The latest from our great laboratory of democracy (no sarcasm intended):
I just heard on CNBC that the state of Virginia is planning to create a shorter work week for government employees. The change is expected to help commuting employees save money by cutting their gas costs by 20%. They, of course, will have to work two more hours per day to make a 40-hour work week.
This move makes me wonder whether one result of higher energy costs will be (in the long term) the establishment of telecommuting as a standard practice, and/or the creation of more professional careers that allow for shorter weeks (nurses, for example, can work three twelve-hour shifts in a week).