12.26.18- Teachers’ Union Math
No wonder the cries of Brevard teachers through their union are falling on deaf ears. While they cry that other counties (with higher costs of living and the like) are paying teachers more, they imply that their raises from 2008 to now just aren’t enough. They have declared an impasse and have walked out of negotiations.
But, when you look at increases over that time frame, you see quite a different picture. In the 7 times that actual raises in teacher pay have been awarded over that time frame the total in percentages awarded is 17.2.
How many of us have had 17.2% pay hikes since 2008? Not many.
The union should take the lead from President Trump and recognize that every offer is an opportunity to negotiate.
They should also negotiate forma position of honesty and recognize their raises outpace most of us in Brevard over the same period of time.
Maybe with that perspective this impasse can be set aside and the real talking can begin.
12.27.18- Back to the Future: 1970
What is it, 1970? It would seem so if you take a look at England’s Mark Roberts. At 53 years old Roberts is likely the world’s most prolific streaker!
He began his career in body exposition in 1993 at a Hong Kong rugby tournament. He’s continued through Wimbledon, the Olympics and even the Super Bowl. In fact, Roberts has displayed his wares over 500 times.
You’d think this would result in as many arrests, if not convictions. Nope. After only eleven arrests in his streaking career Roberts has only three convictions to show for his trouble!
The NFL had even cooperated with him, albeit unknowingly when he streaked the Super Bowl, by providing an official’s uniform Roberts altered to be readily removable. By the way, a casino sponsored that streak attempt so the guy is a pro!
Who knew the fad had even continued, or that it had a professional practitioner? Maybe it was Ray Stevens in 1974… “Don’t look, Ethel!”
12.28.18- Solid as Sears…or not
For my entire life, and a long time before, Sears, Roebuck and Company was a mainstay of American life. If you needed anything, anything at all, you could and most likely did get it at Sears.
From school clothes to electronics, basketballs to bedding, furniture to lawn mowers, car jacks to jewelry and appliances to air in your tires, Sears had it and you could count on it being quality.
Today Sears could disappear from the American landscape. If investors did not have an acceptable plan by 4pm, liquidation would begin.
I suppose we are all guilty of the demise. Online shopping, impatience with the retail process and a change in the American consumer have all contributed.
From Craftsman tools to Kenmore appliances nothing was as Solid as Sears.
Just maybe nothing ever will be.