Saturday, January 19, 2013

Fair Work , Fair Pay.

A great article from truthout on the minimum wage in Australia.

Of course, there is a catch. Part-time and temp workers don't get these benefits. Instead, they get paid an extra 20 percent to 25 percent in cash compensation. As a result, a part-time, entry-level adult fast food worker in Australia makes a minimum of $21.25 an hour. Oh, plus health insurance. That's universal in Australia.
Of course, exchange rates go up and down over time. But at $21.25 Australian dollars an hour, it doesn't matter what exchange rate you use or how you adjust for cost of living. The simple fact is that an Australian entry-level fast food worker makes more than the average American worker. An absolute majority of Americans would increase their income if they moved to Australia and got fast food jobs.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Ripples

ripples by chefloveshiking
ripples, a photo by chefloveshiking on Flickr.

Things That Go Bump In The Night

Over the years I have been woken up by many things in my backpacking trips. Here is a list of things that deserve a story or two.

  • Skunk
  • Bear
  • People Having Sex
  • Dolphins
  • Racoons
  • Mice
  • Rats
  • Rain
  • Thunder
  • Wind
  • Coon Dogs
  • Birds Chirping
  • Sunrise
  • Air Conditioner Units
I have learned over time how to sleep through noise. When I am sleeping, my mind is able to discern what noises have to be dealt with. People talking will not wake me however, angry or violent voices will. A mouse does not make much noise yet I will wake if one scurries to close to me. A skunk under your tarp can teach you grace under pressure.