"Look," said Phillip, beaming, as he held out the sodden paper for Sharon to inspect. "It's magic!" "It's just the news," she said, scowling at the mess. "Not just any news," Phillip countered, his voice dropping conspiratorially. "Yesterday's news."
TIME named those on the front lines in the fight against Ebola as its "Person of the Year." Our heartfelt congratulations to these courageous men and women. On the flip side, our condolences to Ebola, which narrowly lost the contest for "Disease of the Year" to whatever that condition is that makes people not give a shit about what happens in Africa until it gets on a plane.
New data showed that job growth in Florida slowed considerably in November, adding just under 14,000 private-sector jobs, compared to more than 20,000 in October. Hurry up and save us, heavily subsidized Bass Pro Shops!
A Tampa Bay Times story found Bay area taxi drivers bemoaning not only the increasing attention given to "disruptive" new ride-sharing companies, but also possible regulation changes that would lower minimum rates and time commitments for limo services. Taxi company owners have assembled a counseling group made up of blacksmiths, soda jerks and telegraph operators to help their drivers cope with the inevitable.
A former Pinellas County sheriff's deputy was charged with hate crimes after allegedly pulling a gun and using racial epithets during an argument over the price of a vehicle repair. Granted, the racism is inexcusable, but where's the DA going to find 12 men and women who've never fantasized about pulling a gun on a mechanic?
And finally, Pasco County teachers settled negotiations with their employer, agreeing to a contract that includes an average 3 percent raise. The joke? It's one of the highest salary increases for educators in the state. C'mon, people — it's not like these heroes are gonna be able to moonlight as taxi drivers forever.
(Largemouth bass image via Wikimedia Commons)
