Kontan’s Place

In the Trenches

I’ve had just about all the teaching of WWI I can stand. Counting the days…counting the days…

Wonderful WP tool!

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Economic $timulu$

The economic leap of faith stimulus plan is set to begin earlier than expected. Don’t get me wrong, we can certainly use the extra cash…I’m just not certain that a quick fix is what is needed. $600, $1200, $1800 is just not enough to make any serious purchases. Most people are so consumed with rising costs of transportation and goods that the money will likely be put away for emergency purposes or go for an immediate debt. I was reading an article today that was asking for the money to be sent to the oil companies and save us the 42 cents postage.

The Yahoo article that inspired this post quotes Senator Charles Schumer, D-NY:

“It’s galling to think that taxpayers’ stimulus checks will be lining the pockets of OPEC. The sad truth is that the average American family will spend almost their entire stimulus check on higher gas prices this year…Unless the administration gets OPEC to increase oil supply, American consumers are going to be in for a scorching summer of $4 gasoline with no relief in sight”

McCain suggests a tax break. An 18.4 cent tax break is not enough to ease the burden. In my area gasoline is up to $3.53/gallon. It’s higher in other parts of the country. Well it’s higher in Europe. Whatever, I don’t live in Europe. I don’t live in an area with an extensive public transit system where having a vehicle isn’t necessary. I live in an area where you have to drive your car to and from work everyday. Having a vehicle is essential. Honestly, I don’t think eliminating the tax would do any good. They know we will pay it so the price will drop at first and then slowly climb to where they currently are and the 18.4 cents will then be going to the oil companies instead of the government. If you want to eliminate the tax and add limits fine. But the tax is used for road improvements… Yeah. Many of the highways and interstates currently suck so obviously it isn’t working out that way is it?

Alternative fuels? Great idea. Somebody get on that and convince TPTB to accept your proposal and get a move on.

Lawrence Goldstein, quoted in this article has a different suggestion:

Instead of rolling back the tax, Goldstein says, the government ought
to help low-income Americans pay for gasoline. That would be cheaper and benefit those who need it most.

I can appreciate the socialist love but you know, some of us in the middle could use a little relief too. There are more than enough programs in place to offer assistance to those who need it and those who will do nothing but mooch off the system. Next suggestion, please.

So what do we do? Boycott!!! Oh, like that is feasible. Lurkers, all those who can afford to skip buying gas please post your comment now. However, a little pressure on the oil companies should come from somewhere. After all, check out their profit margin sometime.

According to this article from Feb. 1, 2007:

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Exxon Mobil Corp. Thursday reported the biggest annual profit on record for a U.S. corporation - earning more than $75,000 every minute of 2006 on the back of record oil prices.

The world’s biggest publicly traded company by revenue posted net earnings of $39.5 billion on revenue of $377.6 billion last year, topping its previous profit record of $36.1 billion in 2005, which at the time was the largest for any U.S. company.

Not adjusted for inflation, oil prices hit a record high of $77.03 a barrel last July, pushing gasoline prices above $3 a gallon nationwide.

Wow! Those were the days. Oil prices were at the low cost of $77/barrel. Today, April 25, 2008, the price per barrel is $118. Oil price predictions are for $125-$130/barrel.

Exxon profits as reported Feb. 1, 2008:

HOUSTON — Exxon Mobil Corp. posted the largest annual profit by a U.S. company _ $40.6 billion _ on Friday as the world’s biggest publicly traded oil company benefited from historic crude prices at the end of the year.

Exxon also set a U.S. record for the biggest quarterly profit, posting net income of $11.7 billion for the final three months of 2007, beating its own mark of $10.71 billion in the fourth quarter of 2005.

The previous record for annual profit was $39.5 billion, which Exxon Mobil had in 2006.

It’s nice to know that some companies are doing well.

Here’s an interesting comparison for gas prises since October 2005:

Wow. Remember when we were shocked to break $2.00? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could be shocked again?

So good to be home!

