Happymon

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Posts posted by Happymon

  3. Posted

    There have been major price increases in many things for a lot of reasons. One primary reason is that in the US, the economy, for better or worse, runs on petroleum products. Depending on where you are, and what type of petroleum products you utilize, the price of this is up between 35-50% over four years ago. Make of it what you will, but when it costs $3.50/gallon of gas vs $1.95 to deliver the same carton of eggs, the retail price is going to go up. There's petroleum involved in virtually every facet of American life, not just our car's tank.  I recently read an article that claimed that an overwhelming majority of households with incomes of $150K annually reported to be living paycheck to paycheck. Not a lot of disposable income out there for many. 

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  4. Posted

    2 hours ago, Elle Blake said:

    I don’t think the world would end, but it might bring the city of Detroit closer as a community.  I don’t think it could get too much worse.

    I remember comedian Lilly Tomlins line from many decades ago, that she was born in Detroit and left as soon as she realized where she was. 

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  5. Posted

    8 hours ago, sparkey600 said:

    It's a negotiated as part of our wage agreement. So no, not as a cost actually but covered in an employees negotiated wages. Unlike non union where they are just fucked out of health insurance and benefits generally. Or if offered benefits, it's coupled with a lower hourly wage.  Once again. Our employees make 75 bucks an hour all in. 401K, health insurance, Dental, Vision and Retirement. Can anyone here meet that for their employees that are nonunion? If so, I'm waiting to hear it. No? Crickets. I thought so. I get so sick and tired of employers telling their employees that unions are bad for them. Bad for their bottom line. They don't like to share money for certain.... Truth be told unions are very good for employees. In regard to trade unions, it's very good for the employer's also. The have access to trained and experienced employees that have been though a 5 year training process and can produce to excellent levels. The company I work for has been Union for 105 years and counting. And it's an employee owned company for the last 7 years. What does that tell you? ESOP plans, better health insurance, better retirement. No, nothing comes at a zero level cost. The thought of that is absurd.  It's just some companies care about their employees and some don't give a shit. I'm here to stick up for the some that give a shit about their employees, unlike so many that don't care. You are right. Nothing is free. Somethings are worth fighting for. Like a livable wage, and a 40 hour work week and paid holidays. Time and a half over 40 hours of work? Paid time off for bereavement or the birth of a new one. Accrued paid time off because everyone needs a week off here and there? Got it!  Taking care of a loved one who is in their last stage of life? Do you really think big business pushed any of these as laws? No, I don't think you are this uneducated. Not at all. It's the party you hate. One guess. I'll give you a hint. It's the party that Votes against it's best interstress all of the time. Year after year.   

    When I was a young man, many YEARS ago, I listened to my employers that told me how very bad unions were. Then I started asking why? The more I asked, the more they told me that they would take away from my take home pay and they would access me money from my take home pay. Which is true, they do that. What my employees didn't tell me is where I would take home a 50% plus pat increase and full benefits, see above.

    Employers hate unions because they cut into their bottom lone. PERIOD.

    11/24...??!!!  Dear God, let it go. It's almost January.  My post had really nothing to do with your union. It was about what I now see as your infantile belief that it got you monetary gain "for free." The fact that you are unable to hear that is unfortunate. Again, I'm glad it worked out for you. 

    8 hours ago, sparkey600 said:

    It's a negotiated as part of our wage agreement. So no, not as a cost actually but covered in an employees negotiated wages. Unlike non union where they are just fucked out of health insurance and benefits generally. Or if offered benefits, it's coupled with a lower hourly wage.  Once again. Our employees make 75 bucks an hour all in. 401K, health insurance, Dental, Vision and Retirement. Can anyone here meet that for their employees that are nonunion? If so, I'm waiting to hear it. No? Crickets. I thought so. I get so sick and tired of employers telling their employees that unions are bad for them. Bad for their bottom line. They don't like to share money for certain.... Truth be told unions are very good for employees. In regard to trade unions, it's very good for the employer's also. The have access to trained and experienced employees that have been though a 5 year training process and can produce to excellent levels. The company I work for has been Union for 105 years and counting. And it's an employee owned company for the last 7 years. What does that tell you? ESOP plans, better health insurance, better retirement. No, nothing comes at a zero level cost. The thought of that is absurd.  It's just some companies care about their employees and some don't give a shit. I'm here to stick up for the some that give a shit about their employees, unlike so many that don't care. You are right. Nothing is free. Somethings are worth fighting for. Like a livable wage, and a 40 hour work week and paid holidays. Time and a half over 40 hours of work? Paid time off for bereavement or the birth of a new one. Accrued paid time off because everyone needs a week off here and there? Got it!  Taking care of a loved one who is in their last stage of life? Do you really think big business pushed any of these as laws? No, I don't think you are this uneducated. Not at all. It's the party you hate. One guess. I'll give you a hint. It's the party that Votes against it's best interstress all of the time. Year after year.   

