March 15, 2017

Rockford Public Schools strike: What parents need to know

ROCKFORD — Rockford Public Schools will remain open during the upcoming three-day strike of support employees.

Bus drivers, nutrition service workers and paraprofessionals — about 900 employees in all — plan to go on strike Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

About 18,000 children will be without rides to and from school. Hundreds of employees who provide support to teachers and work one-on-one with students with disabilities won't be there, along with the hundreds more who cook and serve hot meals to children at lunchtime.

Union employees will be picketing all three days at 13 sites from early childhood education centers and elementary schools to middle schools, high schools and administrative offices. Schools will remain open.

http://www.rrstar.com/news/20170313/rockford-public-schools-strike-what-parents-need-to-know

March 15, 2017

Employees fire back at Giant Eagle over labor charge against union

The National Labor Relations Board will review an unfair labor practice complaint over an issue at a Giant Eagle grocery store -- a complaint filed by the employer against their workers' union.

"Giant Eagle, stop suing your family," said employee Stephanie Fello, a part-time cook, while those attending a small rally outside the South Side store cheered Tuesday.

Members of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 23 say nine part-time food employees used Giant Eagle's open-door policy to ask a manager at the store to add two full-time positions. They said Giant Eagle added the jobs, but then filed a federal labor charge against the union, alleging they had circumvented grievance procedures.

Giant Eagle said it cannot comment on specifics of pending litigation. An emailed statement said, "We can clarify that Giant Eagle has taken no legal action against its individual team members and that the company has not taken any disciplinary action against the team members involved. The referenced charges have been filed against the union in response to our concerns of improper actions taken by the union."

http://www.wtae.com/article/union-fires-back-at-giant-eagle/9130861

March 15, 2017

Claire McCaskill: Right to work will drive down wages

In her first Facebook Live town hall meeting, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-St. Louis) responded to a question about a new state law that has many Missourians confused and rightly so: “right to work.”

McCaskill said she was unable to hold a physical town hall meeting during the first weeklong recess of the new Congress because of prior obligations. So, she opted for the social media event, which included a live question and answer session with viewers.

One of those questions was “How will the new “right-to-work” law affect workers in Missouri?” While “right to work” may sound positive, it’s one of the most misleading, inaccurate and deceptive phrases ever.

http://labortribune.com/claire-mccaskill-right-to-work-will-drive-down-wages/

March 15, 2017

Daily Holidays - March 15

Brutus Day There are a couple of references made when we are speaking of a great betrayer. One, of course, took 30 pieces of silver to turn in Jesus Christ of Christian myth. The other, often equally reviled (certainly by Dante) was Marcus Junius Brutus Minor, known to most as “Brutus” or more simply “Et tu Brute?” So why dedicate a holiday to this most heinous of individuals? This slayer of Kings and betrayer of friends? Why, my good people, because Brutus Day reminds us that even in this modern age, betrayal, subterfuge, and (metaphorical at least) back-stabbing is still alive and well. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/brutus-day/

True Confessions Day Keeping a guilty secret can be stressful and puts a strain on any relationship. On a lighter note, confessing your feelings to someone could start a beautiful new friendship! True Confessions Day is a day that was created to inspire people to let go of their secrets and have a day of honesty. It’s no surprise that confession is such a big part of many religions: it allows one to cleanse their heart of their troubles and move on with a clear conscience. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/true-confessions-day/

World Consumer Rights Day If you have ever purchased something and needed to return it, you have exercised your consumer’s rights. These rights have not always been something that was easily defined or enforced. The organization Consumers International has been bringing awareness to these rights with World Consumer Rights Day. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-consumer-rights-day/

Buzzard's Day The annual celebration of a bird whose circling overhead was a signal to the cowboys of old that a once living creature had met its demise seems strange to say the least. Yet, Buzzard Day is circled on the calendars of many dedicated Ohio residents who, once a year, eagerly scan the skies with binoculars watching for its return. For them this graceful, winged creature with its bald head and red beak signals, not death, but rebirth. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/buzzards-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/march15.html

March 14, 2017

Daily Holidays - March 14

National Potato Chip Day This is one holiday you may take with a pinch of salt! Potato Chip Day is a celebration of the world’s best-loved snack, first created in the 19th century. Tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt was staying at Saratoga Springs in New York and kept on sending back his French fries because he said they were cut too thick. Chef George Crum cut his spuds as thin as possible, initially as a joke – and the result was the world’s first potato chips. The snack’s popularity spread in the 1920s, when the first mass-produced packs went on sale. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/potato-chip-day/

