Zach's mental math

Can you do this math problem in your head.  I sure can't.  But, Zach can.  Everyday him and I have this battle with math.  I want him to write it out so I can see how he got the answer and he doesn't see the point in writing it out if he can do it in his head.  By the way here is the answer:

Colleges, you better start lining up now!

Why collective bargaining for government workers is a problem.

Unions at one time were needed in America. They improved work conditions and gave workers a voice. Fast-forward, we now have laws in place that protect the rights of all workers - union and nonunion. So the union entity is almost irrelevant and has become a cartel that can bully it's agenda in the political arena.

In Wisconsin the biggest complaint from state workers is Governor Walker taking away most collective bargaining rights. They scream: "unfair, your are taking away my rights! My voice!" However, that is fundamentally untrue. As it is right now, state employees get to bargain on both sides of the table. As tax payers and as union members. Sure, they pay taxes like the rest of nonunion Americans, but here is the kicker, they get their taxes back in their pay check. It's like taking money out of one pocket and putting it in the other. Plus, they get payed from the tax payers. Sweet deal right?! For nonunion people they get payed from their private sector employer (who also pays state and federal taxes), taxes are taken out and given to the government to pay the employees. That is why government should never make more money than the private sector. This is basic economics that even my kids understand.

Now, back to collective bargaining. Here is a basic definition.

"Collective bargaining is a type of negotiation used by employees to work with their employers. During a collective bargaining period, workers' representatives approach the employer and attempt to negotiate a contract which both sides can agree with. Typical issues covered are hours, wages, benefits, working conditions, and the rules of the workplace. Once both sides have reached a contract that they find agreeable, it is signed and kept in place for a set period of time. The final contract is called a collective bargaining agreement." - Wisegeek.com As is clear, the collective bargaining "rights" are only held under the contract agreement. And the agreement is for a set period of time. It is not a right under state or federal constitutions.

With that definition in mind understand that the tax payers are the employer and the state workers are both employer and employee - since they both pay and receive tax money. So, government-tax-paying-employees who knows they will get their taxes back in their pay check will, of course, rally for higher taxes (usually on the "rich") at the bargaining table and rally for better benefits, wages, etc. at the bargaining table. That is double representation during collective bargaining negotiations.

Innocent childhood felon

Matt told the kids today that we want them to enjoy their childhood while it is still innocent.  Sam replies, "Is my childhood going to commit a crime?"
Best. Line. Ever.

Author response

I previously blogged about Zach at the YMCA and shutting off the water before it flooded.  Matt has met the author of The Dog Poop Initiative.  So he wrote the author, Kirk Weisler, on Facebook and told him about Zach taking the initiative and shutting the water off after some kids just point at the mess being created and walked away.  If you haven't read it, I recommend reading it to your kids and even yourself.  It's common sense stuff, but it's the civic responsibility our society is lacking.  If you see a mess don't just point it out, complain and wait for someone else to take care of it - CLEAN IT UP!
Kirk Weisler, was impressed with Zach and sent him a signed copy of his book!  He wrote:  " Zach, You are a Super Scooper.  Continue to take the initiative and be a LEADER." - KW

Sam's 9th Birthday - update

Like I had posted before, Sam didn't get much of a birthday.  But she did get a special birthday trip with her Aunt Kiki to Build-a-Bear when she got better.

Here they are with Sam's monkey, Alana.

Aunt Marybeth's blanket did finally arrive along with the pillow she made for Zach.

Ignore the picture's date.  My camera went wonky that day.

Sam's 9th Birthday

Sam had a very sickly birthday this year.  She started her illness(fever, sore throat and sinus infection) on Sunday January 9, right after Mary Beth arrived for her visit, and after several trips to the doctor's office and lots of sleep, her fever finally broke January 15.  So she didn't get to celebrate her birthday like she would have wanted.  But she did get her favorite breakfast, crepes, and her gifts from her family.  From Zach she got the pillow pet pictured above.  She named it Mutt.  I bought her the fuzzy pink pants in the picture above.  And from the doctors she got a myriad of meds.  Mary Beth made her a blanket but it hasn't arrived yet.  When it does I will add a picture to this post.  I promised her she could have her bff Lily for a sleep over for her birthday.  Once her stuffy nose is gone she will finally get to do that.  I feel so bad that she didn't get much of a birthday party.  I think this year we will have to throw her a party in the summer to make up for it.

ultimate motivator

Nothing motivates an older brother like his little sister passing the swim test before him.  Zach was determined to pass tonight.  He worked himself to near exhaustion that when he said he was ready to take the test I thought he might be too tired- but he did it!  I don't know who was prouder him or me :).  Plus, now I can drop the kids off at the pool and exercise alone.  Ahhh, blessed freedom!
Then Zach goes and proves he's a good citizen.  There were some rowdy boys in the boys lockers who noticed that part of the locker room was flooding because some showers were left on.  they commented how cool that was but didn't do anything about it.  Zach went to investigate and couldn't believe these kids just saw the problem and walked away.  So he goes in and shuts all the showers off.  Moments like these reminds me why Matt and I work so hard to educate our children to be responsible respectful citizens of the world.