    When I was a young man, many YEARS ago, I listened to my employers that told me how very bad unions were. Then I started asking why? The more I asked, the more they told me that they would take away from my take home pay and they would access me money from my take home pay. Which is true, they do that. What my employees didn't tell me is where I would take home a 50% plus pat increase and full benefits, see above.

    Employers hate unions because they cut into their bottom lone. PERIOD.

     

    8 hours ago, sparkey600 said:

    It's a negotiated as part of our wage agreement. So no, not as a cost actually but covered in an employees negotiated wages. Unlike non union where they are just fucked out of health insurance and benefits generally. Or if offered benefits, it's coupled with a lower hourly wage.  Once again. Our employees make 75 bucks an hour all in. 401K, health insurance, Dental, Vision and Retirement. Can anyone here meet that for their employees that are nonunion? If so, I'm waiting to hear it. No? Crickets. I thought so. I get so sick and tired of employers telling their employees that unions are bad for them. Bad for their bottom line. They don't like to share money for certain.... Truth be told unions are very good for employees. In regard to trade unions, it's very good for the employer's also. The have access to trained and experienced employees that have been though a 5 year training process and can produce to excellent levels. The company I work for has been Union for 105 years and counting. And it's an employee owned company for the last 7 years. What does that tell you? ESOP plans, better health insurance, better retirement. No, nothing comes at a zero level cost. The thought of that is absurd.  It's just some companies care about their employees and some don't give a shit. I'm here to stick up for the some that give a shit about their employees, unlike so many that don't care. You are right. Nothing is free. Somethings are worth fighting for. Like a livable wage, and a 40 hour work week and paid holidays. Time and a half over 40 hours of work? Paid time off for bereavement or the birth of a new one. Accrued paid time off because everyone needs a week off here and there? Got it!  Taking care of a loved one who is in their last stage of life? Do you really think big business pushed any of these as laws? No, I don't think you are this uneducated. Not at all. It's the party you hate. One guess. I'll give you a hint. It's the party that Votes against it's best interstress all of the time. Year after year.   

    When I was a young man, many YEARS ago, I listened to my employers that told me how very bad unions were. Then I started asking why? The more I asked, the more they told me that they would take away from my take home pay and they would access me money from my take home pay. Which is true, they do that. What my employees didn't tell me is where I would take home a 50% plus pat increase and full benefits, see above.

    Employers hate unions because they cut into their bottom lone. PERIOD.

     

    8 hours ago, sparkey600 said:

    It's a negotiated as part of our wage agreement. So no, not as a cost actually but covered in an employees negotiated wages. Unlike non union where they are just fucked out of health insurance and benefits generally. Or if offered benefits, it's coupled with a lower hourly wage.  Once again. Our employees make 75 bucks an hour all in. 401K, health insurance, Dental, Vision and Retirement. Can anyone here meet that for their employees that are nonunion? If so, I'm waiting to hear it. No? Crickets. I thought so. I get so sick and tired of employers telling their employees that unions are bad for them. Bad for their bottom line. They don't like to share money for certain.... Truth be told unions are very good for employees. In regard to trade unions, it's very good for the employer's also. The have access to trained and experienced employees that have been though a 5 year training process and can produce to excellent levels. The company I work for has been Union for 105 years and counting. And it's an employee owned company for the last 7 years. What does that tell you? ESOP plans, better health insurance, better retirement. No, nothing comes at a zero level cost. The thought of that is absurd.  It's just some companies care about their employees and some don't give a shit. I'm here to stick up for the some that give a shit about their employees, unlike so many that don't care. You are right. Nothing is free. Somethings are worth fighting for. Like a livable wage, and a 40 hour work week and paid holidays. Time and a half over 40 hours of work? Paid time off for bereavement or the birth of a new one. Accrued paid time off because everyone needs a week off here and there? Got it!  Taking care of a loved one who is in their last stage of life? Do you really think big business pushed any of these as laws? No, I don't think you are this uneducated. Not at all. It's the party you hate. One guess. I'll give you a hint. It's the party that Votes against it's best interstress all of the time. Year after year.   