Pi Day Pi, wonderful pi. It plays into so many aspects of our lives and goes on forever and ever and ever and ever and eve… You get the point. Every year there comes a certain day that shares numerical values with Pi, and on that day there is a celebration of Pi with every kind of Pie you can imagine. You see, pies are round, and Pi is circumference over diameter, a number that, while being functionally infinite, also happens to be a constant in every circle ever. Pi day celebrates the long history of this fantastic number, and the long journey science has taken (and is still on) to seek the end of a number known to be infinite in length. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/pi-day/

International Ask A Question Day That’s right, now is your opportunity to ask that burning question that’s been festering in the dark recesses of your mind. We all know there’s no such thing as a stupid question, so go on, think up the wildest, craziest, most bizarre question you would like to see answered and fire away! With the wonders of modern technology these days, surely someone out there will have an answer for you. (Whether or not the answer is true is another story!) https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-ask-a-question-day/

Science Education Day is a chance to celebrate and say thank you to all those who share their passion for science with kids and adults everywhere and in all venues. This is a day to thank classroom and homeschool science teachers, as well as docents, volunteers, and members of the education staff at museums, zoos, aquariums, observatories, planetariums, state or national parks, science centers, nature centers, outdoor education centers, rocket parks, and any other formal or informal science setting. It’s a good day to thank a teacher; post a thank you note or e-card on your social media page; say thanks on the social media page of museums and other institutions; volunteer at a school, museum, etc; or join or make a special donation to a museum or other institution as a thank you. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/science-education-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/march14.html

March 13, 2017

Daily Holidays - March 13

Coconut Torte Day Seems only 51 weeks ago we were last celebrating Coconut Torte Day with a delicious, moist, coconutty coconut torte. But no, apparently it’s been a whole year! Thank goodness it’s rolled around again so soon. What could be more exciting than the smell of a cake in the oven? https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/coconut-torte-day/

Fill Our Staplers Day Is there anything more annoying in this world than going to use a stapler, only to find it has run out of staples? Yes, yes there is. A huge number of things. However, that does not detract from the fact that it can be extremely annoying, especially if you are at work, under time pressure, and have no idea where the spare staples are held. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/fill-our-staplers-day/

Smart & Sexy Day The ACDN, the organization that started Smart & Sexy Day, works with thousands of women every year to help give them the leg up they need to become self-supportive and confident in their lives. There’s an overwhelming tendency for women who’ve fallen on hard times to continue to slide down into poverty and hardship, simply because they lack the right wardrobe and resources to rise above it. It’s not an insurmountable barrier, but it is definitely one that makes an impact on women in poverty all over the world. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/smart-sexy-day/

Take A Nap Day You got up early and got a great start to the day, you’ve been trucking along being a productive adult, getting your work completed and attending the meetings you have to attend. Throughout it all you’ve been a trooper, you even made it through lunch without much trouble. But now it’s creeping into the late afternoon, and you’re just out of go. What do you do? You take a nap! Napping Day encourages you to remember these benefits of youth and take a little time out of the day for you! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/napping-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/march13.html

March 12, 2017

Daily Holidays - March 12

National Baked Scallops Day Another fun culinary day brings scallops to center stage. If you have always thought that making a dish with scallops or seafood, in general, is time-consuming and difficult, this is sure to change your mind. Gather some friends together and use Baked Scallops Day as an excuse to give it a try! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/baked-scallops-day/

Check Your Batteries Day Created to raise awareness of the importance of testing and having working batteries in household appliances like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices help to warn you of a potentially life threatening situation, giving you vital time to get yourself and your family to safety. However, it’s important they are tested (usually you can do this by pushing a button) regularly to ensure they’re working correctly. Check Your Batteries Day is a reminder to do just that. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/check-your-batteries-day/

Plant a Flower Day Few things on the planet are more beautiful or fascinating than flowers—with over 400,000 flowering plant species in the world, there is definitely something every one of us would fall in love with. Flowers have served numerous purposes over the millennia, from decorational purposes to medicinal ones, as well as many, many more. In 17th century Holland, a house could be purchased for tulips, and flowers have also been an integral part of various religions and mythologies and their traditions and rituals. Could you even imagine a wedding reception without the bouquet toss? Would there be any Christmas without poinsettias? What would poets and painters do without the flowers that have inspired them to create countless works of art? From the simple daisy to the elegant rose, and from the colorful wildflowers dotting hillsides to the elaborate and vibrant flowers of southeastern Asia, flowers have more than deserved their own day though for their contributions to art, culture, and life. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/plant-a-flower-day/

