tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85157383437723375692024-03-06T22:34:23.120-05:00SOUTH BRONX SCHOOLA Teacher's Take on the World of the NYC Department of EducationPete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.comBlogger1438125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-46269742892201979222023-07-09T20:54:00.003-04:002023-07-09T20:54:32.335-04:00Lying Liars of the NYC DOE<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx11vFdoZZY8WssDiVgraxApk8gi7XcKos-1aSBd5Qp_SJjb7RdG-qohkno8kjQBWwxREGkLrNF7ssWnQMkbqvivtRrpvQz1V44-C3478iud-eg5FfSKWfMSUv4TT_iiBxepkvItX4x9Q5fGkb_v127u3WIHOsiszjQSXm24kVkJL0Vfwf631KRO2Evlny/s300/SBSB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx11vFdoZZY8WssDiVgraxApk8gi7XcKos-1aSBd5Qp_SJjb7RdG-qohkno8kjQBWwxREGkLrNF7ssWnQMkbqvivtRrpvQz1V44-C3478iud-eg5FfSKWfMSUv4TT_iiBxepkvItX4x9Q5fGkb_v127u3WIHOsiszjQSXm24kVkJL0Vfwf631KRO2Evlny/s1600/SBSB.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div> The APPR travails continue. <p></p><p><a href="http://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2023/06/open-letter-to-my-2022-23-principal.html">When last I blogged </a>I shared how my principal, <span style="background-color: black;">XXXXXXXX XXXXX </span>of PS <span style="background-color: black;">XXX</span> did an end run around me. I was refused to be observed and rated through Advance. But, however, thanks thus for to the<br /> Bronx UFT this case shan't wither away. We will have a step 1 hearing come September and I am sure this will go further. That is in addition to the appeal for the bogus U rating I received. </p><p>But I believe in getting all the information possible. And apparently others do as well. In my blog post of June 29 I posted <a href="https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files/attachments/advance-frequently-asked-questions_October2021.pdf">just a memo </a>with the agreement to Advance, who will be under it, etc... But it is just a memo. Or whatever. How much juice would it have?</p><p>Blogger <a href="http://nycdoenuts.blogspot.com/">NYCDOENUTS</a> contacted me last week and suggested I look to the contract. OK. I looked. In Section 8J Part D Covered employees, Section 2 it states...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mZaOcWR5Ms8htbQqPvXEPy9H_TiQfnwP9mbYf8aCGBFQbhOj587MKjmU8pcNP-Nhwfmg9BhpfMB1QIgcZvA_mZQL-hLNdE7siUHIw3xBjmV2KiBJ_PUvA7m888jhwqZ395i71obNxZOqfgETPNdbgkuKGMsrsBZUS55FRxVyADDkIZsakvDzNoqKhitJ/s4032/IMG_2462.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mZaOcWR5Ms8htbQqPvXEPy9H_TiQfnwP9mbYf8aCGBFQbhOj587MKjmU8pcNP-Nhwfmg9BhpfMB1QIgcZvA_mZQL-hLNdE7siUHIw3xBjmV2KiBJ_PUvA7m888jhwqZ395i71obNxZOqfgETPNdbgkuKGMsrsBZUS55FRxVyADDkIZsakvDzNoqKhitJ/s320/IMG_2462.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Same words, but in the contract. But codified. In the contract. But yet another method that our administrators pay no heed to the contract, to a legal agreement. Just because they feel they are above the law. McDonald's managers are more honorable. </p><p>Thank you DOENUTS! You're a mensch.</p><p>So during one of my conversations with Principal <span style="background-color: black;">XXXXXXXX XXXXX </span>of PS <span style="background-color: black;">XXX</span> I was told; </p><p><i><b></b></i></p><blockquote><i><b>"I am not sure if you are on Advance. I will have to check."</b></i></blockquote><p></p><p>I made this inquiry in February regarding my IPC. Wouldn't a principal be aware of this without having to check? A manager at McDonald's would know who is qualified to perform each task (I in no way am belittling working at McDonald's. I worked at McD's myself in 1980). </p><p>But someone, way, way up in the NYCDOE got in touch with The Crack Team concerning how one gets on or off of Advance.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i><b>"Your principal has the ability to make teachers eligible or ineligible based on the eligibility requirements listed here (section 1.1.1)" <span style="color: red;">(Remember, the above mentioned memo)</span></b></i></blockquote><p></p><p>So why would Principal <span style="background-color: black;">XXXXXXXX XXXXX </span>of PS <span style="background-color: black;">XXX</span> be uncertain whether or not I was in Advance? According to information received by The Crack Team<b> <span style="color: red;">it is the principal</span></b><span style="color: red;"> <b>that determines whether or not one is on Advance</b></span>. </p><p>Is it possible I was on Advance and when I started asking for an IPC Principal <span style="background-color: black;">XXXXXXXX XXXXX </span>of PS <span style="background-color: black;">XXX</span> summarily removed me? I mean it was February, who asks to be observed, especially APPR observation? I am sure it was common knowledge. Advance was advantageous to me and other teachers, in particular ATRs that got a bogus letter to their files. </p><p>Even if the new contract is ratified, the unchecked, unfettered abuse by administrators will continue unabated. </p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-82043836963961398572023-06-29T20:57:00.008-04:002023-06-30T08:41:15.765-04:00Open Letter to my 2022-23 Principal<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4ErG2ry4nCdEwmZod4aK2BE2sayrt8a_0GoQ6cbKpr4dGjJ_k5XAyvNNcDeDJ9VeF2YTIAjHH2H2V30_RrCwtUVgLX6fsZSecmOZYoeTLbAGktGAR6brgp-jr5LeIDalKTGrJiJjfrvMdAVzdtU3PTKEu5OQfTetAWqGee3qfBOZgQCyuS3heCpUnVJF/s600/SBSB.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4ErG2ry4nCdEwmZod4aK2BE2sayrt8a_0GoQ6cbKpr4dGjJ_k5XAyvNNcDeDJ9VeF2YTIAjHH2H2V30_RrCwtUVgLX6fsZSecmOZYoeTLbAGktGAR6brgp-jr5LeIDalKTGrJiJjfrvMdAVzdtU3PTKEu5OQfTetAWqGee3qfBOZgQCyuS3heCpUnVJF/s320/SBSB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I just got rated U for the year. Here's the backstory.<p></p><p>I had an accommodation for this year. Working with small groups. OK. I filed the proper paperwork with SOLAS and HR kicked it to the principal to be approved or disapproved. It was approved.<br /></p><p>When I entered the school in September, they had me "help out" the Kindergarten teacher. I was there for a few weeks, did coverages, etc...y end of September, beginning of October I was sent to an ICT class that was a teacher short. Again, an extra body. I did small group instruction. Worked with the neediest students. Did nap time two periods a day with pre-K and pre-3. My prep was different than teacher I was with. That's what I was thought of.</p><p>At beginning of the year I asked for a laptop. I was told no because I was an ATR. I eventually got a DOE laptop that I needed for my per session. I made a mistake. </p><p>One day, it was a Wednesday in which I be with the outside chess instructor, I had laptop with me and was I was on it. A report to OSI that I was looking at porn. One student claimed he saw the porn from the glare reflecting off my glasses. There was no porn. Heck, OSI thought so too. OSI didn't find the students credible. It was bounced back to the principal. Anyhoo, I got letter to file for doing what everyone else had been doing during instruction time. But then and there I was told I can not use that laptop in the school. That it is not a school laptop. FWIW, this class, a 5th grade class is incredibly disruptive. The have driven their co-teacher to quit mid year, they are extremely disruptive, and get away with everything</p>When we come back from break in January I was assigned to the other ICT class. Originally I was to work with a very, very, very, challenging student. But after a few days they pawned the student off to a para. <p></p><p>After I got letter to the file on February 9, I was concerned with risking a U for the year. I had yet to be observed yet. I thought, hey, let's get observed but this through Advance. That why the letter doesn't come into play. Well, here is a taste of things to come.</p><p>I had observation thinking, in fact, both me and AP thinking it was under advance. I met with her about 10 days later and she gave me a U, even though the observation was 15 minutes. She told me that if using Advance it would be a Developing. Fine, MOSL would have brought me to an Effective. When I kvetched, we met with principal and her way to fix this was to give me a formal observation with pre observation meeting. When I asked for paperwork, etc... of first observation she refused to give it to me. I know that the 2nd observation was pre-determined. </p><p> The following is of an email I sent to my principal, District 7 Superintendant Padilla, and other luminaries on June 19. Please feel free to comment. Or better email me if you have any ideas or question.</p><p>In case anyone is curious, the Union is taking action. </p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">I was rated effective for the 2021-2022 school year. Therefore I was already in Advance and I am sure I was in advance at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. Seemingly, at some time during this school year I ceased to be in Advance for PS </span><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">XXX</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">. Who was responsible for removing me, and if need be, who would be responsible for adding me to Advance? At what point was I removed from Advance? What was the rationale for being removed from Advance? </span></i></p></li></ol><p><span class="im" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #500050; font-size: small; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><br /><br /></i></span></p><ol start="2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">According to this document put out by the NYC DOE </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files/attachments/advance-frequently-asked-questions_October2021.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1688170046047000&usg=AOvVaw3uEANuoLBPs8tscKk0PF4d" href="https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files/attachments/advance-frequently-asked-questions_October2021.pdf" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.uft.org/sites/<wbr></wbr>default/files/attachments/<wbr></wbr>advance-frequently-asked-<wbr></wbr>questions_October2021.pdf</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> and on page 4 it states:</span></i></p></li></ol><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><b><span style="color: red;"></span></b></i></div><blockquote><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><b><span>K-12 classroom teachers1 who teach 40% or more of a full-time position are eligible to be evaluated using the Advance system. A full-time teaching position usually corresponds to five teaching periods per day</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div class="yj6qo ajU" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 2px 0px 0px; orphans: 2; outline: none; padding: 10px 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; width: 22px; word-spacing: 0px;"><div aria-expanded="true" aria-label="Hide expanded content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Hide expanded content" id=":1in" role="button" style="background-color: #e8eaed; border-radius: 5.5px; border: none; clear: both; line-height: 6px; outline: none; position: relative; width: 24px;" tabindex="0"></div></div></blockquote><p><i><span class="im" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-size: small;"></span></i></p><div class="adL"><div class="adm" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 5px 0px;"></div><div class="im"><i><br /></i><ol start="3" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>In our meeting of Friday, June 16, 2023 you stated to me when I first approached you concerning having an Initial Planning Conference, “I wasn’t sure if you were in Advance.”</i></span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Yet, on April 16, 2023 I received this email from Ms. </span><span style="background-color: black; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">XXXXXXX</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">(emphasis mine) </span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin: 0pt 60pt;"><i><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">“Yes, let's meet</span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"> on April at 2:45 pm </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">for our IPC.” </span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>As well as this email of April 18, 2023 from Ms XXXXXXX which contained (emphasis mine): </i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i> “Hello Mr. Zucker,</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> <wbr></wbr>Thank you</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"> for meeting with me to conduct your IPC</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">.”</span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Ms </span><span style="background-color: black; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">XXXXXXX</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> at the time was under the impression that I was in Advance. Not only was I under the impression, but I had no reason to think otherwise since Ms. <span style="background-color: black; font-size: 14.6667px;">XXXXXXX</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span>’s email. However, our conversation where you told me you weren’t sure I was in Advance, was weeks before this email. At no time between our conversation and the email and IPC with Ms <span style="background-color: black; font-size: 14.6667px;">XXXXXXX</span> was I, nor Ms <span style="background-color: black; font-size: 14.6667px;">XXXXXXX</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span> informed I was not in Advance. At the very least should I have been notified? Should Ms <span style="background-color: black; font-size: 14.6667px;">XXXXXXX</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"> </span>have been notified? Was I in Advance at the time and removed soon after? Can you answer these questions I have?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><br /></i></p><ol start="4" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">At no time did I mention to you when I requested an observation, did I ask for a pre-observation conference, which would be under S/U. I asked for an </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Initial Planning Conference </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">which would be under Advance. </span></i></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><br /></i></p><ol start="5" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>At our meeting on Friday, June 16, 2023 I mentioned, “I asked you several times to put me on the email blast, I’ve never been put on the email blast.” Even though paras and another in the ATR in the school have been.</i></span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i> </i></span></p><ol start="6" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>At our meeting on Friday, June 16, 2023 I mentioned that I asked Ms <span style="background-color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: collapse;">XXXXXXX</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: collapse;"> </span> for a laptop and she replied something to the effect of, “you do not get one because you are an ATR.” This doesn’t make sense because there is another ATR in the building that received a device and uses it.