posted
I may be stepping out onto the ice here, but Glenn has a good point. However, we cannot predict what will happen tomorrow. I have a friend dying of cancer....tell her how anybody can acheive the American Dream.
Hard workers are a rarity. I sometimes make less tham my employees. I don't begrudge, I just know that's part of the joy of "self employment" Self employment is the only place you can experience total disappointment and total elation in the same five minute period
Politics has nothing to do with it. The economy will always fluxuate regardless of who is riding in Air Force One. If we are looking for them to solve our woes, we have a long wait. It's not their job. We have to be responsible for our own income, pay our taxes, and pass on the trade to the next generation.
We happen to be busy right now, but we will be there to ride the tide of uncertainty
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3503 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
glenn..you only get from people what you give to people....so i see your expertice in human nature....
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
The only thing wrong with voting is that a politician always wins. Joe, if you are looking for the democrats to show us a better way maybe its time to go on welfare like so many others who think like that.
I never looked for anyone to help me or my business, no less some political idiot who doesn't drive his own car, buy gasoline, shop at local stores, or doesn't have a clue to what real people want or do. Joe, when are ya gonna get off it and get back to basics? Don't turn this post into some personal political debate.
This fella is looking for a gig in the U.S.A. or Canada, let him have his post back!
-------------------- HotLines Joey Madden - pinstriping since 1952 'Perfection, its what I look for and what I live for'
posted
Look back at this post folks...have you noticed something?
Catlin never posted again after his frst attempt to create a dialogue.
I don't know about you but it tells me Catlin is a more than a little disapointed right now.
The opportunity to meet and great someone here has been blown.
If I were this person I'd look elswhere for employment...or perhaps that was eveyones intention.
I hope everyone gets over whining and crying about living in America and finds something to enjoy about it...like helping people that have something to add to our society!
Sorry Catlin...hope you come anyway...look us up if you do!
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
posted
There are a lot of people out there with extensive resumes. Just as there are people out there who would be hard pressed to make their resume fill 1 page without using 25 pt text.
I've chatted with Catalin a few times, find him to be a sincere person and hope that I managed to offer some insight during our chats.
How about instead of calling someone you don't know a liar, you post something useful....or not post at all?
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
I had to delete a post here last night. The poster was a friend, and my action resulted in a heated discussion in chat. I'm certain we came away as friends agreeing to disagree on this one.
Let's face it! We are never all going to agree on something. Dave Draper's opinions really touched a few nerves, but anyone who believes the talking heads that pose as news people on TV will hear the same stuff. To many, the sky will always be falling. That's their opinion and it's great we live somewhere where they can express it.
We have a rule here in Letterville that outlaws personal attacks. You can disagree strongly with someone's views, but refrain from name calling, threats, and related behavior.
From time to time, we take our own share of bashing over the way we run Letterville and administer this Forum. Sometimes it comes from good people we consider friends, but we have to do what we have to do as fairly as we can. I know I make mistakes from time to time, but I have to do what I feel is right.
I don't know why, but I often find myself bumping heads with people these days. Everyone seems to be full of rage and hate towards somebody or something. They love to form together into little mobs to ridicule the personalities and ideas of others. I know I have done it at certain points in my life, but I also know what it is like to be on the recieving end.
If you find I have removed your post, and you feel I have wronged you, please pickup the phone and call me or take the email route. It's nothing personal, but at the end of the day, it is Steve and Barb Shortreed who will suceed or fail as a result of our decisions.
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
posted
Catalin, When are you coming? How long are you planning on staying? Romanian people are great and most are extremely hard workers. I have been to Romania twice on mission trips and will be returning again in Feb. 2004. I could really use some good help.
posted
The opportunities in this area are a lot less than in other areas. My wife was making eleven dollars an hour at her job, and the only jobs available right now are entry level at 6 dollars an hour. Shes looking,but until she finds one that comes a little closer to her experience and expertise, unemployment it is. If that bothers anyone, tough turds.
-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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Same holds true for my husband. As I stated in my earlier post, it's not from lack of trying or looking. Even on lower paying jobs he is falling into the overqualified category. He went to three interviews for a job that was almost half what he was making and they said they were afraid he would leave if they hired him.
The unemployment people came to their place of business before they closed and told them, "DO NOT TAKE A JOB THAT IS NOT IN THE SAME MONEY AND BENEFITS AREA YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN."
