August 4, 2015

As Nabisco Ships 600 Jobs Out of Chicago to Mexico, Maybe It’s Time To Give Up Oreos

http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/18259/oreos-union-busting

I may have to give up one of my longest-standing indulgences: the dunking of an Oreo cookie in cold milk (whole is preferred). I don’t do this lightly, as I have been dunking those deliciously wicked rounds of chocolate and what I choose to believe is cream since I’ve been three.

Why give them up? Because this week, Irene Rosenfeld, the head of Mondolez (the food conglomerate based in Illinois that has Nabisco in its portfolio), a woman touted for breaking the glass ceiling upon becoming the head of Kraft Foods and then its spin off, announced that rather than invest $130 million in modernizing the plant in Chicago, where Oreos have been lovingly produced for the past 100 years, she will instead move the jobs to a new factory in Mexico. The result: a loss of 600 well-paying and community-sustaining jobs on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

Is giving up Oreos a foolish and futile gesture? Of course, I know that other Chicago-born companies have made similar moves. I, like many Chicagoans felt a loss when Frango Mints were no longer hand made on the top floor of Marshall Field’s—and felt worse when Marshall Field’s ceased to exist at all. I was saddened when Klaus Suchard chose to take Brach candy production from Chicago, and in so doing ended Chicago’s title as candy capital of the world. I even regretted the loss of the city’s steel mills and stockyards, despite the cleaner air that their exodus brought.

But this seems different. Perhaps it was reading the May stories of Rosenfeld’s report to shareholders in which she touted the upward trajectory of the company’s profits through cutting back on procurement and customer service and her plans to make it even more profitable by a restructuring that would realize a gain of $1.5 billion for stockholders.

August 4, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 4

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day What is the celebration of one of the world’s favorite forms of chocolate… You guessed it, chocolate chips!

From cookies to brownies, we all love those tasty hidden nuggets of blended cocoa, and whether you’re a fan of dark, milk or white chocolate this is definitely a day for everyone to appreciate. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-chocolate-chip-day-august-4/

Assistance Dog Day Assistance dogs improve the quality of life for countless people who live with disability or illness, and a special day celebrates these four-legged friends every year. Assistance Dog Day recognises and honours assistance dogs and their trainers, and aims to raise funds and increase awareness of the work they do. It is part of International Assistance Dog Week, a yearly event started by long-time paraplegic, Marcie Davis. There are many different kinds of assistance dogs, from the well-known guide dogs and hearing alert dogs that help people with vision and hearing loss, to lesser-known helpers like seizure alert and medical alert dogs that can recognise the signs of heart attacks, strokes and epilepsy. A range of events are held to celebrate Assistance Dog Day, including dog shows, sponsored dog walks, talks and dog graduation ceremonies. Many assistance dog training facilities hold open days and tours on this day to show the work that they do.https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/assistance-dog-day/

Coast Guard Day honours the courageous work of coast guards. When Hurricane Katrina struck the Atlantic coast of America, the US Coast Guardsmen saved over 33,500 lives, an estimated 24,000 of these were rescued from peril in severely dangerous conditions.

In America, there are thousands of events nation-wide for you to get involved in and show your support. In the UK, although not directly associated with HM Coast Guard, the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) are a charity organisation with the sole aim of rescuing those in distress at sea. They launch over 6500 times a year, and have saved over 134,000 lives since their founding. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/coast-guard-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august4.html

August 3, 2015

Ferguson's yesterdays offer clues to the troubled city of today

The photo is an iconic image of post-World War II America: A bustling downtown main street lined with sturdy Chevys, Fords and Chryslers. Pedestrians strolling past a hodgepodge of storefronts with flashy light-up signs: Barbays Self-Service Market, King Drugs, Florsheim shoes, Coca Cola.

This was Ferguson, Mo., in the late 1950s, just past the midpoint of its 120-year history.

It was a city on the upswing. The population doubled between 1950 and 1960 — to just over 22,000, and the city was also expanding geographically. In 1964, annexation would land the primarily residential community an industrial plum: The Emerson Electric plant that was built outside the city limits in 1940.

But by the end of the 1960s, city leaders were eyeing the future with wariness.

http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/fergusons-yesterdays-offer-clues-troubled-city-today

It is a long article, but offers an insight into some of the history of Ferguson and has some interesting photos.