</i></span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><br /></i></p><ol start="7" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Earlier this year you mentioned to me if you had known sooner that I would have been at <span style="background-color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: collapse;">XXXXXXX</span> the full year you would have used me differently. I took that statement in a positive manner. It’s concerning to me that she wouldn’t know that since for the last three years it has been widely known that ATRs are to be with their school for the full fiscal school year. </i></span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><br /></i></p><ol start="8" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>At our meeting on Friday, June 16, 2023 you told me, “ You are not in Advance, you said you want one for support, I said ‘OK,’ I’ll support a teacher however they want to be supported.” I never said that this is why I wanted an IPC. </i></span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><br /></i></p><ol start="9" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>At our meeting on Friday, June 16, 2023 you said something like, “You said no one has been planning with me.” For the first four months of the school year I had a different prep than Ms Curry. When I was switched over to 214, I wasn’t part of the planning until April.. I was assigned to Ms <span style="background-color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: collapse;">XXXXXXX</span>’ class to assist her. As per Ms <span style="background-color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: collapse;">XXXXXXX</span>’s email of April 27, 2023; </i></span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #242424; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Hello....</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #242424; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Starting this week Mr. Zucker will be staying with Ms. XXXXXX and Ms. XXXXXX during CP</span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #242424; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> on Wednesdays.</span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="color: #242424; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>The first day I met for common planning was May 3, 2023.</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><br /></i></p><ol start="10" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>At our meeting on Friday, June 16, 2023 you reiterated, “No one told us you would be with us for the whole year. Every couple of weeks I get an email saying you’re coming back.” I replied, “It is common knowledge.” You then replied, “It’s common knowledge you're not in Advance”. Should I not have been informed of this? I think I should have been informed prior to the observation since clearly, it’s not common knowledge to me..</i></span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i> </i></span></p><ol start="11" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>At our meeting on Friday, June 16, 2023 you said something like, “Based on what you said to me and based on how I worked with an ATR and I never worked with you before and I work with different ATRs differently. You said you work in small groups.” </i></span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><br /></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>This is misleading. I asked for an accommodation to work with small groups. You granted it to me. I originally put in for it through SOLAS and it was then sent to you to either be approved or disapproved. You approved it. </i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><br /></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>I have the right to be treated no better and no less than my colleagues. I have the right to attain and be treated the same as them. Even though I met all the qualifications to be observed and evaluated under Advance, it was denied to me. </i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><br /></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i> </i></span></p><ol start="12" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>I would like to know why I am unable to see Ms <span style="background-color: black; color: #0c343d; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: collapse;">XXXXXXX</span>’s observation of June 1, 2023. This seems arbitrary and capricious. </i></span></p></li></ol><i><br /></i><ol start="13" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>At our meeting on Friday, June 16, 2023 when I asked why I didn’t get a laptop you exclaimed, “You don’t need a laptop! And first of all, I thought I was protecting you because there was some confusion about how the laptop was being used. So, to help you so there would be no confusion, why use the laptop?”</i></span></p></li></ol><div><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Much, much, more to come.</span></span></div></div></div>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-52614247985974353242023-04-16T18:56:00.000-04:002023-04-16T18:56:00.577-04:00Springtime for Mulgrew: Mike Mulgrew Stars in Mulgrewcare Version of The Producers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhNq7E0Yu5h7QejQSDJN4LE6bmHSjD0wtxGn1bCZ3fWHoDDQzPYkcsIVD_Y0qdStEA-jVuNYWh7KgfXs7cn4sxosrDtgU7oTjtbKTfXrPNDclBOuk8NO2h0q96umxNlvxUt9d2KqpVE0DGf1LW_pdmQwQawInGOQD0T9CecdPZDMygtvFONna1Fd4nA/s932/Mike_Mulgrew.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="932" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhNq7E0Yu5h7QejQSDJN4LE6bmHSjD0wtxGn1bCZ3fWHoDDQzPYkcsIVD_Y0qdStEA-jVuNYWh7KgfXs7cn4sxosrDtgU7oTjtbKTfXrPNDclBOuk8NO2h0q96umxNlvxUt9d2KqpVE0DGf1LW_pdmQwQawInGOQD0T9CecdPZDMygtvFONna1Fd4nA/s320/Mike_Mulgrew.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> Many don't know that Mike Mulgrew is an avid theater fan. And still many are unaware that Mulgrew leads a theater company known as "Mulgrew & Company." In fact, Mulgrew must always have the lead part. It's written into his contract. This has caused some issues when the theater company put on "The<br /> Miracle Worker."<p></p><p>Anyhoo, the theater company is now in rehearsals of their version of "The Producers." But for some curious reason, instead of Mulgrew playing Max Bialystock, the character's name is actually Mike Mulgrew. And instead of a play about a conman ripping off little old ladies for a musical, it's now a musical about a conman ripping off little old ladies and little old men. </p><p>Members of The Crack Team snuck into some of the rehearsals without audio but took copious notes of what they witnessed and we here at SBSB are sharing for the first time.</p><p><b><i>The Overture:</i></b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">New York City was having trouble, what a sad, sad story </b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">Needed a man to save a lot of money </b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">Where, Oh where was he? </b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">Where could that man be? </b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">We looked around and then we found </b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">The man for Mayor Adams. And now it's..</b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">Springtime for Mulgrew and Tom Murphy</b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">Adams is happy and and won't say nay</b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">We're marching to retirees to a faster death</b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">Look out, there goes master health</b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">Springtime for Mulgrew and the MLC</b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">Winter for retirees and and in service</b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">Springtime for Mulgrew and the MLC</b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">Come on, New Yorkers, go into your dance</b></p><p><b style="background-color: white;">Don't be stupid, be a smarty, come and join the Unity party</b></p><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Scene in Mulgrew's Office:</span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;"><i>Don't you see, darling Bloom, glorious Bloom? It's so simple. STEP ONE: We claim that the city is $600 million in the hole and don't tell any of the rank and file about it.. STEP TWO: I tell lots of little old ladies, little old men, all retirees teachers, DC 37, the MLC, all the unions mayors . STEP THREE: You go back to work on the books, two of them - one for the retirees, one for us. You can do it, Bloom; you're a wizard! STEP FOUR: We set up with Aetna for Medicare Advantage plan. STEP FIVE, We act like we care, like we really believe the crap we're laying on the retirees and in- service members.And before you can say STEP SIX we watch more retirees drop dead and/or get denied and save the city big bucks !!! STEP SEVEN: We take our million bucks in kickbacks from Aetna and fly to *Rio!*</i></span></b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i><b>Tom Murphy (As Leo Bloom): My blanket! My blue blanket! Give me my blue blanket!</b></i></span></span></p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-48173289444805298512023-04-12T21:00:00.001-04:002023-04-12T21:00:30.260-04:00A Tribute to Kings<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmtg6TIajsy3TWF_noLHVTETfa5dTkCByVMeDMuESj6-vL5ZLvjKJGiDuVNgmi2trv_Ah8GgXnUYCdCt7jM-LPIHjuIuTxcf2ddh6WoHVvBpEimMD66AqOs8G27hZ1lAPD0Juxv_mHmIzQbJUhTvWVnkDROIdOyUa-tWTyf93NXsNe05DnzNgeL2ohA/s1200/SBSB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1200" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmtg6TIajsy3TWF_noLHVTETfa5dTkCByVMeDMuESj6-vL5ZLvjKJGiDuVNgmi2trv_Ah8GgXnUYCdCt7jM-LPIHjuIuTxcf2ddh6WoHVvBpEimMD66AqOs8G27hZ1lAPD0Juxv_mHmIzQbJUhTvWVnkDROIdOyUa-tWTyf93NXsNe05DnzNgeL2ohA/s320/SBSB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><i> This is a repost. Figured since I'm on a roll with concert reviews why not revisit this concert? And I want to blog and still recovering from surgery on wrist and elbow and typing is a PIA. I'm in world of repeats.</i><p>Back on September 26, 2021 I was able to see live music for the first time in almost 18 months. Who did I see? I saw <a href="http://primusville.com/">Primus</a>. It was my first time ever seeing them. Why did I go? Because they were to play Rush's 1977 album, "A Farewell to Kings" in its entirety. The show was at the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, CT where they were supposed to play in July of 2020. But due to the COVID craziness everything was postponed. </p><p>But being there is no more Rush ever again (Unless Geddy and Alex can recruit <strike>Ringo</strike> Dave Grohl to take over the drums or maybe even Mike Portnoy) I need to get a Rush fix whenever possible. Les Claypool took care of it for a night. By the way, I really enjoyed the show and I like Primus.<br /></p><p>So I am embedding the the first three songs of AFTK. The title track, Closer to the Heart, and Xanadu. Enjoy. </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Update 4/12/23:</span></b> <b>Next up for me: Daryl Hall, Capitol Theater in Port Chester 6/7/23</b></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/FkJ-E8tXEGc" width="480"></iframe> </p><p> </p><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/iUv1u2x77ho" width="480"></iframe> </p><p> <iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/SjuPRX2JrGk" width="480"></iframe></p><div><br /></div>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-68261712930193562702023-04-10T19:49:00.002-04:002023-04-10T19:56:24.425-04:00Mike Mulgrew Pulls a Dwight Schrute <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPwyG-gAuBuSDU15KO4-ZFM919s-dSgUKlQ3Rda_RvpWFgGZDvnbr-ogKRkXgUqV-iyZJ9trxtaZnG7lCQcMLrszQO8Yoj8lQeacPfLZKEZYquOzy1Ju3vteMbawFtmKMtmT6YLL4utEQuVMsOY0U7LeRdO44ofbRA6r3vnFyEl3bHTtSwS1nPqPu4Q/s1200/SBSB.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPwyG-gAuBuSDU15KO4-ZFM919s-dSgUKlQ3Rda_RvpWFgGZDvnbr-ogKRkXgUqV-iyZJ9trxtaZnG7lCQcMLrszQO8Yoj8lQeacPfLZKEZYquOzy1Ju3vteMbawFtmKMtmT6YLL4utEQuVMsOY0U7LeRdO44ofbRA6r3vnFyEl3bHTtSwS1nPqPu4Q/s320/SBSB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> Sometime ago The Crack Team secretly embedded a microphone on Mike Mulgrew to get a first hand account of healthcare negotiations, meetings with members, and other inanity. This microphone was with Mulgrew for over a year. Unfortunately, members of The Crack Team were unable to upload the original recording due to a technical glitch. But when one door closes another door opens. Frank of The Crack Team had the foresight to transcribe the year long audio and tonight, for the first time anywhere, SBSB takes it's readers deep into Mike Mulgrew's plan to subvert our healthcare. <p></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mayor Adams:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> There’s a decision that needs to be made, and I’m having an unbelievably a busy day. So I’m going to let you pick a health care plan for our NYC retirees and then explain it to the retirees</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mike Mulgrew:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> Yes. I can do it. I’m your man.</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;">.</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mike Mulgrew:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> OK, first, let’s go over some parameters. How teachers can I fire?</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mayor Adams:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> Ah, none. You’re picking a health care plan.</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mayor Adams:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> If Mulgrew fails, then that is strike two, and good for me for, ah, for giving him a second chance. And if he succeeds, then, you know, no one will be prouder than I am. I groomed him. I made him what he is today. Unless he fails, and we’ve talked about that already.</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mike Mulgrew:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> What did I do? I did my job. I slashed benefits to the bone. I saved the city money. Was I too harsh? Maybe. I don’t believe in coddling people.</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mike Mulgrew:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> In the wild, there is no health care. In the wild, health care is, “Ow, I hurt my leg. I can’t run. A lion eats me and I’m dead.” Well, I’m not dead. I’m the lion. You’re dead.</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Female UFT Officer:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> OK. Mike. Are you really in charge of picking the health care plan?</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mike Mulgrew:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> Yes. And my decision in final.</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Female UFT Officer:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> This is a ridiculously awful plan. Because you cut everything.</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mike Mulgrew:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> Aww, times are tough. Deal with it.</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Female UFT Officer:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> You cut more than you had to, didn’t you?</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mike Mulgrew:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> Sure.</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Female UFT Officer:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> Well, why did you do that? You work for the DOE as well, don’t you want good insurance?