So anyone who thinks he's a parasite loser, "you know what you can kiss!"
Catalin, again I apologize for your post getting screwed up. My brother in law is from Romania and a great person as I am sure you are.
-------------------- Amy Brown Life Skills 101 Private Address Posts: 3502 | From: Lake Helen, FL, USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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A Rumanian with extensive experience in computer graphics goes public looking for a job and a better life, and this is the kind of response he gets. First Diaper starts questioning his qualifications (then again, I question Dave's all the time, but he writes for a major sign magazine so he must be really good). Then OP comes in with his usually bellyaching, which consists entirely of "there's a Republican president so things are just terrible!", followed by Glenn - dammit, boy, you just can't resist rising to the bait, can you? and the usual chorus of "you don't understand" and "you're full of sh*t".
I'm about the only one here who's been to Eastern Europe, other than Don Thompson, and I've seen some of the economic conditions caused by the former Communist regimes. These countries are full of very bright, highly educated people whose work ethic, motivation and ability to cope and problem-solve would shame most of you. They are living in societies where the economies are still hamstrung by "reforms" that have left economic and political power in the hands of the same useless hacks who ran things under Communism. American immigration policies restrict visas for these countries, which is one reason they are so gung-ho to join the European Union, and have the freedom to vote with their feet in countries that offer real opportunities.
For those of you who wrote positive, thoughtful, encouraging responses, bravo! The rest of you with your usual carping and finger pointing and trying to score debating points off each other, make me sick.
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Well, I'm sorry if I'm one of those who made you sick, Cam. I hope you won't take offense for what I'm going to say.
If you are refering to me, debate points is not what I'm after.
I'm just sick and tired of the doomsayers griping and complaining about this country and whining about the goverment not doing enough for them with this "you owe me" attitude.
The last thing we need to be doing is trying to chase someone like Catalin away with a bunch BS from those who don't know what they are talking about. Someone needs to speak up when it happens. If that twists a few panties, fine by me. I will never appologize for speaking the truth.
We have it so much better over here than many of those in Europe and we're too damn spoiled to see it.
posted
Needless to say: We People, depend on people. We can be employees, employers, customers, service providers (no matter what)… if we don’t behave civil and sensitive towards counterparts we’ll be burning bridges. The fact is that employee-employer (or potential employee/employer) is a two-way street.
Thanks,
-------------------- Adrian Niño Maya SIGNS 5505 Old Redwood Hwy. Santa Rosa, CA 95403 MayaSIGNS@aol.com Posts: 21 | From: Santa Rosa, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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posted
A lot being said here, shows the difference between large corporations and the small (often home based) operations that frequent this site. The large corportation has the resources to fit the propspective new employee to it's own needs,so specific qualifications are often less important than the applicants ability to learn & grow with the company, as opposed to the small shop that needs someone to take over one or two specific sections, say computer maintenance & sign post installs. For the big company, a well written resume, good responses in an interview, etc may win a job offer irregardless of actual qualifications a 2 person shop that needs someone to sweep the floor & prep panels will not have as much leeway, and if offered to the overqualified applicant will just have him/her leaving a few months later, with both disappointed.
-------------------- Bob Sheers 24 Hour Services Columbia, MD USA 410-995-3655 bob@go-to-airport.com Posts: 140 | From: Columbia, MD, USA | Registered: Sep 1999
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RIGHT...the ones to whom this poor economy doesnt seem to effect....all things are great for you....to those of us who ARE EFFECTED by this economy its our own faults!!! iam glad the few are doing so well. and the rest of us are victims of our own stupidity!!!! and since i dont know what iam talking about ill leave it with a quote from a great american...I ONLY KNOW WHAT I READ IN THE NEWSPAPERS.......
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Joe, I'm sorry that I came down so hard. I really am.
One of my pet peaves is when someone is told that they can't succeed because he hasn't. It is a defeatest attitude that does no one any good and frankly it offended me that Catalin was basically being told that he would be wasting his time coming here.
No matter how bad things appear, there is always someone worse off. And what we see as a roadblock, others see as an opportunity.
I just wish more Americans could see how good we really have it here in the US.
and for the others unemployment unfortunately happen not just in U.S.A. but here too and probably everywhere here we are 600 000 peoples and you have 3 full pages of sign shops in the phone book every years 25 new shops are opening and 25 are closing sometime is longer but somebody who want to work will always find something and crying will not changing anything
i am apologizing in advance because i know i will offending some but what you like to be a $100 000 un employee or a $50 000 worker here we forgot who we was suppose to help... catalin just because our life are so miserable and forget that we are the most luckiest peoples on this planet sorry again have a nice day
posted
Thanks, OP. As always, you confirmed and vindicated everything I already think of you and your opinions.
