[davelj]

Some budget stats to consider. Here’s the breakdown of the Big 4 for 2010/2011:

Education (K-12 & Higher Ed.): 40%
Health & Human Services: 28%
Bus., Transportation & Housing: 10%
Corrections & Rehab: 7%

That’s 85% of CA’s budget right there. So that’s where you have to cut. Everything else is just fiddling around at the edges.

The big whopper, of course, is education. Interestingly, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, instructional spending comprises just 54% of per-pupil spending in CA for K-12. The other 46% is administration. Per-pupil K-12 spending is going to be roughly $11,200 this year. That means that there’s about $6,000 of ADMINISTRATIVE expense for every K-12 student in CA. Sacramento, we have a problem. But I think I know where we can find some cuts for the budget. And it starts in the administrative bureaucracy that is the CA Dept. of Education.

I’m going to research this a bit, but I bet that the education budget for CA has increased over the last 12 years at a FAR higher rate than the sum of student population growth plus inflation. And I think I know where most of that ended up. And it ain’t in the classroom.

[davelj]

Some budget stats to consider. Here’s the breakdown of the Big 4 for 2010/2011:

Education (K-12 & Higher Ed.): 40%
Health & Human Services: 28%
Bus., Transportation & Housing: 10%
Corrections & Rehab: 7%

That’s 85% of CA’s budget right there. So that’s where you have to cut. Everything else is just fiddling around at the edges.

The big whopper, of course, is education. Interestingly, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, instructional spending comprises just 54% of per-pupil spending in CA for K-12. The other 46% is administration. Per-pupil K-12 spending is going to be roughly $11,200 this year. That means that there’s about $6,000 of ADMINISTRATIVE expense for every K-12 student in CA. Sacramento, we have a problem. But I think I know where we can find some cuts for the budget. And it starts in the administrative bureaucracy that is the CA Dept. of Education.

I’m going to research this a bit, but I bet that the education budget for CA has increased over the last 12 years at a FAR higher rate than the sum of student population growth plus inflation. And I think I know where most of that ended up. And it ain’t in the classroom.

[davelj]

Some budget stats to consider. Here’s the breakdown of the Big 4 for 2010/2011:

Education (K-12 & Higher Ed.): 40%
Health & Human Services: 28%
Bus., Transportation & Housing: 10%
Corrections & Rehab: 7%

That’s 85% of CA’s budget right there. So that’s where you have to cut. Everything else is just fiddling around at the edges.

The big whopper, of course, is education. Interestingly, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, instructional spending comprises just 54% of per-pupil spending in CA for K-12. The other 46% is administration. Per-pupil K-12 spending is going to be roughly $11,200 this year. That means that there’s about $6,000 of ADMINISTRATIVE expense for every K-12 student in CA. Sacramento, we have a problem. But I think I know where we can find some cuts for the budget. And it starts in the administrative bureaucracy that is the CA Dept. of Education.

I’m going to research this a bit, but I bet that the education budget for CA has increased over the last 12 years at a FAR higher rate than the sum of student population growth plus inflation. And I think I know where most of that ended up. And it ain’t in the classroom.

[davelj]

Some budget stats to consider. Here’s the breakdown of the Big 4 for 2010/2011:

Education (K-12 & Higher Ed.): 40%
Health & Human Services: 28%
Bus., Transportation & Housing: 10%
Corrections & Rehab: 7%

That’s 85% of CA’s budget right there. So that’s where you have to cut. Everything else is just fiddling around at the edges.

The big whopper, of course, is education. Interestingly, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, instructional spending comprises just 54% of per-pupil spending in CA for K-12. The other 46% is administration. Per-pupil K-12 spending is going to be roughly $11,200 this year. That means that there’s about $6,000 of ADMINISTRATIVE expense for every K-12 student in CA. Sacramento, we have a problem. But I think I know where we can find some cuts for the budget. And it starts in the administrative bureaucracy that is the CA Dept. of Education.

I’m going to research this a bit, but I bet that the education budget for CA has increased over the last 12 years at a FAR higher rate than the sum of student population growth plus inflation. And I think I know where most of that ended up. And it ain’t in the classroom.

[davelj]

I feel you, broseph.