    When I was a young man, many YEARS ago, I listened to my employers that told me how very bad unions were. Then I started asking why? The more I asked, the more they told me that they would take away from my take home pay and they would access me money from my take home pay. Which is true, they do that. What my employees didn't tell me is where I would take home a 50% plus pat increase and full benefits, see above.

    Employers hate unions because they cut into their bottom lone. PERIOD

    On 11/25/2023 at 3:20 AM, sparkey600 said:

    Sounds like you are ill informed to me. What part of better paid and all insurance and retirement paid at 100% do you not get? Just wondering?

    I've been a Union member for 45 plus years. Employers have been lying to people 50 plus years. Which side of the fence are you on? Curious here? 

    Every benefit is included in our salary. Every one.

    I raised two kiddos with my wife 40 years at no cost, glasses, dental, health insurance. I'm going to be retiring making more money than I'm making right now. Does this sound like something that a regular employer might want for their employees? Of course YES! They love us more than money and hope for us to do better in retirement. Dude. I really like you on here, love you're posts, love how you are doing in life in general. I Absolutly HATE your take on a concept about you something you obviously have no experience with. Unions care about their members and pursuer what said membership thinks is important. Businesses try to make as much money as they can. And we wonder "why is there so much homeless" Gee, I wonder....    Nobody can live on 20 bucks an hour any more.

    My comment was not intended to open up a debate about the merits of unions, only to comment on your understanding of the hydraulics of economics. To claim that your benefits came at  "no cost" to you simply cannot be true. I'm sorry if that smarts, but there is no such thing as "free." That's not a cynical view, it's the way things are.  Somewhere, someone produced your apparent gifts. I guarantee they didn't do so for free. And in some similar way, perhaps remote, indirect and unclear, you paid. 

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  6. Posted

    11 hours ago, sparkey600 said:

    Sounds like you are ill informed to me. What part of better paid and all insurance and retirement paid at 100% do you not get? Just wondering?

    I've been a Union member for 45 plus years. Employers have been lying to people 50 plus years. Which side of the fence are you on? Curious here? 

    Every benefit is included in our salary. Every one.

    I raised two kiddos with my wife 40 years at no cost, glasses, dental, health insurance. I'm going to be retiring making more money than I'm making right now. Does this sound like something that a regular employer might want for their employees? Of course YES! They love us more than money and hope for us to do better in retirement. Dude. I really like you on here, love you're posts, love how you are doing in life in general. I Absolutly HATE your take on a concept about you something you obviously have no experience with. Unions care about their members and pursuer what said membership thinks is important. Businesses try to make as much money as they can. And we wonder "why is there so much homeless" Gee, I wonder....    Nobody can live on 20 bucks an hour any more.

    My comment was not intended to open up a debate about the merits of unions, only to comment on your understanding of the hydraulics of economics. To claim that your benefits came at  "no cost" to you simply cannot be true. I'm sorry if that smarts, but there is no such thing as "free." That's not a cynical view, it's the way things are.  Somewhere, someone produced your apparent gifts. I guarantee they didn't do so for free. And in some similar way, perhaps remote, indirect and unclear, you paid. 

    3

  7. Posted

    On 11/21/2023 at 1:11 AM, sparkey600 said:

    I've had the good luck (choices here remember that) to be in a trade Union for over 35 years. All of my health insurance has been funded at 100% Read this. No cost to me, including my whole family. EVER. I have an annuity or as some like to call a 401k funded at 100% at no cost to me. Then I have had a Local Union retirement benefit fully funded at no cost to me. Right now it's worth over $1300 per month. Then I have a NEBF retirement fund at no cost to me. When I retire, I'll be making more money than I'm making right now. My point is this. Employer's keep telling their employees that Unions are a bad thing, You have to pay dues which scares a lot of people a way. Union dues are a small percentage  of your take home pay, usually under 5% total and that's correct. Most Unions get their members upwards of 20% back in their pay through collective bargaining It's bad for owners bottom line. Unions support workers. Employer's hate Unions. I support Unions 100% I've lived this my whole life and I'm glad I did.

    I glad it all worked out for you, but if you really think all those benefits were "at no cost to you," you're seriously ill-informed. I don't believe there is anything "free."

    3

  10. Posted

    4 hours ago, sparkey600 said:

    I used to say Monday was the best day of the week, get up, well rested. Nope, not so much anymore. Now, it's just another day of the week where I have to have to re train the GenZ's to remind them to finish what they were doing before the weekend. It's EXHAUSTING! 

    Sorry. It's still the only one you'll ever have. Your choice what to do with it. 

