My Inner Author

Chicago area teachers are out on strike and have made quite a bit of news this week, protesting their latest contract offer from the local school board.  What is astonishing are the numbers.  In a recessive economy, I don't know of too many public employee sectors who would strike over the numbers involved here.  Honestly, I think these teachers are making the profession look less than stellar.  Thankfully, they are not the norm as you will soon see when you peer at the actual numbers. Chicago area teachers make an average salary of $76,000.  The average Chicago household only averages $49,000 (the national average for teachers is in the $45-48K range).  They were offered a contract with a 16% pay increase over the next four years.  The sticking point seems to be over the accountability and evaluation portion of the contract.  Before you jump to any conclusions, please read on a bit more. So what does a $76K average teacher salary, spending over $13,000 per stude

A quick recap of the 2012 whirlwind Dragon Con event for me.  Those few who know of my Dragon Con trips the past few years realize I never stay for the full weekend.  It would be fun for sure, but the crowds, the cost, and the start of college football season are all just too much for me to commit full tilt.  So, I try and pack a lot into a couple of days.  This year proved no different. Arriving on THURS afternoon, I had time to pick up my badge and plan out my MARTA riding plans for FRI since I had no desire to do battle with downtown ATL traffic either in the morning or evening hours.  So FRI I arrived in plenty of time to get my first photo session picture, with the radiant, talented, and Geek goddess Felicia Day of The Guild and Eureka fame.  Thankfully I got to be her last fan of the shoot, so I had time to at least say "hi" and welcome her back to Atlanta again.  She really does have a great smile, personality and the best understanding and love of Sc