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
It is unbelievable how people can honestly feel that they are intiteled to un-employeement because they worked for someone. I believe last I checked I wasn't twisting someones arm to work for me nor did I go to their home and beg them to work for me. All a worker is intiteled to is a good working enviroment, 2- 15min breaks, 1- 1/2 hour lunch and a pay check at the end of their pay period. If they deserve more let them step up to the pump and buy into the business. They won't work for less (8 instead of 10) because they are going to make a point. They will sit back and draw un-employment and milk the system. (They are owed this) Let me say America is a great place to be and work. Been doing signs for a long time now. Never had a shortage of business. It is out there. Number 1 rule *PLAN YOUR WORK and WORK YOUR PLAN* always works. Sleep in and miss out. Get up off your lazy a** early and watch your rewards.
-------------------- Mike Lindsey Blue Grass Neon, Inc. 725 Michigan Ave. Jeffersonville, In. 47130 bluegrassneon@aol.com Posts: 13 | From: Indiana | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
Now now, Mike. What about those poor souls who try so hard, but they have nothing but bad luck and no one will give them a break and the customers are too cheap and the other shops don't charge enough and the government doesn't care and it's not their fault? You might hurt their feelings.(sob!)
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
there you go cam...and glenn.....we are nothing but sand beneath your feet....
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Nice hard working guys go out of business every day. Some for economic reasons, others for family or health. Ya, the economy is weak, but none of us are starving. I guess I'd welcome anybody who wants to work to feed his family. One thing is sure, at least reverse discrimination won't happen. If his resume is for real, he really IS qualified not just because he happens to be a minority. Good luck Catlin!
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3503 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
You may want to come to a large city. Put Washington DC on your list. We have 5 or 6 jobs for sign people listed every week. Try www.washingtonpost.com to start.
There are over 3 million people here with a local economy fueled by the Government. We never have job losses here. You can work 3 jobs if you want.
There are people here form all over the world who come here and work. I mean really work. The average houshold income here is $100,000
Yes, it's expensive to live here, but you don't have to buy the $300,000 home and the Cadilac escalade to start.
If you or anyone else who can't find a job in america will call me, I'll show you the sign shops paying $14/hr to start. I'll show you 3 limo companies paying $18/hr plus tips to make $300 a weekend. I make help wanted signs every week for these guys.
I know thats only $48 grand to start, but you can do it if you really want to.
My customers who own landscping companies pay guys with fresh green cards 30K to hold a weed whacker. They tell me "americans" feel it's beneath them. The landscapers are laughing all the way to the bank.
We have imigrant workers congregate at a dozen 7/11's to wait for building contractors to fill vacancies they have no applicants for. Some of these guys end up as construction foreman and eventually start thier own business.
I letter trucks for 3 such guys who broke thier first million last year.
So shut up about there not being any work in America and move to where the food is. If you want to stay in a small market where the only employment machine goes belly up, boo-hoo.
posted
AMEN MIKE!! 64 posts & nothing I really wanted to add, but I'm gonna chime in here to say, I'm glad Steve hadn't put this dead horse to bed before that last post. There are many different economies in this great country. If things are tough in one area, consider another one.
I'm sympathetic for those who have or whoose loved ones have lost work, & I realize moving the family isn't always an easy prospect. I am also understanding of accepting unemployment rather then substandard work.
I'll say to Blue Neon & others you shouldn't feel you're entitled to health care just because you pay your health insurance premiums... if you are ever too injured to run your sign shop, just get up off your lazy a** & go work for McDonalds... why should you suck off benefits from our insurance companies just because you worked to pay the premium.
posted
Come on Mr. Doug. Don't be another union-fied american and feel the company owes you. Sure if your hurt or mamed you are intiteled to some benifits. If you are able to work get up off your free loading a** and work. As usual Doug you take something and take it out of context. America owes me nor you nothing. We are given a the opportunity to work or hold up a sign and express we'd like to work. "For food or hand-outs". Sure the hand out is the easiest. Which line you wanna be in Doug? Thats what I thought! Don't chime in on things you don't 100% believe in. By the way "Hows the surf"?