</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mike Mulgrew:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> Don’t need it. Never been sick. Perfect immune system.</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"><i>AT A TOWN HALL MEETING OVER ZOOM IN 2022.....</i></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mike Mulgrew:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> OK, everyone. Gather round. It has been brought to my attention that some of you are unhappy with my plan. So what I’d like you to do is to open chat windows and type down any diseases you have that you might want covered and I’ll see what I can do.</span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"><i>Two Teachers Collaborating during town hall meeting...</i></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Teacher 1:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> So, let’s say my teeth turn to liquid and then, they drip down the back of my throat. What would you call that?</span></p><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Teacher 2:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> I thought you said you were inventing diseases? That’s spontaneous dental hydroplosion.</span><div><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mike Mulgrew:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> Uh, someone forged, uh, medical information and that is a felony. </span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;">Uh, leprosy? Flesh eating bacteria. Hot-dog fingers. Government-created killer nanorobot infection. </span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;">I’ll have to interview each and every one of you until the perpetrator makes him or herself known. And until that time, there will be no health care coverage for any one!</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;">The problem, is that people who are really suffering from a medical condition won’t receive the care they need, because someone in this office is coming up with all this ridiculous stuff. [reads off of paper] “Count Choculitis”</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"><i>At a town hall meeting several weeks later....</i></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mike Mulgrew:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> I’m now going to read out loud your submitted medical conditions. When you hear yours read, please raise your hand to indicate that it is real. If you do not raise your hand, it will not be covered. </span><span face="-apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Noto Color Emoji" style="color: #212529;">Number one: Inverted penis.</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Noto Color Emoji" style="color: #212529;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mike Mulgrew:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> OK, great. Dermatitis. Thank you. I’ll make sure that’s covered. OK, now. Who wrote this, hysterical one? Anal fissures?</span></div><div><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px;" /><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Teacher from Staten Island:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> That’s a real thing.</span></div><div><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px;" /><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Mike Mulgrew:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> Yeah, but no one here has it.</span></div><div><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px;" /><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bolder;">Teacher from Staten Island:</span><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"> Someone has it.</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 16px;">That's all for now. We can see all the hard work that Mulgrew has put in.</span></div>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-62908401302886954722023-04-09T17:43:00.000-04:002023-04-09T17:43:05.666-04:00Pray Retirees Illnesses and Maladies Away<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0KkE_3C6BYscV2U2QBwG6ruJycEh-ID7y6sy5bH4diFVgmj6W9JC_ObjXUgQj_IfUTrmg0Zb43E3dFZst4gueeZ0KZGPpYKgP8urq_2yKSDbLbL2mYBotcuSGtWxbfJJZFkr6StJNW3h_ZQCzJFmwkY5VyPA_sgwVgWcFbKWsCJ649GBl1exHAcqmQ/s900/SBSB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0KkE_3C6BYscV2U2QBwG6ruJycEh-ID7y6sy5bH4diFVgmj6W9JC_ObjXUgQj_IfUTrmg0Zb43E3dFZst4gueeZ0KZGPpYKgP8urq_2yKSDbLbL2mYBotcuSGtWxbfJJZFkr6StJNW3h_ZQCzJFmwkY5VyPA_sgwVgWcFbKWsCJ649GBl1exHAcqmQ/s320/SBSB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>With all this talk of Mulgrewcare going on, the alternatives were never discussed. The Crack Team has come across information that Mike Mulgrew had seriously considered, in concert with Mayor Adams, to put all retirees on a Christian Science health care plan.<br /><p></p><p>The plan known as "Pray it Away" would have cut out all hospitals, doctors, etc... The only cost to the city would be: buying each retired member "<a href="https://www.christianscience.com/the-christian-science-pastor/science-and-health">Science and Health</a>," the monthly "<a href="https://www.christianscience.com/publications-and-activities/bible-lessons">Christian Science Bible Lesson</a>" magazine, and a Bible. From what The Crack Team has heard Adams was against this but Mulgrew kept on pushing it.</p><p>We got a copy of Mulgrew's proposal and it is being published here for the first time ever.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Pray it Away"</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>A Healthcare Proposal</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>By UFT Presidenté Mike Mulgrew</i></b></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>As the cost of healthcare continues to rise in the United States, more and more cities are exploring alternative healthcare plans to provide for their residents, particularly retirees. One such alternative is the Christian Science healthcare plan, which has proven effective in providing quality healthcare to those who follow this faith tradition. In this essay, I will argue that the city of New York should adopt a Christian Science healthcare plan for retirees, citing how it would save money.</i></b></span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>Christian Science healthcare is a faith-based healthcare system that provides spiritual healing to its members. It is based on the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy, who founded the Christian Science Church in the late 19th century. Christian Science that emphasizes the power of prayer and spiritual healing. Members of the Christian Science Church believe that healing can be achieved through the power of God, and that the mind and body are connected. Through prayer and spiritual practice, they seek to heal illness and injury.</i></b></span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>One of the benefits of Christian Science healthcare is that it is cost-effective. Members of the Christian Science Church do not rely on traditional medical treatments, such as medication or surgery, and therefore, do not incur the same costs. Instead, they rely on prayer and spiritual healing to treat illness and injury. This can result in significant cost savings for both individuals and healthcare providers.</i></b></span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>For the city of New York, adopting a Christian Science healthcare plan for retirees could result in significant cost savings. Retirees are one of the largest groups of healthcare consumers in the United States, and their healthcare needs can be complex and costly. By offering a Christian Science healthcare plan as an alternative to traditional healthcare plans, the city could reduce the cost of healthcare for retirees and ultimately save money.</i></b></span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>In addition to cost savings, a Christian Science healthcare plan could also offer other benefits for retirees. Many retirees struggle with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. These conditions require ongoing medical treatment and can be costly to manage. Christian Science healthcare offers an alternative approach to managing chronic health conditions that focuses on spiritual healing and prayer. This could be an attractive option for retirees who are looking for a different approach to managing their health.</i></b></span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>Another benefit of a Christian Science healthcare plan is that it could offer retirees a sense of community and support. Members of the Christian Science Church often come together to pray for healing and offer support to one another. This sense of community could be particularly valuable for retirees, who may be experiencing feelings of isolation or loneliness.</i></b></span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>Critics of Christian Science healthcare argue that it is not a substitute for traditional medical care and that it can be dangerous to rely solely on prayer and spiritual healing to treat illness and injury. But we don't care. Pray it away is what can and will work. All the MLC needs to do is just tithe the Christian Science church now and again</i></b></span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>In conclusion, the city of New York should adopt a Christian Science healthcare plan for retirees. This plan could result in significant cost savings for the city and offer retirees an alternative approach to managing their health. By offering a Christian Science healthcare plan, the city could also provide retirees with a sense of community and support, which could be valuable for those who may be experiencing feelings of isolation or loneliness. Adopting a Christian Science healthcare plan for retirees could be a cost-effective and beneficial option for the city of New York.</i></b></span></p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-23832987287526096362023-04-08T11:08:00.000-04:002023-04-08T11:08:08.362-04:00Why The UFT is Weak by Guest Blogger Mr Mackey<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWry-3AgVH9c8chzGij3cepVVKL2j6F1B1itdy2dMGeEqbRH642yaI3JG8_76EgTf9mWomUcY8gUwXd2PkjYeD9yFv9v1xJ4UsAI2Ro2okDOJu4eZxOgjf9AAy5okEVFFyKMy6US1KRukUTYDChVBEXkhkKKflimO83Rk1XnvAu03UOsFzkxVdCbw0Q/s400/SBSB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWry-3AgVH9c8chzGij3cepVVKL2j6F1B1itdy2dMGeEqbRH642yaI3JG8_76EgTf9mWomUcY8gUwXd2PkjYeD9yFv9v1xJ4UsAI2Ro2okDOJu4eZxOgjf9AAy5okEVFFyKMy6US1KRukUTYDChVBEXkhkKKflimO83Rk1XnvAu03UOsFzkxVdCbw0Q/s320/SBSB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> I had surgery on my left wrist and elbow yesterday so writing big long blog posts are not easy right now.<p></p><p>However, I turned to OpenAI to write an essay in the voice of Mr Mackey from South Park. The bot pretty much nails it. <br /></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: white;"><i>Mmmkay, let's talk about the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and why some people think it's a weak union. As a school counselor, I've seen the impact of the UFT's actions on our teachers and students, so I have some thoughts on the matter.</i></b></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: white;"><i>First of all, the UFT has been criticized for being too cozy with the political establishment. They've been known to support Democratic Party politicians, and some of their own union leaders have gone on to hold political office themselves. This relationship with politicians can be a double-edged sword for the union. On one hand, it gives them access to people who can make decisions that affect teachers and students. On the other hand, it can make them look like they're more interested in politics than in advocating for their members.</i></b></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: white;"><i>Another issue with the UFT is that it's not very militant. They don't seem to be willing to take bold actions, like strikes, to achieve their goals. This can be frustrating for teachers who want to see more aggressive action from their union. However, it's important to remember that public employee strikes are illegal in New York State. So, the UFT is limited in what they can do to pressure the city and state to give them what they want.</i></b></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: white;"><i>Additionally, the UFT's bargaining position is weakened by the fact that New York City has a large pool of unemployed teachers who can be used as replacement workers in the event of a strike. This means that the UFT doesn't have as much leverage as they would in a situation where there was a shortage of teachers. It's hard to negotiate for better working conditions and pay when the city knows they can replace teachers who strike.</i></b></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: white;"><i>The UFT has also been criticized for failing to build strong alliances with other unions and community organizations. It's important for unions to work together and with other groups that share their goals. When you have a broad-based coalition, you're more likely to achieve your goals. The UFT has not been able to build these kinds of alliances, and it's left them vulnerable to attacks from management and politicians.</i></b></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: white;"><i>Another issue is that the UFT is divided along racial and ethnic lines. The majority of UFT members are white, while the majority of New York City public school students are people of color. This has led to tensions within the union over issues such as school funding, teacher evaluation, and school discipline. The UFT has not been able to effectively address these issues and has been criticized for not doing enough to support its members of color.</i></b></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: white;"><i>So, what can the UFT do to become a stronger union? First, they need to focus more on organizing and building power from the ground up. They should be working to mobilize their members and create a more active and engaged membership. This could include things like more regular union meetings and events, more opportunities for members to get involved in decision-making, and more direct action.</i></b></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: white;"><i>The UFT also needs to build stronger alliances with other unions and community organizations. They should be working to identify common goals and find ways to work together. For example, the UFT could partner with other unions to advocate for better working conditions and pay for all public employees. They could also work with community groups to advocate for more funding for public schools.</i></b></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: white;"><i>Another way the UFT can become stronger is by addressing the divisions within the union. They need to be more proactive in supporting their members of color and addressing the issues that affect them. This could include things like training for teachers on cultural competency and implicit bias, and advocating for more resources for schools with high numbers of students of color.