Busting Unions

Poor union workers at the Boeing plant in Oak Ridge. Over three months in strike, and for what: The union accepted the same contract that was offered before the strike, plus 180+ union positions are supposed to be axed. Of course, because layoffs are done based on seniority, long-time union members -- and presumably the most ardent supporters of the strike -- will be saved.
About a decade ago I worked on a collective bargaining automation project, and I learned that labor unions are one huge pyramid scam: Those at the top will benefit, while those at the bottom will be screwed. Once you've got sufficient seniority in your union job, you're tenured for life whether or not you're any benefit to the company.
With ease of outsourcing and free movement of capital, employers will have the upper hand permanently. Even in Europe, the long time bastion of collective bargaining, labor unions are in their death throes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, economic growth in "right-to-work" states exceeds that of states that allow forced unionization. In this age of global economy, labor unions serve nothing but enrich few at the expense of the most. But then again, as a result of the recent elections things may change.

Einherjar Day

Hail the heroes! Let their names never be forgotten.

The Bears Are Back In Town

Maryville Daily Times: "It's a three-ring circus on the ice of skillful skating, physical contact, fan interaction, hot girls, fuzzy mascots, prize giveaways, halftime spectacles and a lot more."

Election Report: Powell

Heard standing in the voting line at Powell High School: "I wish I had kept my maiden name!"
At the PHS, the parking lot was full to the capacity around 10am. Upon entry, voters were divided into four lines based on their last name (A-E, F-K, L-Q, R-Z). Unfortunately, the Ls and the Ms and had turned out en masse, and the L-Q line was snaking out the door, while the other lines were practically empty. Luckily, the elections supervisor used some common sense and directed the Ls and the Ms to the R-Z line. This left N-Q to the previous L-Q line, and L-M in the R-Z line. Much confusion ensued. Other than that, the process was quick and painless (aside from holding my nose to vote the least of two evils).

Work Of Need And Thought

Positive energy needed over at Atomic Tumor. I'm sending mine and hoping for a speedy and full recovery to GAC.
"Omnipresent God of mercy,
Thou who livest in the heavens,
Hasten hither, thou art needed,
Hasten to thine ailing children,
To observe their cruel tortures,
To dispel these fell diseases,
Send these pains, and ills, and tortures,
To the empire of Tuoni,
To the kingdom of the east-winds,
To the islands of the wicked,
To the caverns of the demons,
To the rocks within the mountains,
To the hidden beds of iron,
That the rocks may fall and sicken,
And the beds of iron perish."
-- The Kalevala: Rune XLV

Take Every Chance

The doorbell rang again. There were five kids at the door clutching their bags of loot. "Trick or treat!" they yelled as they lunged to grab candy from the bowl of marshmallow eyeballs and gummi fingers. Having stuffed their bags, four of the kids turned to run away. But the oldest one, a teenager who by the looks of him had been sent to oversee the younger ones, smiled and said, "Thank you, sir. Happy Halloween!".
I dug up a $10 bill from my pocket and gave it to him. "I think you'll enjoy this more than candy." The younger kids then broke into a chorus of "thank yous" and "happy halloweens" stretching out their little grubby hands. "No," I said, "that was for him for having some manners. Think about it." And as they scooted away down the subdivision, echoes of "trick and treat" were now interspersed with "thank yous".