

The House that Mediocrity Built ... Could Be Yours!!!

The wife of late dreck television producer, Aaron Spelling is putting her comfy little cottage up for sale.

For a mere 150 million, you can now own the home that little Tori probably rode her Big Wheel around.

Complete with tennis courts, a pool, and a freakin' room just for gift wrapping ... how can anyone say no to this piece of real estate?

STORY HERE

Saturday Sight Gag

Hint: something that our dear Magnolia dreams of ...

Fave Foto Friday: Dude, Where's My Nose? edition.

From the LA TIMES:(Domenico Stinellis / Associated Press)

A giant picture of a bust of Roman Emperor Vespasian is on display outside the Colosseum in Rome to highlight an exhibition being held inside the Colosseum marking the 2,000th anniversary of the emperor's birth. Construction of the Colosseum was started under Vespasian and completed in 80 AD. The exhibition opens on Friday and goes through Jan. 10, 2010.

March 26, 2009

And Mags sends along this disturbing Arbus photo ... I do believe that these are from the series of photos that Ms. Arbus took of developmentally disabled women.

New Jersey The Fascist State

Violence breaks out when members of my Union show up in Trenton to protest Governor Corzine's newly formed Civil Service Commission. Watch how State Police handle this...it's fucking unbelievable.

CLICK ON THIS LINK and then click on the section that says "Fighting over Furloughs" .

I wonder if they would have done this to AIG employees?

Is This Thing On?

I've been ignoring the old blog lately.

Why? Because of the evil entity known as Facebook ... yes, it's EVIL I tell ya! Hell, I can even use my tacky little Trac Phone to send postings to my Facebook page ...

For those of you who must know:

• Work is still making me nuts.
• My sister is going back for more tests tomorrow.
• Whatshisname is leaving for DC on Sunday.
• Life goes on.

Hope you all are doing fine.

What I Learned this Week

I learned that lightning not only strikes twice, but sometimes thrice. Often for good, twice as often for bad.

I learned that bad behavior will be rewarded, while good behavior will leave you out in the cold (just ask any of the AIG execs who got their bonus checks last week, and compare that with the rank and file scrambling to make ends meet).

I learned that several folks I work with are not the people I thought they were. I was both surprised and disappointed.

I learned that if you are taking ski lessons, it might be best to wear a helmet. Rest in Peace, Natasha Richardson.

I learned that I have been able to control my stress level, though I fear I might just be bottling it all up.

I learned that I can make a great meatloaf.

... that's what I've got; so what did you learn this week?

Friday's Work Day in Pictures

Fave Foto Friday

I love this photo of a street scene in nighttime L.A. - I wish I knew who shot this picture, but unfortunately, I don't.Mags sent this awesome photo of The Beales of Grey Gardens. And if you don't know who the Beales were, well ... read about them here.

A Bit of a Drag

So, yes, things have been a bit of a drag lately.

* The youngest sister does indeed have breast cancer, though it seems that it might be very easily dispatched. She has to have several more tests done before they do a surgery. Provided said tests show that the fucking cancer has not spread, her treatment should be relatively minor (lump removal, short term of radiation, no chemo). No matter what; you have to understand that my youngest sister is my favorite family member. She is cut from the same cloth as me, and I know exactly how she feels. I am torn up six ways to Sunday over all of this, and I want to hurt someone or something for causing this to happen to her. I know that's a nonsensical reaction, but it is what it is.

* Meanwhile, at work, we discovered that the Governor of the great state of New Jersey will send out lay off notices to all state employees next month. Of course, this is just a move on his part to cause fear, and create derision amongst the rank and file ... so far, he's getting just what he wants.

Look, I know that the economy is in the crapper, and I know that sacrifices must be made, I get it. But there are better ways to propose such things to the workers.

I, for one, am backing my union on this fight. We have a contract, and it must be honored. If they want us to furlough 14 days next year, and not get a cost of living raise, fine, but then it HAS to be across the board for the legislators, the political appointees, and the various other bastards hiding amongst our ranks. Furthermore, no more promotions should be given out (and trust me, there are promotions afoot - at least in my neck of the woods), and it's time to seriously reconsider the amount of wasted money I see doled out on a daily basis.

* Also at work, I have witnessed a good friend and co-worker treated like shit over a situation. Once more, the lack of any type of consideration for the rest of us from management is reprehensible. That a conscientious individual was pretty much kicked in the ass after putting himself and his health at risk over a situation that NO ONE want's to take responsibility for, makes me sick.

I want to have a Bastille Day - Like occurrence at Officeland soon.

Today

I will be tipping back a pint or two with Colin Farrell.
Happy Saint Patrick's Day all!

Random Sunday Stuff

***

AIG bailed out to the tune of 170 billion by the taxpayers, will be laying out 165 million in bonuses ... when are we going to just nationalize these banks and companies and put an end to this bullshit???

Once a prick, always a prick: former VP, Dick Cheney says that the former administration had nothing to do with the current economic situation.

Another one down for the count: Pro wrestler, Andrew "Test" Martin is dead at the young age of 33. Steroids? Drugs? Suicide? Take your pick.

Monkey business: Did you hear the one about the chimpanzee who lives in a zoo in Sweden? He seems to gather stones and rocks, piles them up and waits to use them to throw at the gawkers. It's funny, yes, but it also shows that this simian's actions, "... implies advanced consciousness and cognition traditionally not associated with animals," so says cognitive psychologist Mathias Osvath. Welcome to the Planet of the Apes.