I’m a late adopter, or “laggard” in marketing parlance, when it comes to technology. I didn’t have a cell phone until 2004 – which was very late by the standards at that time. Finally, my work demanded it (not my employer, but just what I was doing – I needed one). And I got all sorts of grief from friends until I got one. And, ultimately, I was glad after I got one. (No more, “We changed plans and tried to call you…”)

I didn’t get a smart phone until January of this year. Again, very late – probably 3 years – by the standards of my profession and friends. My logic for not having one was, basically, “They (my clients and friends) can wait (generally e-mail related).” I used to tell clients, “Let’s keep it simple. If you can’t reach me, the answer’s no.” That was quaint for a while, but then a handful of issues came up that “needed” more immediate attention and… I caved. And now I’m glad I have the old Blackberry Storm II, or whatever the hell mine’s called. It’s pretty handy and I am in NO way addicted to it. I only use it for calls and the occasional email and text. But my usage is probably in the bottom quintile of all Blackberry users. But when I really need it – which may only be a few times a month – I’m damn glad I have it.

One of my biggest issues with cell/smart phones is that folks seem more reluctant to “plan” than they did 10 years ago. Everything’s up in the air because everyone can be contacted with changes at the last minute. So, it’s rare to just say, “Let’s meet at 8pm at XYZ.” It’s more like, “I’ll call you later and we’ll figure it out,” which results in what I call “plan shopping.” The same applies to business. If you know you can reach folks at the last minute, that’s what you do. So, my main complaint with the cell/smart phone era is that folks are reticent to make plans and stick to them, which is my personal preference.

But the reality is that that’s the way things work today. So, you have a choice – participate or not. I think in this day and age not having a cell phone is a social (and in many cases business) handicap. If plan shopping weren’t so routine, it wouldn’t be such a big deal. But folks today are used to being able to change things on a whim. And the land line just doesn’t cut it. But if you can make do with the land line alone, more power to ya.

[davelj]

I feel you, broseph.

I’m a late adopter, or “laggard” in marketing parlance, when it comes to technology. I didn’t have a cell phone until 2004 – which was very late by the standards at that time. Finally, my work demanded it (not my employer, but just what I was doing – I needed one). And I got all sorts of grief from friends until I got one. And, ultimately, I was glad after I got one. (No more, “We changed plans and tried to call you…”)

I didn’t get a smart phone until January of this year. Again, very late – probably 3 years – by the standards of my profession and friends. My logic for not having one was, basically, “They (my clients and friends) can wait (generally e-mail related).” I used to tell clients, “Let’s keep it simple. If you can’t reach me, the answer’s no.” That was quaint for a while, but then a handful of issues came up that “needed” more immediate attention and… I caved. And now I’m glad I have the old Blackberry Storm II, or whatever the hell mine’s called. It’s pretty handy and I am in NO way addicted to it. I only use it for calls and the occasional email and text. But my usage is probably in the bottom quintile of all Blackberry users. But when I really need it – which may only be a few times a month – I’m damn glad I have it.

One of my biggest issues with cell/smart phones is that folks seem more reluctant to “plan” than they did 10 years ago. Everything’s up in the air because everyone can be contacted with changes at the last minute. So, it’s rare to just say, “Let’s meet at 8pm at XYZ.” It’s more like, “I’ll call you later and we’ll figure it out,” which results in what I call “plan shopping.” The same applies to business. If you know you can reach folks at the last minute, that’s what you do. So, my main complaint with the cell/smart phone era is that folks are reticent to make plans and stick to them, which is my personal preference.

But the reality is that that’s the way things work today. So, you have a choice – participate or not. I think in this day and age not having a cell phone is a social (and in many cases business) handicap. If plan shopping weren’t so routine, it wouldn’t be such a big deal. But folks today are used to being able to change things on a whim. And the land line just doesn’t cut it. But if you can make do with the land line alone, more power to ya.

[davelj]

I feel you, broseph.

I’m a late adopter, or “laggard” in marketing parlance, when it comes to technology. I didn’t have a cell phone until 2004 – which was very late by the standards at that time. Finally, my work demanded it (not my employer, but just what I was doing – I needed one). And I got all sorts of grief from friends until I got one. And, ultimately, I was glad after I got one. (No more, “We changed plans and tried to call you…”)

I didn’t get a smart phone until January of this year. Again, very late – probably 3 years – by the standards of my profession and friends. My logic for not having one was, basically, “They (my clients and friends) can wait (generally e-mail related).” I used to tell clients, “Let’s keep it simple. If you can’t reach me, the answer’s no.” That was quaint for a while, but then a handful of issues came up that “needed” more immediate attention and… I caved. And now I’m glad I have the old Blackberry Storm II, or whatever the hell mine’s called. It’s pretty handy and I am in NO way addicted to it. I only use it for calls and the occasional email and text. But my usage is probably in the bottom quintile of all Blackberry users. But when I really need it – which may only be a few times a month – I’m damn glad I have it.