</i></b></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 1.25em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: white;"><i>Overall, the UFT has a lot of work to do if they want to become a stronger union. They need to be more militant and willing to take bold action to achieve their goals. </i></b></p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-44727704768007355042023-03-25T21:43:00.000-04:002023-03-25T21:43:14.096-04:00Thoughts on Mulgrew Whilst at Casino in Schenectady<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY8II99ZXe1h2B8N54iprGnWusA__ubWu4CGEtV6BvXh8IWFAPYUtjVGlV6Uons7R9Fw-Zw2c-0XnS4Vzi-NWFhqVC91D5rFsXC2_bS1mpk-xoDHtUZhYmkBl8TeX2LaIj1AXSp-hkglaMisoJ2lmzK-LDK9OlyLwVqkkw_AXbBIUF1thY6t4l5YfMA/s545/SBSB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="545" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY8II99ZXe1h2B8N54iprGnWusA__ubWu4CGEtV6BvXh8IWFAPYUtjVGlV6Uons7R9Fw-Zw2c-0XnS4Vzi-NWFhqVC91D5rFsXC2_bS1mpk-xoDHtUZhYmkBl8TeX2LaIj1AXSp-hkglaMisoJ2lmzK-LDK9OlyLwVqkkw_AXbBIUF1thY6t4l5YfMA/w400-h214/SBSB.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I am at the <a href="https://www.riverscasino.com/schenectady/">Rivers Casino</a> in Schenectady with some friends this weekend. Just finished watching FAU (I won some money!) go to the final four and went to my room due to having a thought about Mike Mulgrew on the gaming floor. <br /><p></p><p>Mulgrew must be a horrible poker player. </p><p>Just to be clear I am not a poker player. So if I get some things wrong I apologize. But part of the skillset in poker is bluffing. To let the other players think you got something when you got nothing. Mulgrew fails every time.</p><p>Let's just say for argument's sake Mulgrewcare was inevitable. Adams is has a a pair. Mulgrew has straight. Mulgrew's job in the Mulgrewcare dance making Adams sweat. Instead what does Mulgrew do? He folds like a cheap suit bought off the discount rack at Robert Hall's.</p><p>Why in one of the most important negotiations of not only Mulgrew's tenure as UFT Commandant does he not only fail, at the very least, to give the perception of negotiating from strength, but to basically lead the charge? </p><p>He could have bluffed his way and told Adams that retirees would not go for Mulgrewcare. That retirees would fight like hell and he would be there to support the retirees. He should have gotten the best deal possible! We were holding the cards. Look what just happened in Los Angeles!!</p><p>Can you imagine being a car salesman and seeing Mulgrew come in. It would go something like this:</p><p>Car Salesman: Hi, may I help you?</p><p>Mulgrew: Yes, I'm interested in a new Corolla. </p><p>Car Salesman: (sizing up his mark) I got one left on the lot. </p><p>Mulgrew: How much?</p><p>Car Salesman: $100k. But it is a 2006 Corolla with 210k miles on it. Do we have a deal?</p><p>Mulgrew: Where do I sign? </p><p>That's our union president. </p><p>Now back to casino and the sports book. </p><p><br /></p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com0Schenectady, NY, USA42.8142432 -73.939568714.504009363821154 -109.0958187 71.124477036178845 -38.783318699999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-11848969821347233122023-03-24T09:26:00.000-04:002023-03-24T09:26:52.490-04:00Take It Easy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2L774LQGyew3K8tdrhneNVX31CI42jC5-DTs29i8NHoa5vH3PuMEuVZ8Td4FLBIUBOOmrC0zYvaFAvRlpS0gZPdRbkjmQzMlz5txqs2mC6E0Guq9iSPlDKCwUp8MrSGEl1qUBy7G3-30_yMTPzh15DKy09HFiqdYiuJix1hPkssyMk_Ro42H4HTt3wA/s640/IMG_1061.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2L774LQGyew3K8tdrhneNVX31CI42jC5-DTs29i8NHoa5vH3PuMEuVZ8Td4FLBIUBOOmrC0zYvaFAvRlpS0gZPdRbkjmQzMlz5txqs2mC6E0Guq9iSPlDKCwUp8MrSGEl1qUBy7G3-30_yMTPzh15DKy09HFiqdYiuJix1hPkssyMk_Ro42H4HTt3wA/w240-h320/IMG_1061.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> On July 13 of lat year I had the privilege to see <a href="https://www.jacksonbrowne.com/">Jackson Browne</a> live for the first time ever. <br /><p></p><p>The venue was the <a href="https://hartfordhealthcareamp.com/">Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater </a>in Bridgeport CT. The venue was a former minor ballpark that had hosted the Atlantic League's Bridgeport Bluefish.</p><p>As I expected, the crowd was 50+. As compared to when I saw <a href="http://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2023/03/john-lodge-of-moody-blues.html">John Lodge</a> last month, there were those in the audience younger than me. </p><p>I was hoping Browne would perform "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxXiitZAjiY">Lawyers in Love</a>," but sadly he didn't. I was also hoping that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leland_Sklar">Leland Sklar </a>was still playing bass with him, but he was nowhere to be found </p><p>Browne opened up with "Somebody's Baby" (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pZJBcVQvQhU">click here</a> for my video), a song he wrote for the movie, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj2pyX6IqXQ">Fast Times at Ridgemont High</a>."</p><p>Early in the show he did the title track from his latest album, "Downhill From Everywhere" (Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nAlvYrZJp8A">here</a> for my video) which I really enjoyed.</p><p>But of course he did the biggies. Running on Empty, Doctor My Eyes, Cocaine, You Love the Thunder, Take it Easy, and of course <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scsJZ67ssDY">The Load Out/Stay</a>. </p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-54747004923061107752023-03-12T20:31:00.002-04:002023-03-12T22:09:29.511-04:00Dear Mike Mulgrew: Will I Die, Become Physically Disabled, or Go Insane?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qjfaMGQRyMlO80JCuk8P0QGqT_b5mWT3mApFWLtzronyNn6hnb5RUn2_r4HwKeKf1tTC18ZHI6mRH3_NnEHCiJivkBUTAjV5lTZl18K5qlteja9yxdt2A-nTsFAnAnQDcpltn-lLBX6QgSgFNbd-xK-SH2ocTPgAQAMfmyg-6DBen096tuhSwzjA9w/s932/Michael_Mulgrew.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="932" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qjfaMGQRyMlO80JCuk8P0QGqT_b5mWT3mApFWLtzronyNn6hnb5RUn2_r4HwKeKf1tTC18ZHI6mRH3_NnEHCiJivkBUTAjV5lTZl18K5qlteja9yxdt2A-nTsFAnAnQDcpltn-lLBX6QgSgFNbd-xK-SH2ocTPgAQAMfmyg-6DBen096tuhSwzjA9w/w400-h214/Michael_Mulgrew.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Dear el Presidenté Mulgrew:<p></p><p>Since you have unilaterally decided that those retirees 65 and over will be forced to into Mulgrewcare for their golden years, I have several questions and concerns that I would like you to answer. I turn 59 in April and soon to retire. I will be eligible for your plan in six short years. <br /></p><p>I have type 2 Diabetes. Fortunately for me my A1c is pretty darn good. What keeps it good is a <a href="https://www.freestyle.abbott/us-en/products/freestyle-libre-2.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=SEM&utm_campaign=Brand&utm_content=General%20FSL2&gclid=Cj0KCQiAjbagBhD3ARIsANRrqEtZ4puKPj013Z2FsjVXuxnpDM78I7K28FDGoTqkh5Vue6uzRFr7sCYaAh-kEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">sensor </a>that I wear on my arm. This, and the app on my phone, monitors my blood sugar. It is expensive. Currently, thanks to Emblem I pay nothing for a 3 month supply. I can pay $35 for a three month supply but I like freebies. This is a much better way to check blood sugar than pricking my fingers. There are those that are not so fortunate. My endocrinologist (Castle Connolly ranked her among the top in Westchester County) shared with me how fortunate I am. She told me that many health plans won't cover this sensor unless one is taking at least three shots of Insulin a day. As of now, no insulin for me. Will I still be covered for this under your plan? Will my doctor be on your plan? Diabetes is a progressive disease. Will I die? </p><p>One of the medications I take is a name brand. Not only has it helped me manage my diabetes I have lost a lot of weight (It's not Ozempic!). I pay $35 for a three month script. Will this medication still be covered?</p><p>In 2019 I had my right shoulder replaced. I did not need to go through a gatekeeper. I just went to the doctor, he said my shoulder is fucked, and I need to replace it. I scheduled the surgery and that was that. Another person I know, not with the DOE, had their shoulder replacement turned down. Why? The reason their insurance gave was, "PT has not been tried." Some hack on a phone made that decision? You can't fix bone on bone. Will this be something Mulgrewcare will do? Plus, as my surgeon told me I was somewhat on the young side for a shoulder replacement. Shoulders last 10-15 years. Will I be able to get a another shoulder? Will my shoulder surgeon be part of Mulgrewcare? Will NYU Langone be part of Mulgrewcare? </p><p>I had a inch and a half tear of the meniscus of my right knee in 2009. The surgeon told me that down the road I will need a knee replacement. My left hip has been acting up of late. I can foresee a new hip in my future. Will Mulgrewcare be there for my knee and hip? Will I become physically disabled?</p><p>As we know Emblem has horrible mental health care. Luckily, I have a good therapist. I have anxiety issues and <a href="http://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2022/05/its-time-i-get-something-of-my-chest.html">ADHD</a>. Hopefully, Mulgrewcare will do better than Emblem. I doubt it. Imagine retiring from the DOE and needing and looking for mental health care and Mulgrewcare doesn't deliver. What to do with all those teachers suffering with<b> personality disorders</b>, PTSD, etc...? Will I go insane? </p><p>But I will put it to you succinctly and directly mi presidenté. Which doctors, hospitals, providers, medications, etc... are on Mulgrewcare? What is the hold up in sharing? We should be told post haste.</p><p>We all want to know. Not sometime soon, but now.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-54861665668406071962023-03-08T21:00:00.004-05:002023-03-08T21:00:29.779-05:00Mesh and Lace-Modern English<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGBuKCY8kysv2COX2ASbNJ3IzkaJQMYROCQaKw4MDBTNntJzuMeG9h0MOBdkUiiDSJp5Hrzu3hrCvZqUH9avk5iQbN4Z7MW7B7jFLGZRwMMXtJGTxnVB0LO-YmlSvIex3Qu20tSrm6T_S7mreEEuYfTDK4nRVKhufNy8xBq31s1cDuEbtf4NgDTfZXg/s640/IMG_1316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGBuKCY8kysv2COX2ASbNJ3IzkaJQMYROCQaKw4MDBTNntJzuMeG9h0MOBdkUiiDSJp5Hrzu3hrCvZqUH9avk5iQbN4Z7MW7B7jFLGZRwMMXtJGTxnVB0LO-YmlSvIex3Qu20tSrm6T_S7mreEEuYfTDK4nRVKhufNy8xBq31s1cDuEbtf4NgDTfZXg/s320/IMG_1316.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> I might have found a calling for when I retire. I am going to review rock shows as a living. At least I'll finally have some fun working. <p></p><p>This review is a long time coming. </p><p>This past September I trekked up to <a href="https://www.darylshouseclub.com/">Daryl's House Club </a>(Daryl Hall is the owner) in Pawling NY to check out <a href="https://modernenglish.me/">Modern English</a>. For those who don't remember, Modern English was part of the 2nd British Invasion in the early 80's with their hit, "I Melt With You" which got <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuN6gs0AJls">considerable airtime on MTV</a>. And lest I forget, the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcEchaH6EJk"> montage scene</a> from one of my all time favorite movies, "<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086525/">Valley Girl</a>" (Yes, it is a guilty pleasure of mine). </p><p>The tour was basically celebrating the 40th anniversary of the album, "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/After_the_Snow">After the Snow</a>," which Melt is on. </p><p>Yes, the average age of the crowd was 50 plus. The band is 60 plus, but it seemed like 1982 all over again. Fortunately, I was able to check out the setlist at <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/">setlist</a>.fm and immersed myself into what they would be performing that night. </p><p>What really got me wanting to see them is the incredible job the band did during the pandemic with a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvwm8KA0d_I">updated version of Melt</a>. </p><p>But seeing them in a club was a perfect setting. In fact I am starting to prefer small venues and clubs instead of arenas for shows now. </p><p>ME put on a great show. Robbie Grey is a great frontman and his passion in his music and singing really made the crowd much more joyous. ME's guitarist, Gary McDowell, well how do I explain? Look at the photos. He changed quite a bit. But the love on his face of playing the guitar was something have only seen with Alex Lifeson. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO_21wck2vONvCFwNUcvefj-0APeowuU6OGKBbXzyOenXClpaqNxWmLubJHx-tmmbgf1sRolxewoUON_D2u-szeeMrz3a0TXLaLh9m_Vbmzi30njJkF6HoS_OAUnVtnd4pxlvd3r3Rk7m_RxzsTOCNoZ0Fd7WvtEMsMVJv-Wf9CBnVev8Pig4Ki0JxQ/s640/IMG_1300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO_21wck2vONvCFwNUcvefj-0APeowuU6OGKBbXzyOenXClpaqNxWmLubJHx-tmmbgf1sRolxewoUON_D2u-szeeMrz3a0TXLaLh9m_Vbmzi30njJkF6HoS_OAUnVtnd4pxlvd3r3Rk7m_RxzsTOCNoZ0Fd7WvtEMsMVJv-Wf9CBnVev8Pig4Ki0JxQ/s640/IMG_1300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO_21wck2vONvCFwNUcvefj-0APeowuU6OGKBbXzyOenXClpaqNxWmLubJHx-tmmbgf1sRolxewoUON_D2u-szeeMrz3a0TXLaLh9m_Vbmzi30njJkF6HoS_OAUnVtnd4pxlvd3r3Rk7m_RxzsTOCNoZ0Fd7WvtEMsMVJv-Wf9CBnVev8Pig4Ki0JxQ/s320/IMG_1300.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1C79vMLtnE5UduAqpbsTJagg1vTjv6OTRae6eh0djImp8ESK5GxXNBHBNb8_MBba70oHKBmL5hdOMPpX3AzMv08ngs5jfapYQxJjOFFVyeXVHOG9l29oe2KQBca7Aq87X3TVuO9-ejcdtqmHBvxsuewvNI7xiaN6LFF8PzC89NTHcywZTIE_6Nrf6w/s640/IMG_1302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1C79vMLtnE5UduAqpbsTJagg1vTjv6OTRae6eh0djImp8ESK5GxXNBHBNb8_MBba70oHKBmL5hdOMPpX3AzMv08ngs5jfapYQxJjOFFVyeXVHOG9l29oe2KQBca7Aq87X3TVuO9-ejcdtqmHBvxsuewvNI7xiaN6LFF8PzC89NTHcywZTIE_6Nrf6w/s320/IMG_1302.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Daryl's House is a great venue. Small and cozy and a place to have dinner and drinks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next up for me is Daryl Hall in Port Chester in June and Rod Stewart with Cheap Trick for me in Bethel Woods.</div><div><br /></div>Here's a bit of Melt filmed with Robbie Grey telling everyone to "put the fucking phones away!"<div><br /></div><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/cnBfsa0ETfM" width="480"></iframe><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></div>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-31035330216888042842023-03-03T21:01:00.001-05:002023-03-03T21:02:31.257-05:00John Lodge of the Moody Blues<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5ME41D3ne66EtdjVGNMlxd0PUNpfRCt5K_sRLfbvKLxf1swE-ehLiavSbF5HFmHC-nqJ8aEVh87Lds9D8wxovaes5S9b17dyf5Z0M9-7WmY_gsPjaAluWmDwgaHOb0uuyxXWRREjTISPNuJYdLxmAJl9FofkG_y4e8E9mRLE2xhoe972V-3M0gTRvw/s640/IMG_1987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5ME41D3ne66EtdjVGNMlxd0PUNpfRCt5K_sRLfbvKLxf1swE-ehLiavSbF5HFmHC-nqJ8aEVh87Lds9D8wxovaes5S9b17dyf5Z0M9-7WmY_gsPjaAluWmDwgaHOb0uuyxXWRREjTISPNuJYdLxmAJl9FofkG_y4e8E9mRLE2xhoe972V-3M0gTRvw/s320/IMG_1987.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Since the pandemic ended I have been on a big live music kick. The spring of 2020 I was planning on seeing Primus, The Pretenders, Hall and Oates, and Sammy Hagar and the Circle that summer. Well, you all know what happened. Nothing. <br /><p></p><p>Since there is no more Rush, and the only Rush I can see are tribute bands, I want to see has much from "my day" as possible. Time is not on my side. All the acts I'd like to see are getting up there in age, one foot in the grave, or dead.