Federal workers, in most cases, enjoy more legal holidays than most other American workers – except, of course, members of Congress. In many places a federal holidays is for banks, local and federal government operations and schools.

Holidays, if you are in service, manufacturing or retail, are prime times to make money. If you doubt it, try to get into your local mall today.

Now that feds have had their pay frozen for (at least) two years, the question is what next? Will it be changes in the retirement system, higher health premiums, reduced or delayed cost of living adjustments for retirees, furloughs, maybe even fewer holidays. The latter hasn’t been proposed yet, but some people think anything and everything fed-related is up for grabs this year.

The deficit reduction commission recommended a 3-year pay freeze. The White House went along with a two-year freeze (through January, 2013). But since 2012 is an election year, there is a chance Congress and the White House, could decide that extending one more year might be a good move both fiscally and politically. Especially if unemployment remains high.

We should know the way things are going pretty soon. And we’ll keep an eye out for you. And please alert us if you spot anything we are missing.

Meantime, if you are off today, enjoy yourself. Spend money and make the economy green. If you are working today, welcome to the club, and thanks for being there.

Back, sigh, to reality on Tuesday.

To reach me: mcausey@federalnewsradio.com

Nearly Useless Factoid
by Suzanne Kubota

In looking at Mythical Cures for the Common Cold, the Smithsonian Magazine found chicken soup did not belong on the myth list. “It works!” they exclaim, citing a University of Nebraska report titled “Chicken Soup Inhibits Neutrophil Chemotaxis In Vitro” published in 2000.

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