August 3, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 3

National Watermelon Day Join the trend and enjoy a slice of watermelon for Watermelon Day! Did you know, watermelons are over 90% water, making them a very aptly named fruit! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/watermelon-day/

Grab Some Nuts Day There are many “nut” days throughout the year such as National Almond Day, National Pistachio Day and National Pecan Day. On August 3rd, we enjoy them all on National Grab Some Nuts Day. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-grab-some-nuts-day-august-3/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august3.html

August 2, 2015

Former KMOV-TV news anchor Robin Smith to run for Mo. Secretary of State

Former KMOV anchor Robin Smith will run for Missouri Secretary of State in 2016, (as a Democrat) she announced Sunday morning.

"What Missouri needs now, more than ever, is a public servant who checks their politics at the door. That has been my life's work and my training. I look forward to giving Missourians straightforward, professional service as their Secretary of State.", said Robin Smith in announcing she'll file organizational campaign documents with the state this week.

Smith, who is a lifelong Missouri resident, is "looking forward to traveling to every corner of the state to earn the trust of Missouri voters, sometimes assisted in campaigning by her husband," the media release stated.

Robin's retirement from KMOV was announced last week and her last day was Friday. She had worked in St. Louis television for over 40 years.

http://www.kmov.com/story/29689545/former-kmov-tv-news-anchor-robin-smith-to-run-for-mo-secretary-of-state

August 2, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 2

National Ice Cream Sandwich Day What better way to celebrate the height of summer than with Ice Cream Sandwich Day? Get out of the sun and enjoy a cool, creamy treat in the form of rich ice-cream layered between sweet biscuit bases. Delicious! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/ice-cream-sandwich-day/

Friendship day was originally founded by Hallmark in 1919. It was intended to be a day for people to celebrate their friendship by sending eachother cards, but by 1940 the market had dried up, and eventually it died out completely. However, in 1998 Winnie the Pooh was named the world’s Ambassador of Friendship at the United Nations (believe it or not!), and in April 2011 the United Nations officially recognised 30th July as International Friendship Day; although most countries celebrate on the first Sunday of August!

According to the Friendship Day declaration, we are invited to “observe this day in an appropriate manner, in accordance with the culture and other appropriate circumstances or customs of their local, national and regional communities, including through education and public awareness-raising activities”. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/friendship-day/

Sisters Day is your chance (if you have a sister, that is) to show your appreciation for that special family relationship. All siblings have the odd argument here and there, but deep down there’s little way around the natural bond of siblings.

Make this day a special celebration for your sister, by however you feel is best. If you don’t have a sister, you can still celebrate the friendships of sisterhood by having a girl’s night out! Similarly, you can also celebrate Sibling Day. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/sisters-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august2.html

August 1, 2015

Daily Holidays - August 1

Raspberry Cream Pie Day Raspberry cream pie is an often-overlooked kind of dessert, which is why we should celebrate Raspberry Cream Pie Day.

Many people use a pre-made pie base to save some time, but others prefer to make their own crust with crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits. The one thing that can’t be compromised or altered, however, is the filling, which demands heavy cream, sugar, a dash of vanilla essence and, of course, some jewel-like raspberries.

Some recipes call for the cream to be mixed with a smooth raspberry syrup, while others opt for the marbling effect of crushed fruit. Whatever option is chosen, the whole amazing concoction must be dotted with fresh raspberries to finish it off. Once these ripe, succulent berries are in place, the whole thing can be topped off with icing sugar, melted dark chocolate, or a few sprigs fresh mint. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/raspberry-cream-pie-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/august1.html

Girlfriend’s Day It’s time to buy flowers – Girlfriends Day celebrates special relationships around the world by paying tribute to girlfriends (and, to a lesser extent, boyfriends) everywhere. Show your partner how much you care and treat them to an incredible day! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/girlfriends-day/

Mustard Day was founded on a whim by Jill Sengstock in 1988, before changing hands to the National Mustard Museum in 1991. It’s aim is rather self explanatory; to celebrate and honour one of the world’s most popular condiments. From Dijon to English, or a liberal helping on an All-American hotdog, this day your chance to voice your love (without looking a bit odd) for your favourite combination.

Mustard itself is believed to be over 5000 years old, originating in India when it was first cultivated in 3000BC. It was then brought to Britain by the Romans who were the first to use it as a condiment and pickling spice!

We definitely think this day cuts the mustard! (Pun very much intended). https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/mustard-day/

World Wide Web Day World Wide Web Day is a global celebration dedicated to web browsing, the online activity that brings the world at your fingertips and a wealth of knowledge at your feet.

