Okay, Back to Work, People
If we can turn our heads away from the Katrina coverage - and it's so difficult....A spy tells me that Len Riggio has promised a great deal of aid to B&N employees:
Nevertheless, you should know that, unlike some of the well-known national
retailers who have pledged anywhere from three days to two weeks' pay to their
employees, we will keep our booksellers on the payroll for at least three
months, and beyond that, depending on need and circumstances. Of course,
this includes medical coverage and other benefits as well.
Since many of our booksellers have already relocated, and many more have indicated plans to do so, we will be offering jobs to all, depending on the specific needs of our stores in each of the regions. Relocation expenses and other financial aid will be made available once we get a handle on what is needed.
The full memo is here.
In other news, Bill O'Reilly was bitch-slapped by Liz Smith today in a refreshing little item:
FOX NEWS emperor Bill O'Reilly tells us in Katrina's wake that if we ? Americans ? depend on the United States government for any reason, we are certain to be disappointed. Always. The government of the United States cannot help you. Bill's advice to America (to the poor of New Orleans, especially) is educate yourself and get a well-paying job. Only then can you avoid standing on a "metaphorical rooftop" when the next disaster rolls around. Bill did not give the poor any advice on how one finds a proper education or a job. Remember, the government can't help.
Indeed, if you're poor, just where in God's name are you supposed to find a decent education that might lead to a good job (which presumes that there ARE jobs to be had in the first place)? One thing that Katrina will spark, I sincerely hope, is a meaningful debate about poverty and why we associate it with moral deficiency.
Of course, we won't be having that debate in this country.
Nevertheless, you should know that, unlike some of the well-known national
retailers who have pledged anywhere from three days to two weeks' pay to their
employees, we will keep our booksellers on the payroll for at least three
months, and beyond that, depending on need and circumstances. Of course,
this includes medical coverage and other benefits as well.
Since many of our booksellers have already relocated, and many more have indicated plans to do so, we will be offering jobs to all, depending on the specific needs of our stores in each of the regions. Relocation expenses and other financial aid will be made available once we get a handle on what is needed.
The full memo is here.
In other news, Bill O'Reilly was bitch-slapped by Liz Smith today in a refreshing little item:
FOX NEWS emperor Bill O'Reilly tells us in Katrina's wake that if we ? Americans ? depend on the United States government for any reason, we are certain to be disappointed. Always. The government of the United States cannot help you. Bill's advice to America (to the poor of New Orleans, especially) is educate yourself and get a well-paying job. Only then can you avoid standing on a "metaphorical rooftop" when the next disaster rolls around. Bill did not give the poor any advice on how one finds a proper education or a job. Remember, the government can't help.
Indeed, if you're poor, just where in God's name are you supposed to find a decent education that might lead to a good job (which presumes that there ARE jobs to be had in the first place)? One thing that Katrina will spark, I sincerely hope, is a meaningful debate about poverty and why we associate it with moral deficiency.
Of course, we won't be having that debate in this country.
What I offer:
