July 1, 2015

The economic plan that could save America (but scares conservative billionaires senseless)

Long-term unemployment is the scourge of modern economies. In a society where people take value from work, unemployment is destabilizing and degrading. A bout of long-term unemployment can permanently scar worker, leaving them with lower wages and fewer usable skills. Last year, Jared Bernstein and Dean Baker put forward a persuasive case for a return to full employment as the palliative to unemployment. But it’s increasingly clear the private sector cannot create full employment on its own. Even at the height of the Clinton boom, millions of African-Americans and low-skilled workers were jobless. To get full employment, progressives should embrace an idea that hasn’t surfaced recently in mainstream American political dialogue: a universal government job guarantee.

In a recent article, Derek Thompson explored a future “world without work.” While his article was well-researched and informative, it misses a key point: For inner-city Black Americans, “a world without work” is not a dystopian future, but a present reality. As Mark Levine writes, “By 2010, in five of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas, fewer than half of working-age black males held jobs. In 25 of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas, fewer than 55 percent of working-age black males were, in fact, employed.” In a recent Center for Economic Policy Research report Cherrie Bucknor notes the Black/white gap in employment rates “increased during the recent recession and is still larger than its pre-recession level.”

http://www.salon.com/2015/06/29/the_economic_plan_that_could_save_america_but_scares_conservative_billionaires_senseless/

July 1, 2015

Nurses vote not to decertify their union at SLU Hospital

Members of the nurse’s union at Saint Louis University Hospital voted against de-authorizing their union June 15, a measure that would have effectively created a “right-to-work” policy within the hospital.

The National Nurses United affiliate has about 650 members at SLU Hospital; only 140 voted in favor of de-authorization during three scheduled voting periods throughout the day. The measure needed 326 votes to pass.

The group calling for the de-authorization vote was led by Brian Hendricks, a registered nurse who has been with SLUH since 1989.

The union, National Nurses Organizing Committee, entered its contract with the nurses in June 2013; the contract expires in June 2016.

http://labortribune.com/nurses-vote-not-to-decertify-their-union-at-slu-hospital/

July 1, 2015

The F-35 Can't Beat The Plane It's Replacing In A Dogfight: Report

We’ve heard of significant shortcomings before with the fighter jet that’s supposed to be America’s future, but this is just as bad as it gets. The F-35 performed so dismally in a dogfight, that the test pilot remarked that the it had pretty much no place fighting other aircraft within visual range.

That’s according to a scathing report obtained by our friends over at War Is Boring that details the results of visual range air-to-air engagement tests between an F-35A and an F-16C. The F-35, which the US Air Force, Navy, and Marines are expected to rely upon, in addition to the air arms of militaries across the world for at least the next few decades, was supposed to be better than its F-16 predecessor in all respects.

The F-35’s ability to compete against other fighter aircraft in a close-in dogfight, even against the decades old designs it looks to replace, has always been a contentious issue. Long ago, the F-35’s maneuverability was planned to far exceed that of fourth generation fighters. Over time, those claims eroded to the point where the troubled stealth jet is described as being “about as maneuverable as an F-16.”

The fact that the F-35 can carry its weapons and fuel internally was of course the major deciding factor in being able to make such a claim.

http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-f-35-cant-beat-the-plane-its-replacing-in-a-dogfigh-1714712248?rev=1435613397457

July 1, 2015

Ferguson police antagonized Michael Brown protesters, DoJ report finds

Police antagonized crowds who gathered to protest in Ferguson after Michael Brown’s death last summer, violated free speech rights and made it difficult to hold officers accountable, according to a Justice Department report that found across-the-board flaws in law enforcement’s response.

The report summary, which covers the two-week period of unrest that followed a white officer fatally shooting the unarmed black 18-year-old in August, also faulted officers for inappropriately using teargas, withholding information that should have been made public and relying on military-style equipment “that produced a negative reaction” in the community.

The summary is part of a longer after-action report to be released in the coming weeks focusing on the actions of police in Ferguson, St Louis city and county and the Missouri state highway patrol.

Details of the summary were first reported by the St Louis Post-Dispatch on Tuesday. The Associated Press later obtained a copy.

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/30/ferguson-police-michael-brown-protests?CMP=fb_us

July 1, 2015

Daily Holidays - July 1

Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! July 1st celebrates National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day, a day to ponder over, or taste, the many creative, awkward or just plain silly different types of ice cream flavors. It is meant for more than the love of the traditional vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/latest-posts/

National Gingersnap Day Mmmmmm, hungry? Celebrate July 1st, National Gingersnap Day, by enjoying this sweet and savory treat. Gingersnaps are cookies typically made from molasses, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and brown sugar. They are a combination of sweet and spicy and have long been enjoyed by many.

Gingersnaps are a healthier alternative to other cookies, being that they are generally low in calories and have many benefits. The ginger that is in these cookies has anti-inflammatory properties, is known to help treat nausea and fight heart disease and other illnesses. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/latest-posts/


U.S. Postage Stamp Day We can celebrate National U.S. Postage Stamp Day by appreciating the ease and simplicity with which we can send and receive mail. Because of the invention of the postage stamp, we can simply pay a standard rate to purchase a “symbol” that we can attach to our letter and send it with no responsibility to our recipient.

Before the postage stamp, the cost of sending a letter/package was actually given to the recipient. The postal worker would take the letter and deliver it to the desired destination and would only then, collect the money for the postage. Because of this, there were times that the recipient would refuse the letter, leaving the cost to the postal service. The postal service had to set aside an allotted amount of money for this, and took it as a loss. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/latest-posts/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/july1.html

June 30, 2015

Daily Holidays - June 30

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/june30.html


Meteor Watch Day Today is Meteor Watch Day! A meteor or “shooting star” is the visible streak of light from a heated and glowing meteoroid falling through the Earth’s atmosphere; it is also call a “shooting star”.

Legend has it that if you wished upon a shooting star the wish would come true. It is believed to have originated in Greece, when a Greek astronomer Ptolemy, around AD 127-151, wrote that the Gods occasionally, out of curiosity, peer down at the Earth from between the spheres. When this happened stars sometimes slip through the gap, becoming visible as shooting stars. It was though that because the Gods were already looking at us, they would be more receptive to any wishes we made!

Did you know that these shooting stars are actually very small? The size of the meteoroid can vary the size of a closed fist to the size of a pebble. Thousands of meteoroids enter the Earth’s atmosphere on a daily basis, but very few of them actually reach the surface; but when they do, they are called “meteorites.”

To celebrate Meteor Watch Day, hope for clear skies and spend some time star-gazing. Or why not find out when the next meteor shower is going to take place. Remember if you see a shooting start make a wish, the Gods may answer it. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/meteor-watch-day/

Social Media Day was launched by the popular website Mashable back in 2010, and often sees fans of the site going to real life meetups.

Social media seems to be everywhere these days. Though the days of social media pioneer Myspace are now long gone, we’re constantly hearing about trending topics on Twitter, laughing at social media fails and many people are obsessive about keeping up with their Facebook news feed. Even if Facebook and Twitter aren’t for you, there’s still blogging, Vine, Snapchat and even LinkedIn, among many others. Even businesses have recognised the value of social media for connecting with customers and selling their product, as well as quickly updating users about problems affecting their service.

Social media has become a major factor in the world. For many of us, it is how we keep up with what our friends are up to, even if they’re on the other side of the planet. It has also played a big part in world events. Twitter was used to organise protests and report on events during the Arab Spring, for example. On a more shallow note, Twitter is a great way to keep up with what your favourite celebrities are up to – as long as they don’t just use it to Instagram pictures of their lunch!