One of my biggest issues with cell/smart phones is that folks seem more reluctant to “plan” than they did 10 years ago. Everything’s up in the air because everyone can be contacted with changes at the last minute. So, it’s rare to just say, “Let’s meet at 8pm at XYZ.” It’s more like, “I’ll call you later and we’ll figure it out,” which results in what I call “plan shopping.” The same applies to business. If you know you can reach folks at the last minute, that’s what you do. So, my main complaint with the cell/smart phone era is that folks are reticent to make plans and stick to them, which is my personal preference.

But the reality is that that’s the way things work today. So, you have a choice – participate or not. I think in this day and age not having a cell phone is a social (and in many cases business) handicap. If plan shopping weren’t so routine, it wouldn’t be such a big deal. But folks today are used to being able to change things on a whim. And the land line just doesn’t cut it. But if you can make do with the land line alone, more power to ya.

[davelj]

I feel you, broseph.

I’m a late adopter, or “laggard” in marketing parlance, when it comes to technology. I didn’t have a cell phone until 2004 – which was very late by the standards at that time. Finally, my work demanded it (not my employer, but just what I was doing – I needed one). And I got all sorts of grief from friends until I got one. And, ultimately, I was glad after I got one. (No more, “We changed plans and tried to call you…”)

I didn’t get a smart phone until January of this year. Again, very late – probably 3 years – by the standards of my profession and friends. My logic for not having one was, basically, “They (my clients and friends) can wait (generally e-mail related).” I used to tell clients, “Let’s keep it simple. If you can’t reach me, the answer’s no.” That was quaint for a while, but then a handful of issues came up that “needed” more immediate attention and… I caved. And now I’m glad I have the old Blackberry Storm II, or whatever the hell mine’s called. It’s pretty handy and I am in NO way addicted to it. I only use it for calls and the occasional email and text. But my usage is probably in the bottom quintile of all Blackberry users. But when I really need it – which may only be a few times a month – I’m damn glad I have it.

One of my biggest issues with cell/smart phones is that folks seem more reluctant to “plan” than they did 10 years ago. Everything’s up in the air because everyone can be contacted with changes at the last minute. So, it’s rare to just say, “Let’s meet at 8pm at XYZ.” It’s more like, “I’ll call you later and we’ll figure it out,” which results in what I call “plan shopping.” The same applies to business. If you know you can reach folks at the last minute, that’s what you do. So, my main complaint with the cell/smart phone era is that folks are reticent to make plans and stick to them, which is my personal preference.

But the reality is that that’s the way things work today. So, you have a choice – participate or not. I think in this day and age not having a cell phone is a social (and in many cases business) handicap. If plan shopping weren’t so routine, it wouldn’t be such a big deal. But folks today are used to being able to change things on a whim. And the land line just doesn’t cut it. But if you can make do with the land line alone, more power to ya.

[davelj]

I feel you, broseph.

I’m a late adopter, or “laggard” in marketing parlance, when it comes to technology. I didn’t have a cell phone until 2004 – which was very late by the standards at that time. Finally, my work demanded it (not my employer, but just what I was doing – I needed one). And I got all sorts of grief from friends until I got one. And, ultimately, I was glad after I got one. (No more, “We changed plans and tried to call you…”)

I didn’t get a smart phone until January of this year. Again, very late – probably 3 years – by the standards of my profession and friends. My logic for not having one was, basically, “They (my clients and friends) can wait (generally e-mail related).” I used to tell clients, “Let’s keep it simple. If you can’t reach me, the answer’s no.” That was quaint for a while, but then a handful of issues came up that “needed” more immediate attention and… I caved. And now I’m glad I have the old Blackberry Storm II, or whatever the hell mine’s called. It’s pretty handy and I am in NO way addicted to it. I only use it for calls and the occasional email and text. But my usage is probably in the bottom quintile of all Blackberry users. But when I really need it – which may only be a few times a month – I’m damn glad I have it.

One of my biggest issues with cell/smart phones is that folks seem more reluctant to “plan” than they did 10 years ago. Everything’s up in the air because everyone can be contacted with changes at the last minute. So, it’s rare to just say, “Let’s meet at 8pm at XYZ.” It’s more like, “I’ll call you later and we’ll figure it out,” which results in what I call “plan shopping.” The same applies to business. If you know you can reach folks at the last minute, that’s what you do. So, my main complaint with the cell/smart phone era is that folks are reticent to make plans and stick to them, which is my personal preference.