</p><p>So February left with an interesting choice. Denny Laine was performing at City Winery in both Manhattan and Montgomery NY. John Lodge, the bassist from the Moody Blues was performing in Fairfield CT. </p><p>I had seen Denny Laine in 2019 at Daryl Hall's <a href="https://www.darylshouseclub.com/">club </a>in Pawing NY with his band. He performed the first Moody Blues album and Band on the Run album in t's entirety along with other songs he did with Wings. Excellent show. It told the stories behind each song. But this year he it was just him and a guitar. </p><p>But I had always enjoyed the Moody Blues and wished I had seen them. So the choice was made to see John Lodge. I am glad I did. </p><p>The show was up at the <a href="https://fairfieldtheatre.org/">Fairfield Theater Company</a> in Fairfield CT. The setting was very intimate and scored 2nd row, dead center seats at the box office the night of the show. What's more, Lodge performed the Moodies album, "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Days_of_Future_Passed">Days of Future Passed</a>", in it's entirety. Jon Davidson from Yes who also happens to be Lodge's son in law came out to sing songs from that album as well as the encore, "Ride My See-Saw."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2V6WA8aKShoOyt1g6w2o3kloVZ0eSEvSA0-6O0aglp3slZaMHhRIh4BTB1lKgTm-rvbLwY-8Ms-Y-a5uj7V6pQJrLxA3YWJypRg0adijoU_OfU5V2f3Q-xDHfObrkp6BaZy1Xkgb4mVsDc3c03JGHyMKZ57TXQfZBHSfXod02zFRVJuXl9uaK-_ELVg/s640/IMG_1979.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2V6WA8aKShoOyt1g6w2o3kloVZ0eSEvSA0-6O0aglp3slZaMHhRIh4BTB1lKgTm-rvbLwY-8Ms-Y-a5uj7V6pQJrLxA3YWJypRg0adijoU_OfU5V2f3Q-xDHfObrkp6BaZy1Xkgb4mVsDc3c03JGHyMKZ57TXQfZBHSfXod02zFRVJuXl9uaK-_ELVg/s320/IMG_1979.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr7oDuxcB4kNbndN_OudnlTpcVpaLe3XJ4iqbdlAmwJlrQAiPLreOdmkHvVRVGokr7uOAT-1pNEmmrXreZsgdTvyKbKON4LNtupbOPxdcNosQ8c1mEy7kdqYQwxeCsIJPvSGTn_rkzSAwDnxdheVKWEwHeP5Qs1Lb6vlddzxUD3dDiJ5uf1OdEq5R9w/s640/IMG_1983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr7oDuxcB4kNbndN_OudnlTpcVpaLe3XJ4iqbdlAmwJlrQAiPLreOdmkHvVRVGokr7uOAT-1pNEmmrXreZsgdTvyKbKON4LNtupbOPxdcNosQ8c1mEy7kdqYQwxeCsIJPvSGTn_rkzSAwDnxdheVKWEwHeP5Qs1Lb6vlddzxUD3dDiJ5uf1OdEq5R9w/s320/IMG_1983.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lodge paid tribute to deceased band members drummer Graeme Edge, who was in a video reciting poems from Days, and flautist Ray Thomas with the story of "Legend of a Mind." I just wanted to hear "Gemini Dream" from "Long Distance Voyager" (In fact that was my first Moodies album I bought my senior year in high school) and "Your Wildest Dreams" (Yeah, it's my guilty pleasure, that and the movie Valley Girl!). That is more of a Justin Hayward song. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But it was a great show. Lodge truly appreciated his audience. At almost 59 I think I was amongst the youngest in the audience. Lot's of people with canes, and, walkers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's "I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band) <a href=""I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)">CLICK HERE</a> from the show.</div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-55724572982863837112023-02-25T11:19:00.002-05:002023-02-25T11:19:50.952-05:00Look, What GHI is Doing to my Hand<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mFY-0fnxvMGlAIKOUadFAbYtpgLTb_CseSCzkN4cWVEvMpcv2dI1Z80EF-ArTOwQVGaVClmpBLH2Z4ukfSiNNl72eSvSv8FxIhDLij_AvUaSwcj0ieXDOMRZCTXdIgMHOLwQR3ezRRCK0yr1FMBRmR1Yn1SS2T62ymw8WE52OEMmOYK0iAP02kJu7g/s600/SBSB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mFY-0fnxvMGlAIKOUadFAbYtpgLTb_CseSCzkN4cWVEvMpcv2dI1Z80EF-ArTOwQVGaVClmpBLH2Z4ukfSiNNl72eSvSv8FxIhDLij_AvUaSwcj0ieXDOMRZCTXdIgMHOLwQR3ezRRCK0yr1FMBRmR1Yn1SS2T62ymw8WE52OEMmOYK0iAP02kJu7g/s320/SBSB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I just can't wait to get on Medicare (Dis)advantage with the issues I've been having with Emblem GHI the last month or so. BTW, that was sarcasm.<br /><p></p><p>About a year ago I was waking up, as well as recurring throughout the day, with pins and needles in my left (dominant) hand and fingers. I assumed it was because of a pinched nerve in my neck and went to a chiropractor (Didn't need a referral and I recall when chiropractors weren't covered). I went for about a month and stopped due to it was getting better and I didn't have time anymore. </p><p>But around late October, early November, the symptoms came back. Worse. There was pain with the pins and needles. It would wake me up in the middle of the night. The numbness would take an hour to go away. So this time I went to a spine surgeon that I know of, <a href="https://www.northwell.edu/find-care/find-a-doctor/spine-surgery/dr-jonathan-haim-oren-md-11373330">Dr Jonathan Oren</a> (<b><u>The ABSOLUTE best! </u></b>If you have spine issues, he can work miracles. Mention me to him and get a free glass of wine compliments of Lenox Hill Hospital) (He deals with. <b>REAL</b> spine issues, not fantastical spine issues. <b><span style="color: red;">And, his office isn't in a storefront or a strip mall</span></b>). Again, no referral was necessary. Good.</p><p>I was examined and x-rayed. Dr Oren not being some gonoff doctor saw nothing abnormal in my spine and suggested I see a hand specialist and also to have an <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/emg/about/pac-20393913#:~:text=Electromyography%20(EMG)%20is%20a%20diagnostic,%2Dto%2Dmuscle%20signal%20transmission.">EMG</a>. Since I already have a hand surgeon due to an arthritis issue my left thumb that part was taken care of. I also made an appointment for the EMG.</p><p>So far so good. Notice I am in control of my healthcare. </p><p>I went to the hand doctor. He gave me a diagnosis of <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/carpal-tunnel-syndrome#:~:text=Carpal%20tunnel%20syndrome%20(CTS)%20is,may%20become%20swollen%20and%20useless.">Carpal Tunnel</a> and <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cubital-tunnel-syndrome">Cubital Tunnel</a> Syndromes. I was also directed to start PT at once. Better, I knew the place where I wanted to go! The same PT where I went when I had my shoulder replaced three years ago. </p><p>I called and was told that they don't take GHI for hand therapy. Say what? Yep, that was true. In fact when I looked closer at the script, the doctor wrote I was referred for "occupational therapy." I found out a few days later that anything from the elbow to the hand is considered occupational, not physical, therapy. </p><p>Reluctantly I reached out to several other PT centers and heard the same. None took GHI for occupational therapy.</p><p>But I got a surprise with my last phone call. </p><p>It was not that PT centers did not wish to take GHI. They couldn't. Why? Because GHI does not cover occupational therapy. Yeah. It doesn't. I found out after speaking with the hand therapists where I am going now that GHI is the only plan they know of which doesn't cover occupational therapy. </p><p>How am I rehabbing the hand? I was told by a hand therapist where I am now to have the doctor re-write the script to "physical therapy." Instead of a hand (occupational) therapist working on me it will be a physical therapist. The PT I have now is fantastic and he gets his instructions for the hand people. How does this make sense?</p><p>I understand how complicated the hand is. I nearly sliced my thumb off cutting open a roll at Grand Union in 1984. I severed the tendon and nerve in my thumb and hand therapy helped quite a bit. It is proven science. But who knows how the powers that be think at GHI. I mean, who do we even bring this up or complain to?</p><p>Overall I have been happy with GHI. This story is like a gnat flying in front of my face at a picnic. But with Mulgrewcare it won't be a little gnat fucking around with our healthcare. It'll be a flying Mulgrewsosaurus right in front of us with it's hairy and pimply ass right in our faces.</p><p>I'm grateful that at no point have I had to get clearance to see a specialist, receive a test, or go to PT (though with PT one needs to re-certify after 16 visits). I am grateful that I spoke with someone who told me how to get around the system. </p><p>But to deny occupational therapy for whatever reason is mind boggling! What happens is someone else didn't have the resourcefulness, guile, or perseverance I have? That person just might wind up with an atrophied, useless hand. This is one of the inherent dangers of Mulgrewcare. How many will be told "no" and just accept that? </p><p>Seven months after total shoulder replacement I was swinging a golf club again. Eight months after I was playing a round of golf. Will I, or anyone else, be able to have access to world class physical therapy on Mulgrewcare? Or even the surgeon who operated on me?</p><p>If I have to have surgery on my hand, I'll be damned if I won't be out of a golf course no more than six weeks after surgery. Again, I'll have top notch PT and a surgeon.</p><p>Fix the healthcare. Give us occupational therapy. Give us what we want. Don't fix what is broken. </p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-39211847128825935622023-02-20T21:31:00.003-05:002023-02-22T23:27:03.663-05:00DC 37 Settled. What's Next for UFT Members?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhHn1zOgiz5yKqwJb6rixKbUodrMPXgLWgr8vU23_tbZuA4lKLhBK-K6A-LPbop0BrzrEP81ZI2p-pHqc5y2A-09Fsk5OghRyrAY9HCI7_GQw_4qdUdF_k9ai5TXcM9OWgsxiSTV3A-b-ObXx6J-DZAeR2dSZHcBv2oqAEBFIueMFfiCn1FB4o-ahUQ/s1728/SBSB.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1728" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhHn1zOgiz5yKqwJb6rixKbUodrMPXgLWgr8vU23_tbZuA4lKLhBK-K6A-LPbop0BrzrEP81ZI2p-pHqc5y2A-09Fsk5OghRyrAY9HCI7_GQw_4qdUdF_k9ai5TXcM9OWgsxiSTV3A-b-ObXx6J-DZAeR2dSZHcBv2oqAEBFIueMFfiCn1FB4o-ahUQ/s320/SBSB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> It seems that DC 37 has set the bargain for us all. Thank you DC 37! But is it all for naught?<br /><p></p><p>As per James Eterno's <a href="https://iceuftblog.blogspot.com/2023/02/dc37-sets-wage-patttern-for-city.html">blog</a> and <a href="https://www.thecity.nyc/2023/2/17/23603591/dc37-unions-contract-eric-adams">The Cit</a>y DC 37 agreed raises of:</p><p><i><b>May 26, 2021: 3.00% </b></i></p><p><i><b>May 26, 2022: 3.00% </b></i></p><p><i><b>May 26, 2023: 3.00% </b></i></p><p><i><b>May 26, 2024: 3.00% </b></i></p><p><i><b>May 26, 2025: 3.25% </b></i></p><p><i><b>May 26, 2026: 0%</b></i></p><p>As well as a $3,000 dollar signing bonus. Nice pattern. Are DC 37 members getting retro, and if so, will it be in one lump sum or spread out over 20 years? </p><p>Several things have crossed my mind. Yes, inflation is high, but it is on its way down. So for now, at least for me, I have a wait and see. Of course we have Mike Mulgrew has our leader so he might think us getting less would be a great deal. </p><p>As for the bonus, hey I am all for a bonus. But not for $3k. I want at least double. But Mulgrew is our leader. We're screwed. </p><p>But the devil is in the details. We still don't know about healthcare. That is the most important part. I'm still of the mind that we have it pretty good as far as healthcare in comparison to our counterparts in the rest of the state. But I saw also saw this on James' <a href="https://iceuftblog.blogspot.com/2023/02/leaked-mlc-minutes-show-some-unions-not.html">blog</a> and it is somewhat disconcerting. </p><p>The unions owe the city $1 billion? Other than voting Mulgrew out what can be done? I have said it before <a href="http://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2022/12/mulgrewcare-thoughts.html">put the burden on new and newer teachers</a>. Also, combine all the welfare plans into one. Yes, the number of patronage jobs will be affected but I'm sure there are savings to be found. Heck, even <a href="http://nyceducator.com/2023/02/uft-leadership-chooses-sacred-cows-over.html">Arthur put this idea about combining</a> the Welfare Funds together...</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i><b>I don't believe a consolidated Welfare Fund would be any less efficient than the one we already have. It would surely be a hell of an improvement over screwing our retirees.</b></i></blockquote><p></p><p>But, we have Mike Mulgrew leading us. From behind. </p><p>My predictions for the new contract?</p><p>We'll get 2 percent raise per year for the first four years, and then 2.1 percent for the fifth year. </p><p>Instead of a $3k bonus like DC 37 received we will get a coupons worth $19.99 in savings to Applebee's that will only be valid on Mondays and Tuesdays.</p><p>We'll get retro but the payouts will be stretched through 2031. The rules will be the same but if you turn 65 before the retro is fully paid you are out of luck. </p><p>Teachers will no longer receive letters to file. Instead teachers will be summarily executed. However, the families of the executed teachers shall receive full benefits. The union will say, "Hey, at least your next of kin will be getting paid."</p><p>DC 37 has no settled. The proverbial ball is now in Mulgrew's court to totally fuck it up.</p><p><br /></p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-78520674272442933472023-01-25T20:20:00.001-05:002023-02-20T21:47:23.411-05:00Next UFT Solidarity Meeting<p>For those unaware there is an upcoming UFT Solidarity meeting this Thursday night, January 6, 2023 7 PM EST. The meeting is through Zoom. Here is the <a href="http://tinyurl.com/kz2w9fwb">link</a>.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-7K_64Df9-mu2uBi7E1RDAPT7BBcAFaR3yisnMlYygpXTchddeTXQYalk4Td9zMBBTkkAqe3hAQrLQlnqiLaBpT5WAmoFM2ft9iNd2NSdkRf22_2LpcY_I0EmK0gXMKk3UhSgwGqf3-Qa860Itmuov-P3WJ4PmDzpK8iPFIKTEr7eWdGAtwM5QyowCA"><img alt="" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="995" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-7K_64Df9-mu2uBi7E1RDAPT7BBcAFaR3yisnMlYygpXTchddeTXQYalk4Td9zMBBTkkAqe3hAQrLQlnqiLaBpT5WAmoFM2ft9iNd2NSdkRf22_2LpcY_I0EmK0gXMKk3UhSgwGqf3-Qa860Itmuov-P3WJ4PmDzpK8iPFIKTEr7eWdGAtwM5QyowCA=w400-h397" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-9615281150627580822022-12-26T21:36:00.001-05:002022-12-27T10:20:10.303-05:00Mulgrewcare Thoughts<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdp4AMUhT6PPcZdTMXXDiLy4jP8B7SCignDT8_2RMsMCcw5BIFoMs_1HlEL5eRQPLWMVRCCC52ONKxipJq2leBlT8kE1nhZ_nyZvbpn2r2fph4UKNm6KA3Z-vE7BBdJSSRXlDSjmCDmw4EbzDrvfBOacy_yhAXH67wVZDJ32Kmd5MoCoC7vUeFB4y7sw/s676/Mulgrewcare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdp4AMUhT6PPcZdTMXXDiLy4jP8B7SCignDT8_2RMsMCcw5BIFoMs_1HlEL5eRQPLWMVRCCC52ONKxipJq2leBlT8kE1nhZ_nyZvbpn2r2fph4UKNm6KA3Z-vE7BBdJSSRXlDSjmCDmw4EbzDrvfBOacy_yhAXH67wVZDJ32Kmd5MoCoC7vUeFB4y7sw/s320/Mulgrewcare.jpg" width="237" /></a></div> I got to give Mike Mulgrew credit for one thing. This passion he is showing to get his way with taking away the rights (and eventually the lives) of retired teachers shows that he can be passionate about something. That he can fight for something when he decides to. That in he does have a set. <br /><p></p><p>It would sure have been swell if Mulgrew showed the same passion for the last fifteen years as teacher upon teacher has been unceremoniously been dumped on and shat upon. Teachers hit up with trumped up letters to the file, accusations, hearings, and terminations while Mulgrew was silent.