International Fanny Pack Day Remember the fanny pack? The fad from the 1980s of wearing a pack around your waist as an alternative to carrying a purse but could be worn by men as well took over many people’s good fashion sense. Sometimes these fanny packs were made in bright neon colors and prints. International Fanny Pack Day aims to use this fun fashion accessory to shine a light on a serious social issue, helping the hungry. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-fanny-pack-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/march12.html

March 11, 2017

Daily Holidays - March 11

Oatmeal-Nut Waffles Day When you hear the word waffles, are you like many who can see and smell them even if they are nowhere to be seen? Dreams of butter and syrupy waffles can make most stomach growl. Dream no more! There is a day to give into temptation – Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day. You’ve got to love culinary holidays! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/oatmeal-nut-waffles-day/

Genealogy Day Many of us are too preoccupied with our lives to think too much about the past, especially ancestors of our who lived and died perhaps hundreds of years ago. every now and then, however, people who happen to have a bit more time start digging around and sometimes find out the most fascinating facts about where their forefathers came from and what kid of people they were. Think about it: aren’t you just a little bit curious? If so, Genealogy Dayis sure to prove both fun and educational. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/genealogy-day/

World Plumbing Day is an international event, initiated by the World Plumbing Council, held on 11 March each year to recognise the important role plumbing plays in societal health and amenity. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-plumbing-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/march11.html

March 10, 2017

Daily Holidays - March 10

National Blueberry Popover Day The powers that be in the culinary world offer us another yummy holiday, Blueberry Popover Day! Not turnover (triangle shaped pastry) but POPover! Run, don’t walk, to the kitchen to try these interesting and flavorsome treats. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/blueberry-popover-day/

National Pack Your Lunch Day Lunchtime is something that we can all get excited about. It’s that lovely moment in the middle of the day when we get to recharge and have a few moments to stop what we’re doing. As children, the contents of a lunch bag were a daily mystery that could turn you into the star of the lunchroom! As we grow older, what to have for lunch tends to be something we figure out on the fly and wind up spending money on fast food or other easy choices. Pack Your Lunch Day is the perfect time to bring fun back to your day! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/pack-your-lunch-day/

International Bagpipe Day The sound of bagpipes filling the air as day dawns is enough to bring joy to the hearts of many. Others, they may not feel quite the same. It seems that one either loves the pipes or not at all. There is not very much middle ground. International Bagpipe Day is the time to find out where you stand and join those who love them! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-bagpipe-day/

International Day of Awesomeness Are you made of awesome? Of course you are! Awesomeness runs in the veins of all of us, and we all have little periods of absolutely epic grade awesomeness every day of our lives. We just have to stand up and recognize it! Did you get up this morning? Hell yes, you’re awesome. Did you manage an 18 hour sleep fest because mama didn’t raise no quitter? Absolutely epic! Did you manage the mix the whites and the reds and now you’re sporting a pink button-down? You go! Not everyone can pull off that particular shade of “oops” with such aplomb! The Day of Awesomeness celebrates the awesome that exists in each of us every day, and gives us an excuse to make our awesomeness shine. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/day-of-awesomeness/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/march10.html

March 9, 2017

Daily Holidays - March 9

National Crabmeat Day Whether you choose to purchase, cook, or even catch your own crab the opportunities for celebrating Crab Meat Day are as wide spread as the crab meat is delicious. If you’ve got the time and desire than hold on to your wallets and head out to the nearest crab restaurant. If you’d much rather spend a night at home and try your hand at being a chef than crab meat is readily sold at most markets and there are many delicious recipes available to taste. Smoked, baked, or in soup the recipes are sure to make your mouth water. For the most hardcore crab fans who are willing to go the extra mile for fresh crab it might be a fun and educational experience to catch your own crabs with crab pots. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/crabmeat-day/

National Meatball Day Just the word meatball is enough to bring to mind great family meals for most people. These little balls of various meats can be found throughout the world in almost every culture. Most people may associate them with Italian cuisine, though spaghetti and meatballs is an American dish. No matter your background, you can jump in and enjoy Meatball Day! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/meatball-day/

Barbie Day The history of Barbie Day is the history of Barbie herself as the day marks her official birthday. Barbie debuted on March 9, 1959 at the American International Toy Fair in New York. She was a labor of love from Ruth Handler who was the wife of the co-founder of the toy giant Mattel, Inc. After watching children playing with baby dolls and paper dolls, she thought that the toy market needed something more. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/barbie-day/

World Kidney Day World Kidney Day was first celebrated in 2006 asking the above question – Are Your Kidneys Ok? The idea that there is great need to educate the world about the importance of kidney health, and reduce the impact of kidney disease and other health conditions associated with them, is what pushed the ISN and IFKF to team up and make a difference. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-kidney-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/march9.html