If we’re honest, most of us use social media for less than upright purposes ourselves. We use it to show off our holidays and what adventures we have planned for the weekend. Almost everyone presents an idealised version of themselves on social media, whether by detagging unflattering photos or implying their life is more exciting and glamorous than it really is. Never compare yourself negatively to your friends on social media as you’re only seeing what they want you to see! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/social-media-day/

June 29, 2015

Daily Holidays - June 29

National Almond 
Buttercrunch Day Delicious, delicious almond buttercrunch, is there anything that’s better than this crunchy buttery caramelized candy? Almond Buttercrunch Day is a great day to indulge in this rich flavorful treat, and maybe even to learn a little bit about its history. This delicious treat is the foundation of some of the most mouthwatering confections out there, and is generally agreed to be best accompanied by any sort of chocolate you care to name!

This treat was particularly popular back in the days of World War II, it’s ease of shipment making it the perfect taste of home to wrap up and send along in care packages. One of the most recognizable forms of this candy is that produced by the company ‘Brown & Haley’ out of Seattle, WA. They started the tradition of wrapping them in their signature gold wrappers and storing them in tins to help keep them delicious and ready to consume on arrival.

Toffee is made by mixing together the base ingredients, which is quite simply caramelized sugar and butter, and boiled until it reaches the hard crack stage (roughly 149-154 Celsius, or 300 to 310 Fareneight) . Just before it reaches this stage, the almonds are added, making the simply toffee crunch into Almond Buttercrunch! The Almond Roca brand is cooled, dipped in chocolate, and then rolled in crumbled almonds to create it’s signature look and taste.

The best way to celebrate Almond Buttercrunch Day is to share the wonderful taste and joy that is this delicious candy. You can buy candies that are based on this wonderful base and hand them out to friends, family, and co-workers. If you’re in the Seattle area you can go on a tour of their factory, or for that home-made authentic taste, stop by a local candymaker in your town. If you’re feeling truly adventurous, you can even use the below recipe and make it yourself! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/almond-buttercrunch-day/

Waffle Iron Day Ahhh the Waffle Iron, creator of some of the most delicious breakfast delicacies the world round. There’s so many different types of them as well, you have your regular waffle iron, your deluxe multi-waffle irons that make more than one at a time, round ones, Belgian waffle-makers with their deep squares and thick waffles begging to be topped with strawberries and cream. Waffle Iron Day is the perfect time to celebrate this delicious breakfast staple!

Waffle Irons were first found in that area of Northwestern Europe known as the Low Countries, which includes Belgium and the Netherlands as well as other places. Originally they were made to be used over an open flame, and were thus constructed on the end of two long, typically wooden, handles with a clamshell system at one end, which would be held over a fire to bake.

The origin of the waffle iron can be traced back to the middle ages, where they were developed from a device known as the ‘wafer iron’. These were commonly used in the creation of the communion wafer, but larger varieties existed, consisting of nothing more than two flat irons often engraved with elaborate scenes. For the communion wafer, it was depictions of the crucifixion of Christ. While the larger secular designs varied widely, often engraved with artistic floral designs, illumination, or just about any other form of design you could imagine.

Later, during the 17th and 18th centuries, they were developed further by the Dutch. Sugar was particularly precious at that time, sometimes catching as much as a half an ounce of silver for a kilogram of sugar. During this time the mestiers were particularly popular among the rich, being made of only the finest ingredients, and sweetened with the precious sugar. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/waffle-iron-day/

Camera Day There is no better day than Camera Day to snap some photos during your lunch hour, on your commute to work, or whenever a moment of inspiration strikes. Cameras and photography have developed substantially over the years, from its early roots with the French inventor Joseph Niépce right up to modern day digital photography.

Joseph Niépce was a French inventor; he is most noted as one of the inventors of photography and was a pioneer in the field. He developed the heliograph; a technique used to produce the world’s first known photograph in 1825, the view from the window at Le Gras the families estate.

In 1839, Louis Jacques Daguerre took the first fixed image that didn’t fade. He is recognized for his invention of the daguerreotype process of photography. He became known as one of the fathers of photography. His method required 30 minutes of exposure. He named the process – the Daguerreotype. Tintypes were developed in 1856 by Hamilton Smith and decades later, George Eastman invented flexible and unbreakable film that could be rolled. This was the birth of the first Kodak that was offered for sale in 1888.

