Federal government workers have faced a lot of pressure, including mass layoffs, buyout offers that haven’t yet been approved or funded by Congress, and uncertainty about agency downsizings or even eliminations. Proposed changes to the Federal Employees’ Retirement System have added to the worry and anger among federal workers. Why FERS Changes Are A Concern People entering government service know they are accepting lower salaries than in the private sector for stronger benefits. FERS is an important example that is difficult to duplicate. There are three parts to FERS, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. One is Social…

In the past decade, Japan has risen in the ranks of independent watchmakers. Japanese artisans are now producing timepieces that can rival elite manufacturers from Switzerland. However, unlike the Swiss juggernauts such as Rolex, these independents operate in small workshops, often crafting only a handful of watches each year. What has brought them worldwide acclaim is an obsessive dedication to detail, design rooted in tradition, and innovation that defies their scale. Three names in particular keep popping up in watch forums and industry journals: Naoya Hida, Hajime Asaoka, and Masahiro Kikuno. These watchmakers have elevated Japanese watchmaking to another level,…