But the reality is that that’s the way things work today. So, you have a choice – participate or not. I think in this day and age not having a cell phone is a social (and in many cases business) handicap. If plan shopping weren’t so routine, it wouldn’t be such a big deal. But folks today are used to being able to change things on a whim. And the land line just doesn’t cut it. But if you can make do with the land line alone, more power to ya.

[davelj]

The reality is that the Gulf only supplies a very small percentage of US seafood – well below 5%, maybe 2%-3% if memory serves. And maybe 6% of all US shrimp.

Most of the shrimp – even in New Orleans – comes from Asia. A lot of the fish – and 100% of catfish – come from farms that aren’t actually in the Gulf itself (although in the region). And a lot of fish come from Asian fish farms as well.

I don’t know about crabs and oysters… I think most of New Orleans’ supply of these is local, so I’d think a decent amount comes from the Gulf itself.

My point is that if you sit down at Galatoire’s and order a seafood platter (which I suggest, by the way), a relatively small percentage of what shows up on your plate will actually be from the Gulf of Mexico.

[davelj]

The reality is that the Gulf only supplies a very small percentage of US seafood – well below 5%, maybe 2%-3% if memory serves. And maybe 6% of all US shrimp.

Most of the shrimp – even in New Orleans – comes from Asia. A lot of the fish – and 100% of catfish – come from farms that aren’t actually in the Gulf itself (although in the region). And a lot of fish come from Asian fish farms as well.

I don’t know about crabs and oysters… I think most of New Orleans’ supply of these is local, so I’d think a decent amount comes from the Gulf itself.

My point is that if you sit down at Galatoire’s and order a seafood platter (which I suggest, by the way), a relatively small percentage of what shows up on your plate will actually be from the Gulf of Mexico.

[davelj]

The reality is that the Gulf only supplies a very small percentage of US seafood – well below 5%, maybe 2%-3% if memory serves. And maybe 6% of all US shrimp.

Most of the shrimp – even in New Orleans – comes from Asia. A lot of the fish – and 100% of catfish – come from farms that aren’t actually in the Gulf itself (although in the region). And a lot of fish come from Asian fish farms as well.

I don’t know about crabs and oysters… I think most of New Orleans’ supply of these is local, so I’d think a decent amount comes from the Gulf itself.

My point is that if you sit down at Galatoire’s and order a seafood platter (which I suggest, by the way), a relatively small percentage of what shows up on your plate will actually be from the Gulf of Mexico.

[davelj]

The reality is that the Gulf only supplies a very small percentage of US seafood – well below 5%, maybe 2%-3% if memory serves. And maybe 6% of all US shrimp.

Most of the shrimp – even in New Orleans – comes from Asia. A lot of the fish – and 100% of catfish – come from farms that aren’t actually in the Gulf itself (although in the region). And a lot of fish come from Asian fish farms as well.

I don’t know about crabs and oysters… I think most of New Orleans’ supply of these is local, so I’d think a decent amount comes from the Gulf itself.

My point is that if you sit down at Galatoire’s and order a seafood platter (which I suggest, by the way), a relatively small percentage of what shows up on your plate will actually be from the Gulf of Mexico.

[davelj]

The reality is that the Gulf only supplies a very small percentage of US seafood – well below 5%, maybe 2%-3% if memory serves. And maybe 6% of all US shrimp.

Most of the shrimp – even in New Orleans – comes from Asia. A lot of the fish – and 100% of catfish – come from farms that aren’t actually in the Gulf itself (although in the region). And a lot of fish come from Asian fish farms as well.

I don’t know about crabs and oysters… I think most of New Orleans’ supply of these is local, so I’d think a decent amount comes from the Gulf itself.

My point is that if you sit down at Galatoire’s and order a seafood platter (which I suggest, by the way), a relatively small percentage of what shows up on your plate will actually be from the Gulf of Mexico.

[davelj]

I’ve been spending 2-3 days a month in New Orleans for almost five years. I eat copious amounts of seafood of every variety every time I’m there. I have detected no difference (post spill) in the taste of the food nor in how it impacts my body’s inner workings. Nor am I aware of anyone in New Orleans who feels otherwise. Nor do I see any effect on tourists – the restaurants are generally packed. And oddly folks aren’t stumbling out onto the streets clutching their stomachs… unless they’re about to hurl as a result of excessive alcohol intake, that is.

Just my first-hand anecdotal observations.

[Author]

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