I expect to see a smile on all of your faces, well, not all, I know one person who reads my blog that won’t find it funny. But, I fully expect to hear laughs from everyone else!

“YES!”

“Let’s go!”

Fast forward to arriving at Disneyland. This is what you see when you step out of the car:
Cinderella, Snow White, and Tinkerbell being handcuffed, frisked, and loaded into police vans at the culmination of a labor protest that brought a touch of reality to the Happiest Place on Earth.

The arrest of the 32 protesters, many of whom wore costumes representing famous Disney characters, came at the end of an hour-long march to Disneyland’s gates from one of three Disney-owned hotels at the center of a labor dispute.

Those who were arrested sat in a circle on a busy intersection outside the park holding hands until they were placed in plastic handcuffs and led to two police vans while hundreds of hotel workers cheered and chanted.

The dispute involves about 2,300 maids, bell hops, cooks, and dishwashers at three Disney-owned hotels: the Paradise Pier, the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel.
The workers’ contract expired in February and their union says Disney’s latest proposal makes health care unaffordable for hundreds of employees and creates an unfair two-tier wage system. The union also says Disney wants to create a new category of part-time employees who would receive greatly reduced benefits.

Disney spokeswoman Lisa Haines said Disney and the union are in negotiations and nothing has been finalized. She said workers have protested 14 times but sat down to negotiate only 11 times in the past six months.

“Clearly we’re disappointed that Unite Here Local 681 has spent more time protesting,” she said. “Publicity stunts are not productive and are extremely disruptive to the resort district.”

Before the arrests, the picketers marched and chanted outside Paradise Pier, holding signs that read, “Disney is unfaithful,” and “Mickey, shame on you.” They were joined by community activists and religious leaders from local churches.

What do you think? Should they have protested? Or, should they have been at the negotiation table?

Alabama isn’t a huge union state, so my experience with unions is very limited. So, I’d love to hear your comments, from your knowledge of unions and whether or not this was the proper thing to do.

Also, how would you explain seeing Cinderella being handcuffed and hauled off to jail?

“YES!”

“Let’s go!”

Fast forward to arriving at Disneyland. This is what you see when you step out of the car:
Cinderella, Snow White, and Tinkerbell being handcuffed, frisked, and loaded into police vans at the culmination of a labor protest that brought a touch of reality to the Happiest Place on Earth.

The arrest of the 32 protesters, many of whom wore costumes representing famous Disney characters, came at the end of an hour-long march to Disneyland’s gates from one of three Disney-owned hotels at the center of a labor dispute.

Those who were arrested sat in a circle on a busy intersection outside the park holding hands until they were placed in plastic handcuffs and led to two police vans while hundreds of hotel workers cheered and chanted.

The dispute involves about 2,300 maids, bell hops, cooks, and dishwashers at three Disney-owned hotels: the Paradise Pier, the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel.
The workers’ contract expired in February and their union says Disney’s latest proposal makes health care unaffordable for hundreds of employees and creates an unfair two-tier wage system. The union also says Disney wants to create a new category of part-time employees who would receive greatly reduced benefits.

Disney spokeswoman Lisa Haines said Disney and the union are in negotiations and nothing has been finalized. She said workers have protested 14 times but sat down to negotiate only 11 times in the past six months.

“Clearly we’re disappointed that Unite Here Local 681 has spent more time protesting,” she said. “Publicity stunts are not productive and are extremely disruptive to the resort district.”

Before the arrests, the picketers marched and chanted outside Paradise Pier, holding signs that read, “Disney is unfaithful,” and “Mickey, shame on you.” They were joined by community activists and religious leaders from local churches.

What do you think? Should they have protested? Or, should they have been at the negotiation table?

Alabama isn’t a huge union state, so my experience with unions is very limited. So, I’d love to hear your comments, from your knowledge of unions and whether or not this was the proper thing to do.

Also, how would you explain seeing Cinderella being handcuffed and hauled off to jail?

“YES!”

“Let’s go!”

Fast forward to arriving at Disneyland. This is what you see when you step out of the car:
Cinderella, Snow White, and Tinkerbell being handcuffed, frisked, and loaded into police vans at the culmination of a labor protest that brought a touch of reality to the Happiest Place on Earth.

The arrest of the 32 protesters, many of whom wore costumes representing famous Disney characters, came at the end of an hour-long march to Disneyland’s gates from one of three Disney-owned hotels at the center of a labor dispute.