In 1925 the Leica I went on sale, the Leica’s immediate popularity spawned a number of competitors. Kodak released its Retina I in 1934 though 35 mm cameras were still out of reach for most people things would soon change with the introduction of the inexpensive Argus A in 1936. The Japanese camera industry began with the birth of Canon in 1936 with its 35 mm rangefinder. Japanese cameras would soon become incredibly popular in the West after the Korean War as veterans and soldiers stationed in Japan brought them back to the United States. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/camera-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/june29.html

June 28, 2015

Daily Holidays - June 28

National Tapioca Day Tapioca Day is dedicated the starch that is extracted from Manioc, otherwise known as ‘Cassava’. This plant is most commonly known as the source of the translucent beads in Tapioca pudding. But while this is the most commonly known use of this substance, it has cultural significance around the world. It’s origins can be found in Brazil, where the cassava plant is called the mandioca, and it’s extracted starch is called Tapioca.

One little known fact about the Tapioca starch, is that when it’s extracted from the green branched variety of the plant, it is the source of a potent cyanide based poison, and must be processed to remove this before it becomes edible. Once this process is completed it is processed in different ways, which produces the spheres, flakes, or sticks.

Tapioca pudding is an odd looking treat relatively common in the western world. With it’s signature white color and the translucent and mysterious pearls that give it it’s well known texture, it is a form of pudding instantly recognizable to anyone who has encountered it before. One of the most common ‘mysteries’ of this treat is what, exactly, those pearls are within it. To the British Child, it is not uncommonly known as frog spawn a bit of a tribute to the clumps of amphibian eggs it clearly resembles.

Fear not! There are no frog eggs in your tapioca pudding, and the mystery of it’s contents is, in fact, answered right in the name. Those pearls are a carefully molded form of starch extracted from the cassava plant, actually being comprised of flour from this self-same plant. It’s origins can be traced back as 1875, it’s first mention being made in Cassell’s Dictionary of Cooking. It was in this text that the first definition of Tapioca appears, as well as it’s suggestion for inclusion in puddings. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/tapioca-day/

Log Cabin Day encourages us to step away from a world of computers, electric lighting, and even indoor plumbing to embrace and experience a simpler existence. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/log-cabin-day/

Insurance Awareness Day exists to remind you that things go wrong, and that generally, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan. Insurance is often a necessary evil in the modern world, and regardless of how ethical insurance may (or may not) be as an industry, we’re all very relieved that we took out a policy when something unexpected and untoward occurs! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/insurance-awareness-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/june28.html

June 27, 2015

Daily Holidays - June 27

National Orange Blossom Day National Orange Blossom Day is observed annually on June 27th. This day is set aside to enjoy Orange Blossoms for their aesthetic beauty. Orange blossoms have been used in culinary dishes, desserts, and teas worldwide. They add a slight citrus flavor to any dish! http://nationaldaycalendar.com/days-2/national-orange-blossom-day-june-27/

Industrial Workers of The World Day With the modernisation of industry, a move from manufacturing to consumerism and a general shift in global market operations, industrial processes and businesses are much less common than they used to be. As such, it’s easy to overlook just how big a part industry still plays, and how many people are employed by industrial organisations working in industrial roles. Industrial Workers Of The World Day draws attention to these workers, and to their importance in producing the goods that we consume and rely on. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/industrial-workers-of-the-world-day/

Sunglasses Day Elton John has over a thousand pairs, Canadian singer Corey Hart only wears his at night, and you can tell the good guys from the bad guys in The Matrix by the shape of theirs. What am I talking about? Sunglasses, of course! There’s nothing quite as stylish as a pair of shades, so get out your aviators or your wayfarers and start celebrating Sunglasses Day!

