Afternoon, Box. :D

I finally bit a proverbial bullet and am looking into converting my unemployed-ness into the alternate process New Jersey has to become a teacher.

Nice. The world needs more good teachers. My wife is a teacher and I hear the stories so I'll just say good luck. ;)

Thanks. I'm aiming for high school, so hopefully the stories won't be too nuts.

That's where the stories get nuts.

Good luck! On the plus side, summers off and snow days.:D

Congrats!
Just remember to keep your back to the chalkboard and continuously scan. (like driving a car, but eyeing the students)

And be prepared for your breaks and summers to be consumed with training, research, lesson planning, etc.

I dunno if HighSchoolTeacherMike has the same ring. ;)

I've already said no to the idea for the reasons some have mentioned. Which subject matters are you considering?

Edit: Let me be fair about my statement. I've heard the usual not so nice things from traditional teachers. I've heard generally good things from those who have come in to teaching via the alternate process.

Good for you. I think you'll enjoy it. You've already experienced the nonsense of the armed forces, the silliness of the hotel industry and you know how to defend yourself.....high school teaching should be a breeze. :D

Hey there Box!

I was reading on co.com the new fare class stuff and saw this:
I thought, maybe mistakenly, that elites would get 500 miles on all fares. Did this change on a day when I wasn't watching?

From everything I know elites will get the 500 mile minimum on all fares. My guess is that the message you saw is incorrect in its implication. If that is not the case then there will be some mighty unhappy people 'round these parts, as CO first took away the 500 mile minimum and shortly thereafter put it back for elites -- for all fares.

Sounds like a solid plan. In addition, if you do it for awhile and decide to move on, it is a good stepping stone to grad school.

Getting ready for the inauguration?

My son lives in Arlington and he isn't leaving his apartment tomorrow.

I'm on an Amtrak train with the Xyzzylets. We're headed to DC for the big event! :p :p :p