</p><p>However, Mulgrew is making a mess of this push to Mulgrewcare and he's going to take as many retirees down with him. Either to his level or to their graves. </p><p>But I have been meaning for some time to share what's on my mind about Mulgrewcare. Not to the level of the experts, such as <a href="https://jd2718.org/">Jonathan</a>, <a href="http://nyceducator.com/">Arthur</a>, <a href="http://iceuftblog.blogspot.com/">James</a>, and <a href="https://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/">Norm</a>. All four of them deal into the nitty gritty as well as numbers and background that I can only dream of doing. </p><p>So just some pertinent thoughts from me concerning this healthcare mess. Let's see if he makes any big purchases in the future. </p><p>1. Why is Mulgrewcare being created from the top down? Why not have all the ducks in a row and then present it to the retirees? Have a list of all the providers, hospitals, pharmacies, et. al. show what's available and at the very least retirees, and future retirees, can see there is a plan (mind you. I am not in favor of Mulgrewcare). </p><p>2. To add on the above, would it not be advantageous to also let retirees know where other than Florida and the Northeast where coverage would be provided? What happens if a retiree moves to California or Montana? Will there still be coverage available? </p><p>A 68 year old family member of mine moved from California to the middle of nowhere Maine last year. He's on Medicare Advantage. For some reason his policy is still being written out of California. Sadly, he lacks common sense and is having trouble find doctors in Maine to treat his maladies. </p><p>3. To save money why not extend HIP coverage to all employees under 30? Or under 30 and single? Or employees with less than five years in the system? </p><p>Rookies in the NFL and NBA used to get huge contracts until there was a rookie wage scale negotiated. There is precedence. </p><p>4. Combine all the welfare plans into one. Yes, the number of patronage jobs will be affected but I'm sure there are savings to be found. </p><p>5. Look look for savings. For instance, did you know that if an NYPD cop gets injured off the job, be it playing football with the guys, ice skating, heart attack, whatever, that that cop will be paid IN FULL. Yeah, paid in full until healthy and returns to the job. Is this fair? Why can't teachers have this? Sanitation workers? FIX THIS NOW!</p><p>6. Demand that Mayor Adams opens the books to the unions. Let's see for sure if the city is hurting.</p><p>7. I have heard the uniformed services are against Mulgrewcare. Why have their union leaders been silent thus far? Patrick Lynch has a big mouth and opinion about everything and anything. Why has he been so silent on this?</p><p>And last but not least, what is in this for Mulgrew? </p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-38315587519328145272022-11-14T19:37:00.023-05:002023-03-18T22:56:04.631-04:00You Won't Believe What Happened to this Teacher<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIIn1h4f6VG1hS4eUAS5JWsVB0gqCWR3E1vHP-ucCUutCiPRSJJm0aP85ouwe5BZsiPvd6WCanBEmb5vAmW1H0hAsKziqqPUKyy_5uWIpDKANc_rqUd6YNOLoYN5d3WKms33xhnf0dNGU0BlmghsFw-asU7JFMp8vMiOwTckMz-sauJ8uoTVg0dRH1w/s500/SBSB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="500" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIIn1h4f6VG1hS4eUAS5JWsVB0gqCWR3E1vHP-ucCUutCiPRSJJm0aP85ouwe5BZsiPvd6WCanBEmb5vAmW1H0hAsKziqqPUKyy_5uWIpDKANc_rqUd6YNOLoYN5d3WKms33xhnf0dNGU0BlmghsFw-asU7JFMp8vMiOwTckMz-sauJ8uoTVg0dRH1w/s320/SBSB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This story came to the SBSB news desk. This story just happens to come from the same school <a href="http://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/search/label/Lunch%20Teacher">Lunch Teacher</a> where the ridiculousness happens non-stop. <br /><p></p><p>Before I continue, I want to emphasize that whenever I blog about a teacher in distress I am sure to receive that teachers permission to do so. Also, I will never name that teacher, nor any teacher. A PSEUDONYM is given to protect said teacher. Some might confuse this with misnaming. It is not. </p><p>Now back to the story. </p><p>Meet Frieda Rabinowitz. She teaches in the same school as the Lunch Teacher. In fact her and the Lunch Teacher co-taught last year. They were a good team. Like Martin and Lewis. Hekyll and Jekyll. Frick and Frack. Lucy and Ethel. Cagney and Lacey. But I digress. </p><p>This year the Dynamic Duo has been separated but not apart. It was arrival time one morning, and Frieda Rabinowitz was heading towards the yard to pick up her class for the 8:00 AM arrival. </p><p>On the way to the yard Frieda walked by the room of the Lunch Teacher and said hello. That was it. Nothing more, nothing less. Little did Frieda Rabinowitz know what was lurking in the hallway. </p><p>Several days later Frieda Rabinowitz was given a two day notice to meet with the "assistant principal" and Frieda's chapter leader. Frieda was perplexed. She was wondering what in the tarnation had she done to warrant such a request. </p><p>The two days came, and Frieda and her chapter leader were in front of the "assistant principal."</p><p>What was this horrible, no good, very bad thing that Frieda was summoned for? Frieda was seen by the "assistant principal" at 8:01 AM commiserating with the Lunch Teacher. Never mind the commiseration lasted a nano second and was just to exchange pleasantries. Never mind that each and every clock in the building is not at the correct time. Never mind that there are actually BIGGER CONCERNS to worry about whether or not a teacher is several seconds late getting to the yard. Never mind that he yard is only 10 yards from where Frieda had been commiserating. Never mind that OTHER TEACHERS were still on their way to the yard at 8:01 AM. The "assistant principal"decided to single out Frieda Rabinowitz. </p><p>Oh, did I mention that the "assistant principal" happened to be in the hallway at 8:01 AM, failing to be at her post in the yard at 8:00 AM. Did I mention that the "assistant principal" deemed this professional misconduct on the part of Fried Rabinowitz? YGTBFKM!!!!</p><p>Frieda Rabinowitz was doing her commiserating at 7:59 AM. But with all the clocks in all the building having different times how would the "assistant principal" know this? If the "assistant principal"was so sure it was 8:01 AM why were the other teachers not written up? Why was the"assistant principal" not in the yard? </p><p>The Crack Team has some theories. One is that the week before all this mishegoss went down Frieda filed a grievance over a missed prep as IS HER RIGHT! God damn, why do administrators take it so freaking personally when a grievance is filed against them? These are the same people who hide behind the cover of the CSA and would not hesitate to file a grievance if their rights are violated. </p><p>The other theory is that Frieda Rabinowitz has an active PERB case right now. Sadly, the current administration at the school thought nothing better to do than to pour gasoline on the fire. </p><p>I really wish this story could be fiction. But all too often in the DOE it is true. This could not have been handled in a conversation such as....</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i><b>"Assistant Principal":</b> Hey Frieda. Look, the other day you were talking to the Lunch Teacher and I know you were just saying hi, but please be mindful of the time in the future. I know this has never happened before with you. So just be aware."</i></p><p><i><b>Frieda Rabinowitz:</b> Gee, thank you "assistant principal" that was thanks for letting me know. </i></p><p><i>They walk off singing kumbaya together.</i></p></blockquote><p><i></i></p><p>And scene. </p><p>See? That's leadership. That is how to build comity in the workplace. Think this crap would happen in Scarsdale? Nope. Just because one has a second masters, a title, and a parking spot does not automatically make one a leader. </p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-52953513851061439412022-11-05T16:12:00.002-04:002022-11-05T16:12:32.116-04:00Mulgrew's Latest BS<p>My two cents on this health care thingy. Yes, it has been a while since I have last blogged, but I have </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3dPBBauB9hMP7jZ9QFgxrIKwWvz2ajfhragOvpsnVdhTpYVx2Xd5XwdurJE81KwUk52s9BvVgWqxgz8420jUBbJOXoYl8cmRY7HE2E-5H-3pAIW4SQPODaWTpEhJl3gaBIoX9R7WKw_HJzHpXz0Odoqb87sPTIluD5QMndziLFd8TvdeVoFeKouoMg/s676/SBSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3dPBBauB9hMP7jZ9QFgxrIKwWvz2ajfhragOvpsnVdhTpYVx2Xd5XwdurJE81KwUk52s9BvVgWqxgz8420jUBbJOXoYl8cmRY7HE2E-5H-3pAIW4SQPODaWTpEhJl3gaBIoX9R7WKw_HJzHpXz0Odoqb87sPTIluD5QMndziLFd8TvdeVoFeKouoMg/s320/SBSB.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>been doing a lot of contemplation. <p></p><p> Here's my two cents: Mulgrew is full of shit and we are being played. </p><p>Let me explain.</p><p>On October 29 we all received a shrill email from Uncle Mike telling us that the health care premiums sky is falling...</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"The city has dropped a bombshell that puts our premium-free health care in jeopardy. The city’s Office of Labor Relations sent <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.uftmail.org/?qs%3Dc00f439c6042801224a3cc5f3c83f4fc7e71c43f6427a7ac8b5ee6f3bc1939936398a8992f06031580cda318463e1b45a7ab3ed6a818b1eabafc7fc8446f6543&source=gmail&ust=1667758040795000&usg=AOvVaw1d111F1nM-nvQQC_T4M8VW" href="https://click.uftmail.org/?qs=c00f439c6042801224a3cc5f3c83f4fc7e71c43f6427a7ac8b5ee6f3bc1939936398a8992f06031580cda318463e1b45a7ab3ed6a818b1eabafc7fc8446f6543" style="color: #192f7f; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="a letter">a letter</a>
to the head of the Municipal Labor Committee giving the unions notice
of its intent to enroll all Medicare‑eligible city retirees in a NYC
Medicare Advantage plan and eliminate all other retiree health plans,
including GHI SeniorCare. If the unions don’t go along with it, the city
has threatened annual health care premiums of roughly $1,500 for all
in‑service municipal employees."</i></blockquote><p></p><p>Seems like blackmail. </p><p>In fact, official UFT Spokesperson Brian Gibbons has shared Mulgrew's the sky is falling shrillery (Which he has been doing ad nauseam on Twitter) (Click photo to enlarge)) ..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhjFyp_bDozds-Ii-8qaDLcALAxFpzMvGGNkT1LLDK_6haDlDTJbkJgVf3oG8gHRhhmhDRFfkjKcn0K1slA_xJO0KXJMEFL_5ozlDHKVcu-3ZmQGnJHK6MFskec_owJbmYKU3NfbB1HFgIaKwjzDDUuWZJ2lVQfPN9NCwBR7NlA0VW8mrplYqRGVtAQ/s640/IMG_1576.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="295" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhjFyp_bDozds-Ii-8qaDLcALAxFpzMvGGNkT1LLDK_6haDlDTJbkJgVf3oG8gHRhhmhDRFfkjKcn0K1slA_xJO0KXJMEFL_5ozlDHKVcu-3ZmQGnJHK6MFskec_owJbmYKU3NfbB1HFgIaKwjzDDUuWZJ2lVQfPN9NCwBR7NlA0VW8mrplYqRGVtAQ/s320/IMG_1576.PNG" width="148" /></a></div><p>The city code that the city wants changed in which Mulgrew is the lead enabler is 12-126. I am not going to go into the details of it. Jonathan Halabi has a great analysis of it on his blog. Check it out <a href="https://jd2718.org/2022/11/03/administrative-code-12-126-line-by-line/">here</a>. </p><p>What I will do is opine about Mulgrew's email. </p><p>Mulgrew is full of shit.Trust me, the city did not threaten $1,500 premiums in a vacuum. Mulgrew is in on it. They (The City, Mulgrew, and DC 37) know they are fighting a losing battle to change the code. What better way for the Three <strike>Stooges</strike>, er, I meant the the three most powerful representatives of the MLC to get the code changed? Fear. Real fear. They know they can't fight the retirees, but now the in service members are being threatened with higher premiums. Members who have 20, 30, 40 years until retirement. Members who can't think that far down the road. </p><p>Our union president who is supposed to be there for the rank and file through thick and thin. Who is supposed to have OUR INTERESTS at the forefront, is yet again is selling us out. Yeah, I know I am preaching to the choir. But this time he is conspiring with the City to use deception, lies, and subterfuge. There is no way, no how Mulgrew and the UFT should be trusted right now with our health care.</p><p>What he does not understand is that actually putting the lives of each and every UFT member, and all union members of New York City is serious jeopardy. </p><p>It's once thing to consistently sell us out with our careers. But to toy with peoples lives. Deciding who will live and who will die. Mulgrew went to far this time. <br /></p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-56183633224751707882022-09-26T20:05:00.000-04:002022-09-26T20:05:17.336-04:00EXCLUSIVE!! FIRST TIME PUBLICLY! Civil Complaint Against District 7 Superintendent Roberto Padilla Back on <a href="http://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2022/07/meet-new-district-7-overload-and.html">July 3, 2022, I introduced to those who read this blog</a> the new <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahslPiZdq3rGDCmjUNDrTZuUxpLJ3UUON2iceW_3ScUF4ceLfBwwzbkH1boLi9jy5KKv5HHRI2jI7SjCKDxKZ9W5WTfkeSjAq3yYReV0GAoXuXnQPHK3J5odHabz0I2WEYeS3k_7OEG9C5h9OcnKqzeAng20tw3vgqdBlVKxf-GhFQLbxHwaCTI7a9g/s1080/SBSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1080" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahslPiZdq3rGDCmjUNDrTZuUxpLJ3UUON2iceW_3ScUF4ceLfBwwzbkH1boLi9jy5KKv5HHRI2jI7SjCKDxKZ9W5WTfkeSjAq3yYReV0GAoXuXnQPHK3J5odHabz0I2WEYeS3k_7OEG9C5h9OcnKqzeAng20tw3vgqdBlVKxf-GhFQLbxHwaCTI7a9g/w320-h204/SBSB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>superintendent and overlord of District 7, Roberto Padilla. Just last week, the rather "everything the DOE does is good" New York Post ran <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/09/21/outrage-over-roberto-padilla-accused-of-sex-harassment/">this story </a>. The Post was inquiring on why a man with such a checkered past was hired as a superintendent. Soon, The Crack Team got cracking. <div><br /></div><div>The Crack Team at SBSB has received a copy of the complaint filed against new District 7 superintendent Roberto Padilla and the <a href="https://newburghschools.org/">Newburgh Enlarged City School District</a>. Click <b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/f23c8l7lqflmzgt/Roberto_Padilla.pdf?dl=0">this link</a> </span></b>to read the entire complaint. </div><div><br /></div><div>But some highlights, or rather, the lowlights, of the complaint will be shared and deciphered here. But let's set the scene from the complaint...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b><blockquote>In or about early June 2021, Defendant Padilla sent out a District wide announcement encouraging all administrators and teachers to attend ASU+GSV Summit (the "Conference"), <span style="color: red;">scheduled for August 9 to 11, 2021 in San Diego. In an email from Defendant Padilla's office to the District advertising the Conference, it was described as, "one of the premier learning summits in the country," </span>stating that applications were handled on a first come, first served basis. Plaintiffs separately submitted an interest form, each explaining how the Conference aligned with their school's goals and instructional focus, and why their attendance would add value to Newburgh.</blockquote></b></i></div>So let's get this straight. The poverty level in Newburgh is at or below 84.5 percent. There is practically no tax base in Newburgh. Yet, a conference in sunny, oceanfront San Diego is a priority? This reminds me of how in the 90's District 7 went to some conference in Hawaii. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><blockquote>Plaintiffs both were selected to attend the Conference, and submitted <span style="color: red;">the conference costs of $3,000 which were covered by Newburgh, through their budgets</span>. 32. Upon information and belief, approximately seven (7) District employees attended the Conference. Some of those who attended were also old friends of Defendant Padilla. 