Although the origins of Sunglasses Day are unknown, the history of sunglasses stretches as far back as 14th century China, where judges used eyewear made of smoke-coloured quartz to mask their emotions. Fast-forward 600 years and modern sunglasses as we know them today were first marketed by entrepreneur Sam Foster on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

One other thing to remember is that sunglasses also help protect your eyes from harmful UV light, so channel your inner-cool and slip on those shades on Sunglasses Day! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/sunglasses-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/june27.html

June 26, 2015

Daily Holidays - June 26

National Chocolate Pudding 
Day The challenges of life can often make things feel stressful, tough, and dull. Perk up with Chocolate Pudding Day, and celebrate by digging into your favourite chocolate dessert; whether it’s an enormous gateaux, chocolate cheesecake, cocoa volcano or good old, simple chocolate cake, tuck in and enjoy! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/chocolate-pudding-day/

National Canoe Day There is a special day for just about every hobby nowadays, and canoeing doesn’t miss out on the fun, with its very own day of aquatic paddling celebration. Canoeing is a fantastic hobby, and along with being environmentally friendly and relaxing, its also a great form of outdoor exercise that’s suitable for all ages.

It’s no surprise that canoeing gets its own day of celebration, with so many fans around the world. Canoeing is an easy activity to learn, and with some basic safety gear anyone can hit the water and enjoy this healthy hobby.

Despite the huge popularity of paddling a canoe, Canoe Day began in 2007. Since that time it has become the highlight of every canoe loving fan each year, and you can find activities in all regions of the world to enjoy paddling with new friends.There is a special day for just about every hobby nowadays, and canoeing doesn’t miss out on the fun, with its very own day of aquatic paddling celebration. Canoeing is a fantastic hobby, and along with being environmentally friendly and relaxing, its also a great form of outdoor exercise that’s suitable for all ages.

It’s no surprise that canoeing gets its own day of celebration, with so many fans around the world. Canoeing is an easy activity to learn, and with some basic safety gear anyone can hit the water and enjoy this healthy hobby.

Despite the huge popularity of paddling a canoe, Canoe Day began in 2007. Since that time it has become the highlight of every canoe loving fan each year, and you can find activities in all regions of the world to enjoy paddling with new friends. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/canoe-day/

Beautician’s Day celebrates those cosmetological experts who can help hide our flaws and bring out the absolute best of our beauty. There are multiple disciplines within the realm of cosmetology, including such areas as skin care, manicures, electrology, hair care, and cosmetic application. When it’s a special day for you, it’s always good to remember that without these, we could be locked in a perpetual bad hair day. The world of fashion and style is in constant flux, evolving with the changing of the seasons, and these wonderful navigators of the beauty world will see you through.

Cosmetics is one of the foundations of the beauticians art, with the knowledge of how colors, skin tones, and hair color all come together to create the unique pallete that is your skin. Cosmetics have to be carefully selected to enhance your natural features, with considerations needing to be taken for dry skin, oily skin, and the always tricky combination skin. While most people think merely of the colorants that are standard ‘make-up’, cosmetics actually include those products used for treating the various issues tied into the nature of your skin.

Skin care is done through a variety of methods, and Beautician’s Day is a great time to check in with your cosmetologist to help you adjust for your new look. There are several processes involved in properly caring with your skin, including regular cleansings, masks (such as clay-based, peel masks, sheet masks, and others). Exfoliation helps to get rid of dead skin to help the fresh new skin underneath truly shine, or to even out rough spots on your skin. Combining these habits with Toning, moisturizing, and products to protect your skin from skin and wind damage.

But what is perfect skin without the glowing, healthy hair to back it up? Just like your skin, hair has different characteristics, some is naturally curly, or long and straight, some is fine, and others thick, and just like face, hair can suffer from being oily or dry. There’s so much that can be done with hair, with coloring being one of the most popular options, serving to perfectly compliment your natural coloration. There are hundreds of different hair styles, each one serving to compliment your face in a different way. Beautician’s Day is a great opportunity to consult them on what styles would look best on you. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/beauticians-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/june26.html