The World Wide Web was conceived by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 at the CERN centre in Geneva, Switzerland, as a way for him to communicate with co-workers via hyperlinks. A quarter of a century later, WWW has become the main means of interaction, transaction and communication among humans, opening the door of opportunity for people in ways that would have been unimaginable to previous generations.

We celebrate World Wide Web Day by getting online, taking hasty selfies to post on social platforms, arguing with trolls on blogs, taking notes from podcasts, holding VoIP conferences to discuss the weather, backing up our data to servers across the world, syncing photos for the whole family to see, booking our doctor’s appointments online and generally expressing our opinions in discussions which are oftentimes much ado about nothing. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-wide-web-day/

July 31, 2015

Daily Holidays - July 31

National Raspberry Cake 
Day National Raspberry Cake Day is jubilantly celebrated each year on July 31. Raspberry cake is a cool and refreshing dessert that is a summer time favorite around the United States.

Raspberries are the edible fruit of a multitude of plant species in the genus Rubus of the rose family. The name also applies to the plants themselves. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-raspberry-cake-day-july-31/

Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day Break out your bubble organ, laser harp, clackamore, fluba, dulcimer or double violin and go crazy for Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/uncommon-instrument-awareness-day/

World Ranger Day Around the globe, park rangers are on the front line in the fight to protect our natural heritage. World Ranger Day offers a chance to support their vital work, which ranges from environmental campaigning to education. The day is also an opportunity to pay tribute to rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

It’s estimated there are more than 100,000 reserves, parks and protected areas around the world, with the oldest national park being Yellowstone in the US. World Ranger Day is organised by the International Ranger Federation and was first held in 2007.

Many events are being staged around the world, including guided walks and screenings of the documentary The Thin Green Line. If there isn’t an event in your area, you could organise one – and help to raise awareness of the vital role performed by custodians of the world’s parks. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-ranger-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/july31.html

July 30, 2015

Daily Holidays - July 30

National Cheesecake Day Cheesecake Day is one of the creamiest days of the year. It’s a day to indulge in the decadence of this dessert, and sample some of the tastiest flavors. From the humble plain baked to the tangy key lime or maybe a chocolate one would hit the spot. Whatever grabs your sweet tooth we are sure that today is the day for some cheesecake. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/cheesecake-day/

Father-In-Law Day Father-in-Law Day is a wonderful occasion for you to strengthen your relationship and to spend quality time with your father-in-law, because let’s face it, he won’t be around forever.

Seeing as Father-in-Law Day was created by card companies, you could take the easy road and just send him a lovely card to show how much he is appreciated when he’s away, but a better way to show how much you care and love him is to organise a family event like a BBQ, a walk in the park with the grandchildren, or depending on his hobbies and passions, a special night out.

Father-in-Law Day is much more than a family obligation, it is a day when you can show just how much you care, bond with your father-in-law. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/father-in-law-day/

Medicare's Birthday Here's a bit of good news for Medicare, the popular government program that's turning 50 this week. Older Americans on Medicare are spending less time in the hospital; they're living longer; and the cost of a typical hospital stay has actually come down over the past 15 years, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Doctors, hospitals and government administrators have put a lot of effort into making Medicare more efficient in the past 15 years. Dr. Harlan Krumholz and colleagues at Yale University took on a study to see whether that effort has paid off. http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/07/28/426740179/happy-50th-birthday-medicare-your-patients-are-getting-healthier

Paperback Book Day Whilst electronic books and e-readers are becoming increasingly popular, there’s still something very special about an old fashioned book. Paperback Book Day celebrates the look, texture and experience of reading a paperback classic. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/paperback-book-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/july30.html

July 29, 2015

Kansas City Council votes for minimum wage increase to $13 per hour by 2020

The Kansas City Council voted 12-1 last week for a minimum wage increase that calls for $13 per hour by 2020.

It’s not as high as the $15 per hour that will be required in a few years in Seattle, San Francisco and some other cities, but the new law would place Kansas City among a wave of cities instituting big pay raises for the working poor.

St. Louis leaders have vowed to raise this city’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2020. The effort is currently awaiting further action by the St. Louis Board of Alderman.

On June 5, the board introduced the bill to increase minimum wage in the city to $15 an hour by 2020. Sponsored by Alderman Shane Cohn, 25th Ward, the bill would set the minimum wage for employees who work 20 hours a week at $10 as soon as it becomes law.

http://labortribune.com/kansas-city-council-votes-for-minimum-wage-increase-to-13-per-hour-by-2020/