From Slate: Bush reads Camus’ The Stranger on summer vacation. I can see it, sun, heat, the beach. Personally, for themes of futility and authenticity, I’d recommend The Fall or even better, The Zombie Survival Guide (not Camus, but, hey, it’s got illustrations!).
Archive for the ‘politik’ Category
A strange choice for a summer read
Tuesday, August 15th, 2006Prop 81 Library Building Bond
Monday, April 24th, 2006On this June’s ballot is an important proposition that aims to fund new libraries all over the state of California. If passed, Proposition 81: California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 2006 authorizes the state to sell $600 million in bonds to cover the construction of new libraries and library renovations in communities that have demonstrated a need. Money for projects is awarded through a grant process controlled by the California State Library.
Prop 81 continues the Library Bond Act of 2000 which resulted in 45 new library buildings adding over 1.5 million square feet in library space. Prop 81 gives us the opportunity to deliver 21st century library services to many more patrons, many of whom have never had a library in their community.
Links:
The Official Prop 81 Campaign Web Site ~ Yes for Libraries
61% for Walnut Creek Library Bond
Thursday, November 10th, 200561% wasn’t enough to overcome the two thirds hurdle for Walnut Creek Library bond Measure R.
Link to article Walnut Creek library bond falls short by Janine DeFao, Chronicle Staff Writer
San Francisco Chronicle – November 9th, 2005.
A two thirds supermajority seems like such an arbitrary approval benchmark. I wonder if anyone has seriously analyzed what percentage of approval people would truly feel comfortable with for raising taxes. I bet 57.4 % – 61% would be enough to persuade most people of an adequate majority.
Nix the first six!
Monday, November 7th, 2005
I voted today. I am a permanent absentee voter but every election, especially special elections, I make the trip to 1555 Berger Dr. Bldg. 2 *hint hint* and drop off my ballot in person. I do it mainly for the “I Voted” sticker but also for the experience and energy of the voting. I really do think it’s important to have pride in voting and one small way is to show it is by wearing that little sticker.
Not everyone realizes that the Registrar is open the weekend before to accept absentee ballots. Today, I saw at least four people at the post office dropping off their absentee ballots and this was after 1pm. I know people want to vote but it’s important that vote is counted. I don’t think they realized that their ballots might not make it in time. People, ANY polling place will accept your absentee ballots. ANY. Look for the Vote sign. Okay, enough said.
Thanks to Emily R for the Nix the First Six slogan. It’s a great way to remind voters that the the first six ballot measures are bad for California.
In related news. The AP reports that Congress is poised to split the 9th Circuit Court. The conservative power grab is still in full swing and they want everyone to know it.