That is all for now, have a pleasant Sunday.

The Mad Social Worker's Tea Party

Thing's have gotten too damn serious lately ... allow me to tell you about a meeting we had at work the other day ... or as I like to call it:

The Mad Social Worker's Tea Party:

The table was set in the magic castle of the mad social workers of Officeland.

They gathered around fine Styrofoam goblets filled with cheap coffee, and reached for sugary-day-old donuts that would fuel their manic rants and raves.

While waiting for the Red Queen to arrive, the mad social workers found themselves overcome with caffeine fueled energy, and much merriment ensued.

The White Rabbit spoke brazenly, Alice did a dance with the March Hare, Tweedledum and Tweedledee put their feet up and recited some bawdy poetry ... only The Dormouse felt the need for structure and tried to bring the others to order; but they would not hear of it!

The Mock Turtle in his mock turtleneck sweater managed a smile, while the Gryphon and the King of Hearts began playing cards ...

Eventually the White Knight tried to speak officially, but even he fell under the spell of whatever lunacy was afoot.

And then, when the Red Queen did arrive, and in her usual manner, tried to take matters into her own hands; the others were shocked as The Dormouse tried to take her to task for interrupting his train of thought!

And so it went for the next hour, the mad social worker's tea party, in the magic castle of Officeland ...

It's Always Something ...

OK, this is kind of difficult to write, but I am going to anyway.

Constant readers of this blog may recall that both my mother and sister, last year, battled breast cancer. It was a difficult time for my family to the say the least.

Today, my youngest sister called to tell me that she had a biopsy done on a very small lump in her breast, and the doctor told her that it looked "ugly". While the "c word" was not uttered, it was implied. The removed lump will be tested, and she will find out next week what is what.

Of course, my sister is upset, but she's coping.

Isn't there some kind of law of averages? I mean what is the chance of a mother and both of her daughters developing breast cancer like this, and in such a fast space of time?

For the time being my sister will not be telling my mom. She is going to wait until she knows for sure what the test results reveal next week.

What was it that Roseanne Roseannadanna used to say? "It's always something".

The T-Mobile Dance

One of my Facebook, pals, Bob, posted this on his page ... it is freakin' brilliant.
NOTE: To really enjoy this, click on "HQ" and watch it full screen ... make sure your speakers are up all the way!!!!

Oh Those Wacky Catholics

Imagine this:

A nine year old girl is raped by her step father and becomes pregnant. Distraught, her mother seeks out medical help and finds surgeons who will perform an abortion on her daughter (it is discovered that the child is carrying twins at this point). Happily the young girl comes through the procedure fine.

Then, a local Catholic official discovers this and has the mother, and surgeons excommunicated because the girl's unborn twins had a "right to live". The step father is not excommunicated however.

You have to love a religion that persecutes everyone except child molesters.

STORY HERE

The Lost Magnolia Thunderpussy Interview...

I just found this snip of a recent interview with Miss Mags ... here, the first lady of Moose Jaw tells of her love of opera, and her dislike of Lenny Bruce. Of course it seems that our gal was into the wine so she appears a bit tipsy, but that's what we love about Mags!

Sunday and Monday's Snow

Fave Foto Friday (Wow Edition)

This picture from Iceland blew my mind... here's the caption:

The aurora borealis shimmers in the inky sky over Iceland. The island nation is an ideal auroral stamping ground. At 66 degrees latitude, it is usually in the brightest swath of the auroral zone encircling the north pole. Its treeless terrain provides clear views. And it boasts the little urban gem of Reykjavik as a daytime counterpoint.

(Icelandic Tourist Board)

And here's our Mags forced to hunt for her supper now that the depression has hit Canada.

Doubt

Just wanted to say that I finally saw Doubt and was blown away.

When you make a film with a powerful theme and populate it with a majorly talented cast you have one perfect movie.

Set in a catholic school in Brooklyn in the early 60's, Doubt concerns itself with a dragon-like mother superior / principal (Meryl Streep) and her seemingly obsessive belief that the head priest of the school (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) may have molested one of the male students.

Armed with nothing but circumstantial evidence, Steep's Sister Aloysius becomes obsessed with the likable and well loved Father Flynn (Hoffman) ... what makes the film's story so compelling is that one minute you will find yourself thinking that Sister Aloysius is nothing more than a vindictive shrew, and then next, that Father Flynn is some sort of predatory monster ... now, wait a few more minutes and you'll change your mind again.

Doubt, is the name of the game. Don't miss this one!

The Blizzard of '09

The Weather Outside ...

Wow, we got it. Snow, snow and more snow.

My car is pretty much in an igloo , and no plows have come this way yet ...

Random Sunday - Keep those Sauce Pans Handy

Morning all ... let's see what's going on, shall we.

Oh, it looks like a group of angry, white, fat, rich people all got together to scream and yell this week. But they picked a handsome Mormon to lead them, that's nice. Don't you hate sore losers?

Did someone say self immolation in a Walmart parking lot?

Praise god, someone is auctioning off a complete video tape library of Jim and Tammy Baker's Praise the Lord TV show! For the record that's 15,069 hour long tapes of running mascara and begging.

Don't mess with Ellen Basinski; I love the story of the 70 year old woman who fought off a group of teen thugs who broke into her home to rob her. Basinski picked up her favorite Emril Lagasse-brand sauce pan and whacked one of the punks in the head with it! Rock on Ellen!!!!

That's all for now, have a great sunday and keep those sauce pans handy!