Those who were arrested sat in a circle on a busy intersection outside the park holding hands until they were placed in plastic handcuffs and led to two police vans while hundreds of hotel workers cheered and chanted.

The dispute involves about 2,300 maids, bell hops, cooks, and dishwashers at three Disney-owned hotels: the Paradise Pier, the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel.
The workers’ contract expired in February and their union says Disney’s latest proposal makes health care unaffordable for hundreds of employees and creates an unfair two-tier wage system. The union also says Disney wants to create a new category of part-time employees who would receive greatly reduced benefits.

Disney spokeswoman Lisa Haines said Disney and the union are in negotiations and nothing has been finalized. She said workers have protested 14 times but sat down to negotiate only 11 times in the past six months.

“Clearly we’re disappointed that Unite Here Local 681 has spent more time protesting,” she said. “Publicity stunts are not productive and are extremely disruptive to the resort district.”

Before the arrests, the picketers marched and chanted outside Paradise Pier, holding signs that read, “Disney is unfaithful,” and “Mickey, shame on you.” They were joined by community activists and religious leaders from local churches.

What do you think? Should they have protested? Or, should they have been at the negotiation table?

Alabama isn’t a huge union state, so my experience with unions is very limited. So, I’d love to hear your comments, from your knowledge of unions and whether or not this was the proper thing to do.

Also, how would you explain seeing Cinderella being handcuffed and hauled off to jail?

“YES!”

“Let’s go!”

Fast forward to arriving at Disneyland. This is what you see when you step out of the car:
Cinderella, Snow White, and Tinkerbell being handcuffed, frisked, and loaded into police vans at the culmination of a labor protest that brought a touch of reality to the Happiest Place on Earth.

The arrest of the 32 protesters, many of whom wore costumes representing famous Disney characters, came at the end of an hour-long march to Disneyland’s gates from one of three Disney-owned hotels at the center of a labor dispute.

Those who were arrested sat in a circle on a busy intersection outside the park holding hands until they were placed in plastic handcuffs and led to two police vans while hundreds of hotel workers cheered and chanted.

The dispute involves about 2,300 maids, bell hops, cooks, and dishwashers at three Disney-owned hotels: the Paradise Pier, the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel.
The workers’ contract expired in February and their union says Disney’s latest proposal makes health care unaffordable for hundreds of employees and creates an unfair two-tier wage system. The union also says Disney wants to create a new category of part-time employees who would receive greatly reduced benefits.

Disney spokeswoman Lisa Haines said Disney and the union are in negotiations and nothing has been finalized. She said workers have protested 14 times but sat down to negotiate only 11 times in the past six months.

“Clearly we’re disappointed that Unite Here Local 681 has spent more time protesting,” she said. “Publicity stunts are not productive and are extremely disruptive to the resort district.”

Before the arrests, the picketers marched and chanted outside Paradise Pier, holding signs that read, “Disney is unfaithful,” and “Mickey, shame on you.” They were joined by community activists and religious leaders from local churches.

What do you think? Should they have protested? Or, should they have been at the negotiation table?

Alabama isn’t a huge union state, so my experience with unions is very limited. So, I’d love to hear your comments, from your knowledge of unions and whether or not this was the proper thing to do.

Also, how would you explain seeing Cinderella being handcuffed and hauled off to jail?

At least, that’s what is being told! And, Friday, we’ll have proof…or at least what they claim to be proof. We’ll see.

Two Northern California men and two Georgians say they’ve got a body, a photo, and DNA evidence pertaining to the elusive forest-dwelling man-ape—and that they’ll reveal all at a press conference in Palo Alto, Calif., on Friday.

Robert Barrows of Redwood City, California said, “I think you’ll find that this is the real deal.”

Matthew Whitton, a cop in Clayton County, Georgia, and his friend Rick Dyer, a former corrections officer, say they recently found the body in the woods of northern Georgia.

Veteran Bigfoot tracker Tom Biscardi said he’s examined the body, and that scientists will get their chance soon.

Sure reminds me of another story from a few months ago, about aliens being seen in Denver. That story ran for a day or so and then disappeared.

Wonder how long this story will make the headlines?

At least, that’s what is being told! And, Friday, we’ll have proof…or at least what they claim to be proof. We’ll see.

Two Northern California men and two Georgians say they’ve got a body, a photo, and DNA evidence pertaining to the elusive forest-dwelling man-ape—and that they’ll reveal all at a press conference in Palo Alto, Calif., on Friday.