33. Upon information and belief, most of the Newburgh attendees stayed at the hotel designated for the Conference, the Marriott Marquis hotel, while Defendant Padilla stayed at a different hotel</blockquote></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Three thousand times 7 people attending is $21k. Did that include meals and the stay at the exclusive <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sandt-marriott-marquis-san-diego-marina/overview/?scid=fe6f36f9-9fb2-4bb5-89c9-554b76f7d9a9&gclid=a7a030a493c8102309d25396bdba604d&gclsrc=3p.ds">Marriott Marquis</a>? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But here comes something strange...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><blockquote>Plaintiffs received very little communication from Newburgh about what they could expect at the Conference, and the objectives of their attendance for Newburgh. <span style="color: red;">There was no orientation for the Newburgh attendees, and no conversation about how to make the most out of their attendance by, for example, planning who would attend which of the over forty (40) daily events offered at the Conference</span>. Plaintiffs were discouraged<span style="color: red;"> by the lack of interest</span> in the Conference <span style="color: red;">demonstrated by Defendant Padilla before and during the event</span></blockquote></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Was this a true trip for educational purposes or was it just an excuse to spend other people's money and/or do some skirt chasing? </div><i><b><blockquote>The night of August 8th, Plaintiffs arrived at a Brazilian steakhouse in San Diego's Gas Light District asking for "AJ," since Defendant Padilla told them the reservation was under that name. <span style="color: red;">At the restaurant, Plaintiffs were surprised to find that "AJ" was the CEO of Innovare, an Ed Tech company that named Defendant Padilla to its Advisory Board in March 2021, and was planning to work with the District.</span> Plaintiffs were confused that Innovare was hosting their group for dinner, <span style="color: red;">and did not understand what connection Innovare had to Newburgh. It appeared as though Defendant Padilla had a close relationship with the Company,</span> but no explanation was provided to the Newburgh group about Innovare's offerings, or why they were being taken to dinner by the Company</blockquote></b></i></div><a href="https://innovaresip.com/">Innovare</a> is an app that according to its website, "empowers education leaders to make data-driven decisions that positively impact students and communities." "AJ" is <a href="https://www.educationpioneers.org/what-we-do/meet-our-pioneers/adrian-deleon">Adrian DeLeon</a>, founder and CEO of Innovare. </div><div><br /></div><div>Several takeaways here. Should Roberto Padilla be on an advisory board that the Newburgh schools might be doing business with? And who paid for this dinner? If it was AJ is this permissible under NYS law? And if there were to be some business done between Innovare and Newburgh would it not be more feasible and ethical for Innovare to come to Newburgh? AJ could have splurged at the Denny's on Route 300 instead of the big bucks at the steakhouse. </div><div><i><b><blockquote>The following night, August 9, 2021, the Newburgh attendees gathered at a restaurant where Defendant Padilla had told them to meet. Once there, they were surprised to find that this dinner was sponsored by Rethink Ed, another Ed Tech company. 44. <a href="https://www.rethinked.com/team/diana-frezza/">Diana Frezza,</a> an Executive Vice President at <a href="https://www.rethinked.com/">Rethink Ed</a>, was ordering food and <span style="color: red;">buckets of sangria for the Newburgh team.</span> Plaintiffs engaged her in conversation and learned who she was, <span style="color: red;">but not why Newburgh was being taken out to dinner.</span> At the end of the dinner, Plaintiffs returned to their hotel.</blockquote></b></i></div><div>Drinking with subordinates is never a good idea. People can get stupid. </div><div><br /></div><div>So let's turn our attention to some of the proclivities that Roberto Padilla has with women. </div><div><b><i><blockquote>XXXX was sitting on a couch alone when Defendant Padilla sat down right next to her, despite there being other seats available. Defendant Padilla sat on her right side, <span style="color: red;">p</span><span style="color: red;">utting his arm around XXXX, and rubbing his knee against her knee.</span> Padilla had been <span style="color: red;">drinking whiskey cocktails throughout the evening. </span>He appeared intoxicated and was touching her inappropriately. XXXX felt uncomfortable and scared. </blockquote></i></b></div><div>Not cool. One is a supervisor, the other person, a subordinate. Fraternizing with your subordinates is not good and if it has to happen being infused with alcohol is not a good idea. And geez, what is wrong with just having a beer or two? </div><div><i><blockquote><b>Defendant <span style="color: red;">Padilla appeared to grow increasingly intoxicated as the evening continued. </span>Defendant Padilla began commenting on the couple (a male and female) romantically sitting on the couch across from them, stating "we're going to be sociologists." Padilla commented that he and XXXXX were <span style="color: red;">"cock blocking"</span> the couple, meaning their presence was preventing the couple from engaging in sexual activity. Padilla then went on to<span style="color: red;"> make sexually explicit noises, orating "a little radio show," creating his own description of the couple's public displays of affection. </span>Padilla then began hypothesizing as to the likelihood that the man would "get lucky" that night.</b></blockquote></i></div><div><b><i></i></b></div><blockquote><div><b><i>Defendant Padilla scooted his body towards the front of the couch
<span style="color: red;">so his foot was touching Plaintiff XXXXXX's foot. Defendant Padilla then began running his foot
across Plaintiff XXXXXX's foot. Plaintiff XXXXXXs legs were crossed at the knee, and Defendant
Padilla kicked her foot which made her legs uncross. </span>Plaintiff XXXXXXwas aghast, <span style="color: red;">realizing that
her boss was suggestively touching her. </span></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Defendant Padilla then started talking about XXXXX's tattoo, and he touched her back, <span style="color: red;">slowly tracing his finger over the image of a bird that is part of the tattoo, commenting on the birds "big red ass."</span> 56. XXXX was horrified by Defendant Padilla's comment and by his inappropriate touching of her back. <span style="color: red;">The bottom of the bird in XXXXX's tattoo was not visible, and the bird is dark grey, not red</span>.</i></b></div></blockquote><div>And this is the man that is to lead the students, the community, and the teachers of District 7? A man that has no qualms about acting inappropriately with female subordinates. A man who can not control his drinking? A man that appears to have no ethical standards either with subordinates or companies that Newburgh schools do business with? </div><div><br /></div><div>Can the the stakeholders of District 7 expect the kind of hijinks that Roberto Padilla exhibited in San Diego? My son is in a frat and everything I just read in the complaint seems right out of a frat house full of twenty somethings. </div><div><br /></div><div>District 7 deserves way better. </div>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-75521717112118310412022-08-20T13:21:00.002-04:002022-09-05T13:28:00.655-04:00The Bullshit Meter <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDvjrevH_sm5s5l8x7ZFy6KwxCV4liNRagbJMHe_c0zQpt2tvrjpstBD-WwloCJ7XfEvmncAJCETFPJ-ozudHQmLep1ygtWOpwG4XjCoUzn_HowdwXLMQh57duVcO_haik67gZjZ1ihn9JzlNwbM0WassXACmse_W5fhAjH1IUyhrJl-zZv4V1IB4tg/s820/SBSB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="820" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDvjrevH_sm5s5l8x7ZFy6KwxCV4liNRagbJMHe_c0zQpt2tvrjpstBD-WwloCJ7XfEvmncAJCETFPJ-ozudHQmLep1ygtWOpwG4XjCoUzn_HowdwXLMQh57duVcO_haik67gZjZ1ihn9JzlNwbM0WassXACmse_W5fhAjH1IUyhrJl-zZv4V1IB4tg/s320/SBSB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2022/07/calling-home-can-be-career-ending.html"> So last when I blogged I shared how I got written up</a>, with a week left in the school year, for telling a student that I will call home. Today I would like to share the contents of the letter to file I received from Numero Uno. Please be sure you are sitting whilst reading. <br /><p></p><p><b>I conclude that you exercised poor judgement in responding to the situation. Specifically, you did not make an attempt to address the female student's discomfort with your proximity.</b></p><p><i>As I wrote on July 31...</i></p><p><i><b></b></i></p><blockquote><i><b><span style="color: red;">Immediately the student talked to me as if I were the child. "Move away from me," "I don't want you behind me." For some dumb reason I assumed I am the teacher and the student is a student. I decided not to move due to the belief that once I walked away the student would revert to using the time for socializing instead of classwork. </span></b></i></blockquote><p></p><p><i>However, I wonder if I was part of the favored gentry or a boxer if this would be a problem. </i></p><p>The letter continues...</p><p><b>Additionally, as an <span style="color: red;">intimidation tactic</span>, you publicly announced to call the student's mother potentially causing her embarrassment.</b></p><p><i>Intimidation tactic? Anything negative we say to a student can be called an intimidation tactic."I'm changing your PBIS card." "You can't go outside for lunch." "You are on timeout." </i></p><p>And it goes on...</p><p><b>You are reminded of your obligation to maintain an environment of rapport throughout our school community. Please be advised that this incident may lead to further disciplinary action including termination of your employment.</b></p><p>Blah, blah, blah.</p><p>Fuck it. The letter went to my file as an excuse to get rid of me. I get it. </p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-43419316591913241682022-07-31T19:37:00.004-04:002022-09-05T13:28:03.820-04:00Calling Home Can Be Career Ending<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUXvwpTz8MBrkYgB9abmxIYbwutUSJU7biEy9digMLsbcksnMdu3slDSDndDYyyKk4P3oAEQ9HCRa_QP9yfe67xLrG1NPjN5oOUQi0PZTvZ1NvEwfiy2LXfW7S5zWO9fOBqlGaUzT4yX68aZVJzM1_aV_m3hHmcFT-PFAnuvoWFdvAf0x3pPEqSmmCg/s900/SBSB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUXvwpTz8MBrkYgB9abmxIYbwutUSJU7biEy9digMLsbcksnMdu3slDSDndDYyyKk4P3oAEQ9HCRa_QP9yfe67xLrG1NPjN5oOUQi0PZTvZ1NvEwfiy2LXfW7S5zWO9fOBqlGaUzT4yX68aZVJzM1_aV_m3hHmcFT-PFAnuvoWFdvAf0x3pPEqSmmCg/s320/SBSB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> On or about June 13, 2022, I received a 48 hour notice to meet with my principal concerning..."VERBAL ABUSE." For several days I wrecked my brain trying to figure out what I could have said. My erstwhile chapter leader assured me not to worry. That if this were<i> real</i> verbal abuse OSI would be taking the lead. <br /><p></p><p>So we finally meet and I find out what I am being accused of. Before I continue be sure you are sitting down and/or holding onto a loved one. This will be quite shocking to the system. </p><p>I was accused of telling the student that I will call her mother. This shit cannot be made up. </p><p>I told the student I would call the student's mother. Oh the humanity.</p><p>All this happened on May 5, 2022. It was a sixth grade class. The students were doing independent work, and I was doing what any teacher would do. I was walking around helping and supporting students. However, this one particular student was not doing the work assigned and instead using the class time as a social gathering with students sitting nearby. </p><p>I decided that since I am the educator and the adult I would do what I learned many years ago. Non-verbal communication. I just walked over and stood behind the student to facilitate the student getting back to work and to end the socializing. </p><p>Immediately the student talked to me as if I were the child. "Move away from me," "I don't want you behind me." For some dumb reason I assumed I am the teacher and the student is a student. I decided not to move due to the belief that once I walked away the student would revert to using the time for socializing instead of classwork. </p><p>The attitude continued. I said if this continues I will call home. Something I have heard and seen in the school all year. Even by the favored gentry. Even the Heavyweight Champion of the school. </p><p>So the meeting was on a Thursday. <a href="http://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2022/06/shit-that-cant-be-made-up-part-3456900.html">I wrote this piece</a> on June 19, 2022. Two days later, June 21, 2022 as I was leaving at 2:40 PM EDT I was asked by a secretary (who felt horrible) to sign a letter to my file. I said that I have to get to my per session position and wished to go over the letter with my chapter leader (She was not in that day). I also mentioned I have 24 hours (I could be wrong) and will take care of this matter the following day. </p><p>The very next morning I get called in to meet with Numero Uno. Numero Uno admonishes me for refusing to sign. I never refused to sign I told Numero Uno. I just wished for time to digest and take in the letter (I did make a photo copy). I did bring up that in the letter Numero Uno wrote that I was trying to "intimidate" the student. SMFH!</p><p>Have you ever read <a href="https://www.schools.nyc.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/a-421-(10-30-14)2a2cd7d365694e10843741b8bd83dfb0#:~:text=This%20Regulation%20updates%20and%20supersedes,for%20allegations%20of%20verbal%20abuse.">Chancellor's Regulation A-421</a>? It is so vaguely written that anything can be considered verbal abuse. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><i><b></b></i></p><blockquote><p><i><b>A. Verbal abuse1 is defined as language (written2 or oral) about or directed toward
students, that: </b></i></p><p><i><b>1. Belittles, embarrasses or subjects students to ridicule; or </b></i></p><p><i><b>2. Has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a
student’s educational performance or ability to participate in or benefit from an
educational program, school-sponsored activity or any other aspect of a student’s
education; or </b></i></p><p><i><b>3. Has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a