-------------------- Mike Lindsey Blue Grass Neon, Inc. 725 Michigan Ave. Jeffersonville, In. 47130 bluegrassneon@aol.com Posts: 13 | From: Indiana | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
As soon as this post came up, I Emailed catalin right away and offered him a place here in Mazeppa to do my Computer work. He seems excited and I will do what I can to make him feel welcome, after all, I've "Harbored" foreign Letterheads for years!
Welcome aboard catalin!
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
posted
Thanks Mike and Mike ...you've renewed the spirit that this board was meant to spread.
I too am glad Steve didn't "shoot this horse" but you'll have to admit that until now this post was going nowhere it was intended.
I recieved an e-mail from Catalin also...his spirit and determination has survived this post and tho I have nothing to offer him but encouragement he was both kind and humble.
I certainly hope his next post is answered with the more respect.
If he should travel while he is here he knows he is welcome at anytime.I hope he continues to communicate but I'm sure right now he's a liitle wary of the way he will be treated...a few more positive posts would go a long way help to make those communications possible.
Oh and one more thing "down with dooms day" it has no place in my life.
[ September 09, 2003, 09:13 AM: Message edited by: Monte Jumper ]
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
posted
Hey OP... The only people who get treated like doormats are people like you, who spend your life making bad decisions and let the world wipe their feet on you, and then look for pity because you're a "victim". You've made a career of it, and by god, it may be the only thing you are any good at, so don't let me or Glenn stop you. As I said once before, I don't need you, and we both know it.
Letterville has all the components of a real town, doesn't it? A Mayor, a group of hardworking businesspeople, a village idiot still in Diapers, and a chronic loser whose only contribution is making people feel sorry for him. Boo f*cking hoo, Joe.
Gee, do I think this will get deleted? Do I give a sh*t?
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Catalin also e-mailed me and I offered him a job . I told him that I didn't know if he would like this area, but he could give it a try. Whether he ends up in Mazeppa,MN or Laurens,SC first if he doesn't like it then he can try the other.
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3503 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Hey Donald, If he wants to start here, then when the weather gets rough, he can head down to you! Being from Romania I would think he can handle a Minnesota winter...but hey, If South Kakalackie is offered, I'd take it too....but I am a Cold Weather/Hockey freak so I gotsta be in my element!
We'll take care of him the RIGHT way!
(All this post needs is Guns, Religon and Politics!)
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
posted
Geez ----- I saw there was a big post developing, but did not click on it til now because when I saw it was a job seeker I knew I had no job to offer. Then the length of the thread raised my curiosity.
What I see in the responses feels like a general sock in the gut by a whole lot of seriously grumpy people affected by the bad economy and by the deteriorated human and political climate we are living in right now. For a number of reasons they are unable to call it that, even if they chose to see it.
Fact: For 2 years now we have seen almost nothing but war stuff when we turn on the news, that grinds us down emotionally, and keeps our fear level elevated. Fact: 1.4 million more of us fell into poverty in 2002, and there is no end in sight.
We are becoming a people who, as Steve says, have underlying “rage and hate” in our interactions with each other. I see that as a clear reflection of our unease about our daily emotional national conditions.
I would not think to assign blame or reasons because I want this to be posted and want it to remain posted. This is not meant to be political. I only want to sow a seed or two of thought about WHY we have such short and unkind tempers with each other.
I hope that a job works out for Catalin. I came here from Europe in 1964, and it took the working of 3 different concurrent jobs, two of them part time, for me to get a footing. I am grateful for all opportunities I was able to take advantage of. I love being here in this - my - country. It is full of nothing but immigrants, excepting the Native Americans.
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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quote:Originally posted by mike meyer: As soon as this post came up, I Emailed catalin right away and offered him a place here in Mazeppa to do my Computer work. He seems excited and I will do what I can to make him feel welcome, after all, I've "Harbored" foreign Letterheads for years! Welcome aboard Catalin!
Congratulations Catalin & Mike. While it is hard to give the "2x4 test" over the internet or phone, surviving 60+ posts on this subject, with a reasonable facade of cheerfulness shows that you BOTH have some common sense, and uncommon patience, which will no doubt be assets to your relationship.
-------------------- Bob Sheers 24 Hour Services Columbia, MD USA 410-995-3655 bob@go-to-airport.com Posts: 140 | From: Columbia, MD, USA | Registered: Sep 1999
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