Robert Barrows of Redwood City, California said, “I think you’ll find that this is the real deal.”

Matthew Whitton, a cop in Clayton County, Georgia, and his friend Rick Dyer, a former corrections officer, say they recently found the body in the woods of northern Georgia.

Veteran Bigfoot tracker Tom Biscardi said he’s examined the body, and that scientists will get their chance soon.

Sure reminds me of another story from a few months ago, about aliens being seen in Denver. That story ran for a day or so and then disappeared.

Wonder how long this story will make the headlines?

At least, that’s what is being told! And, Friday, we’ll have proof…or at least what they claim to be proof. We’ll see.

Two Northern California men and two Georgians say they’ve got a body, a photo, and DNA evidence pertaining to the elusive forest-dwelling man-ape—and that they’ll reveal all at a press conference in Palo Alto, Calif., on Friday.

Robert Barrows of Redwood City, California said, “I think you’ll find that this is the real deal.”

Matthew Whitton, a cop in Clayton County, Georgia, and his friend Rick Dyer, a former corrections officer, say they recently found the body in the woods of northern Georgia.

Veteran Bigfoot tracker Tom Biscardi said he’s examined the body, and that scientists will get their chance soon.

Sure reminds me of another story from a few months ago, about aliens being seen in Denver. That story ran for a day or so and then disappeared.

Wonder how long this story will make the headlines?

At least, that’s what is being told! And, Friday, we’ll have proof…or at least what they claim to be proof. We’ll see.

Two Northern California men and two Georgians say they’ve got a body, a photo, and DNA evidence pertaining to the elusive forest-dwelling man-ape—and that they’ll reveal all at a press conference in Palo Alto, Calif., on Friday.

Robert Barrows of Redwood City, California said, “I think you’ll find that this is the real deal.”

Matthew Whitton, a cop in Clayton County, Georgia, and his friend Rick Dyer, a former corrections officer, say they recently found the body in the woods of northern Georgia.

Veteran Bigfoot tracker Tom Biscardi said he’s examined the body, and that scientists will get their chance soon.

Sure reminds me of another story from a few months ago, about aliens being seen in Denver. That story ran for a day or so and then disappeared.

Wonder how long this story will make the headlines?

I haven’t seen the video (thankfully). But, the article about it said that the employee was bathing nude in a stainless steel sink while other employees and a store manager continued to work.

The health department is investigating and says it plans to talk with prosecutors to see if any criminal charges can be filed.

To be honest, I don’t really care whether or not criminal charges are filed. I would just hope the health department would shut them down! At least, until the sink has been cleaned out.

Burger King responded quickly to this story: All of the employees involved were fired. Burger King’s corporate office released the following statement: “Burger King Corp. was just notified of this incident and is cooperating fully with the health department. We have sanitized the sink and have disposed of all other kitchen tools and utensils that were used during the incident. We have also taken appropriate corrective action on the employees that were involved in this video. Additionally, the remaining staff at this restaurant is being retrained in health and sanitation procedures.” Good answer!

I’ve known people in the restaurant business. To the person, most of them will say, “You really don’t want to know what goes on in the kitchen!” Maybe they are right. I know after eating many times in New Orleans restaurants, I was EXTREMELY thankful that I couldn’t see the kitchen—because if the restaurant looked as bad as it did, the public area, I can only imagine what the more private kitchen area looked like!

In Alabama, the health department assigns a grade to restaurants, from 1–100. The sign is to be posted near the front entrance so you can see it as you enter. Call me paranoid, but I always check the sign! And, if the sign shows a score below 85, I’m back out the door!

Any bad experiences with restaurants in your area that you want to share? I’m sure my blogger buddy Rick can curl our toes with some stories from his early career. Rick, feel free to share!

Dean Peterson wants the U.S. Postal Service to add kilts as a uniform option for men. Yes. You read that right. He wants to wear a kilt as he delivers mail.

The idea was soundly defeated in July at a convention of his union, the 220,000-member National Letter Carriers’ Association, so Peterson knows convincing management will be an uphill struggle, but at least he’ll be comfortable in his kilt, or Male Unbifurcated Garment, as he likes to call it.

Peterson said it all comes down to one word: “Comfort.”

Now, Peterson isn’t Scottish. Far from it! Peterson, 48, has Finnish and Norwegian ancestry but not Scottish. He began wearing kilts a couple years ago when his wife brought one back from a trip to Scotland. Now he wears them everywhere—to one son’s football games, the other son’s concerts, shopping, and even while gardening.