We had a great trip that I consider rather productive. It was a nice introduction to the area, even if we spent most of the time working the job market. For me, Friday was a small county job fair that was rather relaxed. Jem spent the morning in the opposite direction talking to his people. When we met for lunch things were looking pretty good. IMO in the working world there is little worse than spending an entire morning speaking with possible employers and feeling like you have wasted your time. We spent the afternoon just getting to know the area.

Saturday was the big day. Up early and down to the convention center for the cattle call, which they chose to call a job fair. Me, and 4999 of my closest NC teacher buddies, met with representatives from all across the county. I had researched and mapped out who to visit and who not. Sorry, a $3000 bonus is not enough for me to sign a year of my life away just to have a job and be miserable at a failing school. Nope. First, I waited in line to be sent to the out of state licensure line, mistake #1. After thirty minutes of my life was wasted I went on to another line as instructed (mistake #2), but didn’t spend much time there before being sent downstairs. There were people EVERYWHERE. Fortunately the floor was divided by regional learning communities. I went straight to #1 on my list and stood in line to talk to their people. Mistake #3. There is over an hour of my life that I will never get back. I interviewed and then moved on. Two positions available there, I’m not even that hopeful. I roamed the room and dropped resumes with several schools on my list. Interviewed with a couple. Deciding for one last school before giving up the madness and heading back to the hotel I stopped at one last booth. This is a school I would not mind being a part of. I was very fortunate to be placed on the interview list. In fact, they stopped adding to the list just after me. When she scanned my resume and talked for a moment my name was literally squeezed in to the side of all the others. Unfortunately, it involved more waiting. I’m here, might as well. After an hour I sat down with a representative and had a rather positive interview. The rep ended the interview by saying I should hear from someone this week. I don’t think he was just being nice, but in these situations you never know.

After leaving the job fair I headed back to the hotel. Jem was kind enough to meet me halfway and bringing my comfy shoes. Now, that ladies and gentlemen is a good man. LOL. My feet were killing me! Ugh. I hate professional shoes. I could have worn the comfy dress shoes but they didn’t look nearly as good. Guys are now thinking about the fact that they have need for only one set of dress shoes. Sorry, it doesn’t work that way for us. Do shoes really matter? Yes. Women notice these things. Your shoes matter, your clothing matters, your nylons matter, your nails matter, and your hair matters. Skirt or pants…matters. Judgments will be made on your appearance. If you think I’m wrong then by all means tell me in the comments. BTW, your kidding yourself if you think it doesn’t matter and prospective employers do not notice. I’m not saying it will be a no hire if you aren’t dressed professionally, but you have limited your chances somewhat.

So back at the hotel I crashed. I’m not talking I curled up and watched TV. I mean I slept so hard I probably did the little snore thing. Five hours. SO TIRED. Physically and emotionally worn out.

After that we had a nice dinner and walk around town.

I hope it turns out to be a productive weekend. I also realize that I can’t control everything. I keep trying, but lately am realizing that the effort is futile. Things will happen when they are supposed to happen and I can’t make everything go my way.

We’re back!

I’m exhausted. More later. Hope to see what is happening with everyone later.

Sigh of relief

Instructional writing sample complete, resumes printed, digital portfolio complete and burned to disc, grass mowed, clothing chosen, applications submitted…I will call it a productive day.

CREDIT! Have to blow kisses Jem’s way because he helped so much today. He proofed my writing samples and helped with the editing. He created and printed my disk labels, even putting them on and putting the disks in their individual packets. He also took care of the front yard, took Lil Bit to the dentist, and managed to keep the girls from fighting constantly while I frantically worked on all of my computer stuff. He really is awesome.

Now it is time to rest and enjoy the days ahead.

and miles to go before I sleep…

So much to take care of today. Online applications HAVE to be completed today. If at all possible I need to get my reference people to fax forms to one of the schools. Resumes have to be printed. Schools researched. The front yard needs to have a session with the mower. Our clothes have to be prepared and Lil Bit has a dentist appointment this afternoon. It isn’t a lot, but the day will be full.

“Lunch Line Economics”

Inspired by “Schools Get a Lesson in Lunch Line Economics” I have to start a new rant. Since when did lunch time in the cafeteria seek to serve for profit? Why is Yoo-hoo being served in ANY school?