student’s mental, emotional, or physical well-being; or </b></i></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b2930dca-7fff-a241-9770-41d8593f6eec"><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his/her physical safety; or </span></b></i></span></p><p><span><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury or emotional harm to a student.</span></b></i></span></p></blockquote><p><span><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b></i></span></p></blockquote><p>Where is the line drawn? What happens if I'm talking to a student about baseball? The student tells me they are a Mets fan and I say I am a Yankees fan? Or that the Yankees have owned the Mets for years in New York. Could I be written up?</p><p>Can a teacher be written up for telling one student that he or she needs to improve? Or by telling a student that their behavior will keep them in at gym?</p><p>What of using ClassDojo? What of any in class behavior chart? </p><p>Funny how Numero Uno decided to write me up while my return to the school was up in the air. </p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-17463655958764079142022-06-19T20:06:00.003-04:002022-09-05T13:28:43.048-04:00Shit That Can't Be Made Up: Part 3,456,900 (Will Corey Hart Write a Song About This?)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lQA3MJBS6xqjpz4QfiSypiu1dmQGjUvgRO8H8K2cLY16jXN7i9CdBdzSmkhuRbM_Xtbz44umgOaqJ9dvW0or0c8KqTTUN7k3SH70Cm8aQHrlhwgUszpQBOgeiROp5GWTXXbUxG9Urn9-SuZQvD1hEa8mSmni-CE_Kkcg7n8p4F4CpF8e2d0Vf73n1A/s453/SBSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="437" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lQA3MJBS6xqjpz4QfiSypiu1dmQGjUvgRO8H8K2cLY16jXN7i9CdBdzSmkhuRbM_Xtbz44umgOaqJ9dvW0or0c8KqTTUN7k3SH70Cm8aQHrlhwgUszpQBOgeiROp5GWTXXbUxG9Urn9-SuZQvD1hEa8mSmni-CE_Kkcg7n8p4F4CpF8e2d0Vf73n1A/s320/SBSB.jpg" width="309" /></a></div> I wish I could make this shit up. This is so inane. <p></p><p>Last month there was a mass prep that I covered. It was a beautiful outside. What a gift for the students as well as the staff covering the prep. </p><p>The sun was bright that morning as it was glistening off the artificial turf that afternoon. I wanted to be ready.</p><p></p><div class="ujudUb"><b><i><span>And I wear my sunglasses at night</span><br /><span>So I can, so I can</span><br /><span>Keep track of the visions in my eyes</span></i></b></div><p>Thankfully, I was prepared. I had my sunglasses with me. I never had prescription sunglasses before. But I went on <a href="https://www.zennioptical.com/">Zenni Optical </a>and found a great pair with a retro look. </p><p><b><i><span>A kind of glamour</span><br /><span>You can lend yourself</span><br /><span>Like dark sunglasses</span></i></b></p><p></p><span>I left my regular glasses in a bag upstairs in a classroom. When the mass prep ended I walked back into the school, up the stairs and down the hall to retrieve my regular glasses. Let me let all in on something. The sun does not shine inside a school building. However, due to the fact that I can't see very good without either my glasses or my contact lenses I erred on the side of caution and left my sunglasses on. Ostensibly I did this for the sole reason not to walk into a wall, to walk into or on a student, and basically to see where I was going. <br /></span><p></p><div class="ujudUb"><i><b><span>And I wear my sunglasses at night</span><br /><span>So I can, so I can</span><br /><span>See the light that's right before my eyes</span></b></i></div><div class="ujudUb"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span>As I am walking down the hall to the classroom where my glasses are awaiting me the nouveau junior administrator sees me and proclaims authoritatively ...</span></div><blockquote><div class="ujudUb"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b><span>"Mr Zucker, teachers are not allowed to wear sunglasses inside."</span></b></i></span></span></div></blockquote><div class="ujudUb"><br /><i><b><span>She cuts my security</span><br /><span>Has she got control of me?</span></b></i></div><div class="ujudUb"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span>I promptly replied that I was on my way to the classroom to get my glasses. Ten seconds after I gave that response I thought of a better. I should have immediately removed the sunglasses and walked face first into the wall. </span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span><br /></span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span>"But Pete," one reading this blog might ask, "Maybe she did not know that those sunglasses were prescription or that you were outside on a mass prep."</span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span><br /></span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span>Yes, that is a </span><span><span>lucid </span>plausible argument to be made. However, I wear glasses every day so therefore should not one be able to infer that the sunglasses are prescription? Besides, if you are the </span><span>nouveau junior administrator you should know when mass preps are scheduled. </span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span>The Crack Team was quickly assembled and assigned to research Chancellor's Regs. The Crack Team unable to come across any regulation stating that teachers are forbidden from wearing sunglasses inside any NYC DOE building or property. The Crack Team also checked NYS DOE regulations and came up empty. </span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span>One would assume that with everything going on within the schools of the NYC DOE a teacher walking down the hall, wearing sunglasses after being outside in the sun, would be way, way down on the priority list. </span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb"><div class="ujudUb WRZytc"><b><i><span>I cry to you</span><br /><span>I wear my sunglasses <strike>at night </strike>in school</span><br /><span>I wear my sunglasses</span></i></b></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc" style="text-align: center;"><span><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/X2LTL8KgKv8" width="480"></iframe> <br /></span></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc"><span> </span></div><span></span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span> </span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span> </span><span></span></div><p><span></span></p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-30866566722576078442022-06-11T20:26:00.003-04:002022-06-11T20:26:52.532-04:00The Comedy of So-Called Comity<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgeZMW6H9oaCvCJpLeJi7P1mElYYzbVcQ0ZgUpb5pMlFvMU2Lfd7_cV2OHKBc5IuGoxT4rx2syd-ZWBZUBn6BammqwzSxzHI5W47hd8PGRzjtkcmEizLAOHzmh9rg8wKZ8QwmrUWQfVKERjZ09AlXr5JwpKmeyb14ljxNhiXxxeujKL2pJLyrGxNRsA/s400/SBSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgeZMW6H9oaCvCJpLeJi7P1mElYYzbVcQ0ZgUpb5pMlFvMU2Lfd7_cV2OHKBc5IuGoxT4rx2syd-ZWBZUBn6BammqwzSxzHI5W47hd8PGRzjtkcmEizLAOHzmh9rg8wKZ8QwmrUWQfVKERjZ09AlXr5JwpKmeyb14ljxNhiXxxeujKL2pJLyrGxNRsA/w320-h320/SBSB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> One more thing I want to add in regard to my <a href="https://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2022/06/dont-be-pinocchio.html">most recent blog post of June 9</a>. There is one thing I did not get off my chest. <p></p><p>This accusation... <br /></p><p><b><i></i></b></p><blockquote><b><i>that I have bad mouthed colleagues since 2016 every spring due to
"getting phone calls every April and May like clockwork" that I have
besmirched a colleague I work with "yet again," </i></b></blockquote><p></p><p>Completely unfounded. There is no there there. </p><p>Now the person that made this accusation has deemed it upon themselves to determine that there is to be a certain comity amongst teachers. My accuser is time and time again implying how I personally am destroying the comity between teachers with this blog. But that begs the question. Why am I the one being shat upon? </p><p>I sat though a 3020-a process in which colleagues of mine testified against me. Does this promote comity amongst teachers? Some of these teachers were at an invitation only happy hour four years ago. What about others within the district that have gone through the 3020-a process and have had teachers testify against them? One can say that goes against the standards are comity. Yet there is silence. </p><p>What about chapter leaders that do the principal's bidding? Is it safe to assume one looks the other way at this non-comity issue? <br /></p><p>I'm going to reiterate what I wrote on Thursday. We as teachers have enough anxiety worrying about the crap we get from the DOE day in and day out. But in a weird way, it is to be expected. What we should not expect nor tolerate? It's is being treated by those who we look towards to protect us and to act in our best behaving as the DOE. </p><p>Sadly, it is all too often becoming the norm that the very people teachers are looking to comfort us, to fight for us, and to protect us are seemingly turning against us. I'm not the only one in which this is happening. Teachers being attacked and screamed at on the street for exercising their rights. Teachers verbally abused in bars. </p><p>We know how to fight back against those that have it ingrained in the job description to do us bad. But how do we fight back against those who are there to protect us but literally are doing all they can to target specific teachers and doing us harm? <br /></p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-11838830040259218492022-06-09T21:42:00.005-04:002022-06-10T07:19:19.277-04:00Don't Be a Pinocchio<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6iH7XnhbaOI19whFtPZCIdctnCl1MJPgTYPDHytwa9vE834n4iqZMiVhcB649wUdh7uVUm36942cebsSpoSuw9JjwTxX0biimpSLM7FK5mN4snlwGV8_qQUy-1S4QwGo8QFBip9rzLsfMgSuh5Wv3vODP-ju6FZw6WaeP_jG5G64RtYWN40Qt4p-Gw/s457/SBSB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6iH7XnhbaOI19whFtPZCIdctnCl1MJPgTYPDHytwa9vE834n4iqZMiVhcB649wUdh7uVUm36942cebsSpoSuw9JjwTxX0biimpSLM7FK5mN4snlwGV8_qQUy-1S4QwGo8QFBip9rzLsfMgSuh5Wv3vODP-ju6FZw6WaeP_jG5G64RtYWN40Qt4p-Gw/s320/SBSB.jpg" width="280" /></a></div> I've wrote a couple of posts in the last month or so about liars and talking smack behind one's back. In fact I shared about how <a href="http://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2022/05/sbsb-groupie-trixie-teacher-has-been.html">SBSB super groupie Trixie</a> and how someone went behind her back. I can empathize with her. I know the feeling. Due to a former groupie going behind my back. The feeling sucks. As the saying goes, "Say anything you want about me as long as it is true."<br /><p></p><p>But that is small potatoes. </p><p>We all have people that we put our trust in. To share things confidentially. A lawyer, a clergy person, a medical doctor, a therapist, a union representative. Those relationships and what is said are sacrosanct. </p><p>So when somebody calls me misogynistic or claims that I have bad mouthed colleagues since 2016 every spring due to "getting phone calls every April and May like clockwork" that I have besmirched a colleague I work with "yet again," I feel I need to speak up. </p><p>Let's take the first accusation. That I am misogynist. What would trigger such a person to claim that? This blog post from <a href="https://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2021/02/the-2021-district-7-follies-atr-treated.html">February of 2021</a>. Read it. Yeah, I am snarky. I am sarcastic. One might even claim that I took God's name in vain. But I where was I misogynist? Please. If you make an accusation, OWN IT! PROVE IT! </p><p>Let's move on. </p><p>So apparently this person is "getting phone calls every April and May like clockwork." Again, where is the proof? I come from a place where if one makes an accusation you back it up. </p><p>I went back in the blog and checked out all blog posts from 2016-2022. Checking March, April and May of each year. Nothing. Here are links for <a href="https://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2016/">2016</a>, <a href="https://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2017/05/">2017</a>, <a href="https://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2018/">2018</a>, <a href="https://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2019/">2019</a>, <a href="https://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2020/">2020</a>, and <a href="https://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2021/">2021</a>. Check out March-April for each year. Or just look to the right -----> and check out the blog archive. </p><p>I can't find one blog post in which I besmirched a teacher I had worked with. Yes, there are several blog posts about a former candidate for UFT President, but I neither taught with this person nor care what this person thinks. Even the blog post from February 2021 I just stated the facts. I didn't editorialize. <br /></p><p>And guess what? I am not the only gadfly that this person has talked smacked and took their tongue and told fibs about. Is it a coincidence that this gadfly is Jewish? There can be a perception that this person telling lies and creating accusations might have anti-Jewish leanings.<br /></p><p>We as teachers have to constantly live in fear and worry about being targeted by the DOE day after day. To have to live with those same feelings from someone that we put our trust in, look to for guidance, for empathy, to a shoulder have this happen damaging. <br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515738343772337569.post-63821123382213813692022-06-05T20:07:00.003-04:002022-06-05T20:09:33.288-04:00A Semi Stream of Consciousness About Retiring Coming Closer<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogtZdT80ZQREKx4UAahruXEX_WpiCNZsGlTZDyT80j2MYIyjV2N7cL-xefA9t-pW-_v3rzyG4DZeUKBmzYIwi24elZuf1T7nWR-oArDntSYWvPOUGeBBCqxW0y3K99kvCUfooheHbHY4lEwTPv1aTsFc6foioWOvJP4Gn4EnRnK4z2Oq9h6nDPn--Hg/s502/SBSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogtZdT80ZQREKx4UAahruXEX_WpiCNZsGlTZDyT80j2MYIyjV2N7cL-xefA9t-pW-_v3rzyG4DZeUKBmzYIwi24elZuf1T7nWR-oArDntSYWvPOUGeBBCqxW0y3K99kvCUfooheHbHY4lEwTPv1aTsFc6foioWOvJP4Gn4EnRnK4z2Oq9h6nDPn--Hg/s320/SBSB.jpg" width="319" /></a></div> Last year I was excited and looking forward to the end of the school year. For those that didn't know or are new readers to the blog,<a href=" http://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2021/06/"> I was excitedly counting down the days to the last day</a>. I had personal a reason in which I won't delve much into other than to say I had an Albatross which I needed gone. It took longer than I had hoped.<br /><p></p><p>So this year? I have mixed feelings. The school year is soon to be over and the next school year is around the corner. But, it is one more year closer to being a retired retired. One more year older. </p><p>I was having a tough time with this retirement thingy yesterday. My son had decided to stay through June upstate and I was bitching about it yesterday (not to him). But it was hitting me that next year he graduates and he'll soon be on his own. He turns twenty one at the end of the month, and time is flowing faster and faster. </p><p>Hey, I am sorry if I am getting mushy with "feelings," and whatnot. But the best way to feel better sometimes is to share. One former SBSB groupie whilst sharing feelings told me to "be a man." I think being a man is talking about your feelings. I mean I can be some mama's boy musclehead with tattoos and deep insecurity instead. That for sure is not a man. But I'll much, much rather be me.</p><p>However, I have digressed. Back to this retirement thingy.</p><p>One thing I am contemplating is working for the Post Office. I actually ran into my letter carrier last night and we had a discussion. He told me that one is never too old for the Post Office, that do not be a letter carrier, but rather, mail handler. I can do that. Along with my pension I'll start at over $19/hr plus overtime at the PO. Not bad. But the thoughts of working for someone, especially a Post Office manager, doesn't appeal to me much. </p><p>A friend of mine and myself have always discussed opening a deli. But it's all about location.The food business is risky.<br /></p><p>Car sales or some other kind of sales job seems enticing. Or I can be a greeter at Wal Mart.</p><p>One thing that keeps going through my head is to be creative. Something I should've focused on at SUNY-Purchase. </p><p>I'll figure this thing out soon. </p><p>I will not move to Florida under any circumstances. No 4:30 dinners for me!!<br /></p><p>But retirement is coming. I'll be 65 in seven years. There better not be Medicare (Dis)Advantage awaiting me.<br /></p>Pete Zuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16708676684946013529noreply@blogger.com8