    2

  12. Posted

    On 4/21/2023 at 10:37 AM, gr8owl said:

    Aw geeze I'm sorry you finally got splinters in your hemorrhoids from the stick up your ass.  Thank you for confirming and illustrating perfectly that what I said is the main problem is indeed hitting very close to home.  You are perfectly channeling exactly what has gotten totally fucked up in the country and right here on the forum.  How about if you just answer the simple question - what do you propose doing - not about imaginary crime surges, not about covid, not crying like a spoiled brat over masks, or any of the other irrelevant bullshit you brought up and were given a pass on but the mass shootings where children are dying.  What is your solution? Do you even have one or are you perfectly happy the way things are and being the poster child for what happens when pointless hate and discontent is a daily torrent from the fringes who only create problems but never solve them? Drop the smug ignorance and actually propose something productive ..... or admit you don't know.  Nope, much easier to attack anyone that does not swallow the orange pill and cry out for more.  

    Here's another brain teaser for you.  Switzerland has almost 100 percent gun ownership, yet it does NOT have a mass shooter problem and lunatics shooting up children.  They too have mental health issues, they too went through covid, they too deal with every thing on your list you wish to be offended by and to tack on the door of an  imaginary offending liberal at large.  They do not have EXACTLY what I proposed as the main cause.  When you finish pulling out the splinters how about an intelligent response to that?  Or just go back to shooing the little bastards off your lawn - just don't shoot at them, please.

    My, my such venom. You've been apparently been seething about a COVID post I made two years ago?? Damn.  I guess this means that date night this week is off? 🤣🤣

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  13. Posted

    13 hours ago, MrReindeer-9515 said:

    Don’t bother asking him: his guns live in their safe and haven’t done anything to anyone. Besides with his head buried so far in the sand he probably couldn’t hear you anyway.

    And chiming in from the cheap seats is little Rudolph.....That popping sound you may one day hear us when your head clears your ass.   

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  14. Posted · Edited by Happymon
    Being kind to the Ass-hat

    14 hours ago, gr8owl said:

    Don't need your smart ass snark, thank you.  Just stated facts and opinion.  What is YOUR solution?  Do nothing, right?

    I knew your response would be filled with your usual balanced assessment.  As usual,  I'm overwhelmed by your genuine introspection and thoughtfulness. 

    0

  16. Posted

    1 hour ago, Phil-anderer said:

    I think it's pretty insane to suggest that 'guns aren't the problem'.  No other industrialized/modern nation has anywhere NEAR this issue, and mental health is an issue everywhere.  Buying guns here is easier than getting a drivers license in most places.

    1)I think it's pretty insane to suggest guns are the problem. None of mine have ever gotten out of their safe and initiated anything on their own. 

    2) You can't possibly have ever legally purchased a firearm if you think a driver's license is harder.

    3) As to mental health, over the past three years suicide is up, overdose up 50%, alcohol abuse up 30%, pot has gone from $12B to $30B, our life expectancy is at its lowest level in 50 years, only 40% of school kids in public school meet or exceed grade level in math and reading (in Baltimore not one student does) ... But it's all the fault of gun owners?  Wake up.  Slap masks and isolation on 300M people for another 24 months and see what happens. 

    2

  17. Posted

    Damn. Sorry. I don't have much belief in "justice," but I am a heavy karma guy. You might take some solace in the fact that for every minute hereafter, he'll be the guy who stole $320 from and stiffed a lovely hearted lady. Toxic erosion may take awhile, but it's very effective in the long run. 

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  18. Posted

    2 hours ago, Pittbull said:

    After my vasectomy I had one of my testicles   swell up to the size of an orange.  I had to go back in and I saw a young lady who was beginning her career. My nuts hurt so bad and she literally spent 20 minutes rubbing and looking at my swollen testicle like she had never saw anything like it. If I hadn’t had the infection and been hurt it would have been extremely erotic. 

    Thank you so much for resurrecting a 7 year old post to share with us about your swollen testicles. Special kinda stuff. 

    1

  19. Posted · Edited by Happymon
    Spell chk

    On 3/27/2023 at 1:17 PM, MelindaMadison said:

    I'll occasionally pop in here and there in the hopes someone starts a fly fishing thread! 

     

    It is addictive. I fly fished fresh water from 1960 to '87, when I caught my first salt water fish on a fly. In fairly short order, I abandoned the West for the end of the road in FL, where I remained until circumstances drove me slightly north, but still tropical salt. I highly recommend it. Many lovely people and warm waters. Salt Life! 

    Best, HM

    2