Before the convention in Boston, Peterson spent his family’s $1,800 economic stimulus tax rebate to mail about 1,000 letters and photographs of him wearing a prototype Postal Service kilt to union branches in every state, Guam and Puerto Rico. [Was that the best use of his stimulus rebate?]

The union’s executive committee recommended disapproval, saying there was not enough demand for kilts to be worth the bother of the resolution, and delegates agreed by a large margin. But Peterson said there are plenty of approved uniform items that very few mail carriers wear, including a cardigan sweater, vest, and (my personal favorite) pith helmet.

So gang, what do you think?

Should your local mail carrier be able to wear a kilt if he or she wants to? Am I being judgmental is I don’t think they should be able to wear one?

Better yet, would you wear one? Or want your husband to wear one?

Even if that meant faking what the public was seeing, in the stands and on TV.

Do you remember seeing the seven-year-old Chinese girl singing the song “Ode to the Motherland?” Well, seeing wasn’t believing. Apparently, the girl who was singing the song wasn’t good-looking enough for the Olympics opening ceremony, so another little girl with a pixie smile lip-synched the song!

In the latest example of the lengths Beijing took for a perfect start to the Summer Games, a member of China’s Politburo asked for the last-minute change to match one girl’s face with another’s voice, the ceremony’s chief music director said in an interview with Beijing Radio.

“The audience will understand that it’s in the national interest,” Chen Qigang said in a video of the interview posted online Sunday night.

This news follows reports that some footage of the fireworks exploding across China’s capital during the ceremony was digitally inserted into television coverage, apparently over concerns that not all of the 29 blasts could be captured on camera.

I’m wondering now if the Chinese government wishes they had some way to digitally enhance their swimmers so that one of them could actually beat Michael Phelps!

To me, and this is me speaking, these flubs may just be the most exciting thing to come out of the Olympic Games to date! I can hardly wait to see what else was created for the audience that really didn’t happen…or that was good for their national interest!

Even if that meant faking what the public was seeing, in the stands and on TV.

Do you remember seeing the seven-year-old Chinese girl singing the song “Ode to the Motherland?” Well, seeing wasn’t believing. Apparently, the girl who was singing the song wasn’t good-looking enough for the Olympics opening ceremony, so another little girl with a pixie smile lip-synched the song!

In the latest example of the lengths Beijing took for a perfect start to the Summer Games, a member of China’s Politburo asked for the last-minute change to match one girl’s face with another’s voice, the ceremony’s chief music director said in an interview with Beijing Radio.

“The audience will understand that it’s in the national interest,” Chen Qigang said in a video of the interview posted online Sunday night.

This news follows reports that some footage of the fireworks exploding across China’s capital during the ceremony was digitally inserted into television coverage, apparently over concerns that not all of the 29 blasts could be captured on camera.

I’m wondering now if the Chinese government wishes they had some way to digitally enhance their swimmers so that one of them could actually beat Michael Phelps!

To me, and this is me speaking, these flubs may just be the most exciting thing to come out of the Olympic Games to date! I can hardly wait to see what else was created for the audience that really didn’t happen…or that was good for their national interest!

Even if that meant faking what the public was seeing, in the stands and on TV.

Do you remember seeing the seven-year-old Chinese girl singing the song “Ode to the Motherland?” Well, seeing wasn’t believing. Apparently, the girl who was singing the song wasn’t good-looking enough for the Olympics opening ceremony, so another little girl with a pixie smile lip-synched the song!

In the latest example of the lengths Beijing took for a perfect start to the Summer Games, a member of China’s Politburo asked for the last-minute change to match one girl’s face with another’s voice, the ceremony’s chief music director said in an interview with Beijing Radio.

“The audience will understand that it’s in the national interest,” Chen Qigang said in a video of the interview posted online Sunday night.

This news follows reports that some footage of the fireworks exploding across China’s capital during the ceremony was digitally inserted into television coverage, apparently over concerns that not all of the 29 blasts could be captured on camera.

I’m wondering now if the Chinese government wishes they had some way to digitally enhance their swimmers so that one of them could actually beat Michael Phelps!

To me, and this is me speaking, these flubs may just be the most exciting thing to come out of the Olympic Games to date! I can hardly wait to see what else was created for the audience that really didn’t happen…or that was good for their national interest!