And in Davie County, N.C.,
Yoo-hoo drinks, which had been taken off the shelf in favor of
healthier options, are back. Sure, officials would rather the kids
chugged milk. But each Yoo-hoo sale brings in 36 cents of profit.

Granted Yoo-hoo doesn’t have terrible nutritional data, but it’s the principle of the thing. PROFIT. This is a sensitive subject these days. Our children are not allowed to bring junk food snacks to school but they can buy a generic can of soda for over $1 and an assortment of overpriced candy goodies at the school concession stand. It just irks me.

Some school officials on a mission to help fight childhood obesity say
it’s becoming harder to fill students’ plates with healthy, low-fat
foods.

No doubt. The cost of good eats is soaring! Eating in the cafeteria is just not something I do anymore. It is a pain to pack a lunch, but health wise I just cannot afford to eat cafeteria food. Oh, but they have a salad. Yes, but you know as well as I do that when your nose smells something appetizing it is very tempting to give in and go for the hot lunch and not the wilted looking salad. Sometimes it looks good, but others…not so much. My current school is not nearly as bad as the previous. Fatty foods were the norm there. Here they at least make an effort.

Schools in AL are contemplating adding PE as a required course for all four years of high school. Not sure this is the answer to the obesity problem. It is certainly a start. I’m back and forth on the issue. Yes, it should be the parent’s responsibility to see that their child is exercising. Obviously it isn’t happening. However, making this change will seriously disrupt the academic pursuits of some students. If they are going to do it there needs to be some type of opt out procedure.

Back to the topic at hand…economics of school lunch dilemma. I am opposed to schools attempting to profit from the gullibility of children. They do not have the experience or self control to say, “hey, this is a rip off and I should not spend my money on it.” It’s like going to the movies. Hmmm, $3.50 for Junior Mints at the theater or $1.00 if you stop at the store on the way? What’s the better deal? Being cheap? Yes. It’s the reality of wise spending. Find the best deal and use it. Here’s another favorite…Pay a dollar and relax the dress code for the day! Guys, if it is so unimportant that you can buy your way out of it then why have it?

I know, I know. Fundraisers make the world go ’round. Whatever. We’re being .5 & .10 to death. I know that budget cuts are destroying the educational system and school lunches are suffering from increased costs of production/transportation. Politicians need to get it in gear and figure out where the priorities are.

How’s that for a procrastination rant. Off to work on my NC prep stuff. Thanks for reading.

Spring Break is here!

I am so glad to FINALLY have spring break. For years I complained about having spring break in early March. I must admit, I was wrong. Granted I would rather have it at the end of March or the first week in April. However, if I have to choose I choose early March. Waiting until mid April has been painful. I understand the purpose but we needed a break! I think it cuts down on behavior issues when you have periodic breaks. You know, I’ve been wrong about a lot of things this year.

I was so excited about moving back to this area. It is beautiful. With poor leadership it is a dying area with little motivation to improve. It could be so much. I love the university here. I love the downtown and the historic district. The river is beautiful. I love the limestone walls and shimmering water. The rest, I will not miss.

I just hope everything happens as it should and the move is smooth. We will know more after this week. For now, I am going to relax and recover from a difficult few work weeks.

Punxsutawny Phil is on vacation

See! Phil took a vacation and came to the deep South for a little rest and relaxation! He brought his friends too. There was another guy running up the hill. I spotted Phil crossing the road. Maybe there was an armadillo watching to see if it was really possible.

Here’s the story…My first off period I ran to the store to grab a snack. Let’s just say morning “finds” near the cafeteria did not make me want to eat lunchroom food today. Without too much detail there were several of Phil’s distant cousins who gave up the ghost in various hard to reach places. EW! So I took off to the nearby convenience store. On the way back I saw this brown thing scurrying up the hill. “Oh, look a beaver!” Um, why would there be a beaver near here? Can’t be. Then I turned the corner and saw this guy waiting to cross the road. I turned around a grabbed my camera. Thought it was cute.