From the ‘B’ to the ‘S’

Autoworkers Union Keeps $6 Million Golf Course for Members at $33 Million Lakeside Retreat. But hey, who’s paying attention anyway? It’s only money.

Even as the industry struggles with massive losses, the UAW brass continue to own and operate a $33 million lakeside retreat in Michigan, complete with a $6.4 million designer golf course. And it’s costing them millions each year.

READ ON

Redbox is My New Best Friend

 

Forget Blockbuster. Forget Netflix. Redbox is the coolest thing since sliced bread. If you are not familiar, Redbox is the name of a DVD vending machine company that has these cute little red “machines” in and around  most major cities. The coolest part: it only costs $1 per rental per day.

If you lose track of things easily, Redbox may not be the best thing for you but if you are good at returning things on time, you will love Redbox. If you rent a movie today, you have until tomorrow night at 9pm to return it–or they will charge you $1 per day until you’ve reached 25 days in which case you become the proud owner of that DVD.

If you are a casual renter, Netflix is a waste of money. And Blockbuster may not have late fees, but it certainly isn’t cheap. And another thing–using Redbox is easy. Just go, swipe your credit card, pick your movies and go!

So they may not have the latest films from Sundance Film Festival, but who cares? If you want those kinds of movies you probably already frequent your local Rainbow Video Store.

Congress Did What!?

You can file this one under WTF or OMG or Hell Has Frozen Over because the end must be near.

A crumbling economy, more than 2 million constituents who have lost their jobs this year, and congressional demands of CEOs to work for free did not convince lawmakers to freeze their own pay. Instead, they will get a $4,700 pay increase, amounting to an additional $2.5 million that taxpayers will spend on congressional salaries. Full Story

Time to Contact FEMA

Since the State of Wisconsin won’t answer my call, who will? I’m thinking FEMA, because to me this IS an emergency that the State government cannot manage. Call it selfish, but hey–I’m without my unemployment “benefit” for reasons unknown as of yet. I contacted my previous employer to ask if there were any issues on their end re: my unemployment and they said there were none. If I am without unemployment “benefits” due to some screw-up at DWD I will be very upset.

And another thing: why don’t we nix the extension of benefits and replace it with an increase for those who need the money to pay for their obligations (eg. daycare, mortgage, insurance) instead of those who just blow it on cigarrettes and beer? The benefit rate is just not enough.

I feel for the workers at Chrysler who have off for the next month, but if they start whining about getting only 80% of their pay during the next month I’m gonna flip out.

Still looking for new opportunities and to win the lotto, too.

Wisconsin Unemployment

Okay, so apparently there is a problem. Nevermind the fact that I can hardly pay my mortgage. I finally got through to unemployment today and then… AND THEN… I get disconnected! What the crap!? There is no reason that the phone number should be busy–I don’t care if unemployment is up 40%–I am one of the unemployed people who actually wants to get back to work. It’s not like I’m sitting on my butt doing nothing, believe me. Apparently the State if Wisconsin does not have the funds for unemployment and will need to seek federal assistance…. Who should be fired now? Way to manage the funds there, elected officials.

Sorry, just a little angry today.

“Doorbusters”

Even after the stampede at the Wal-Mart in Long Island almost 2 weeks ago, retailers continue to use the phrase “doorbuster” when referring to their great deals during the “holiday” season. Not to be overly PC but if one of my loved ones was killed in a stampede on Black Friday, I would have a very hard time hearing the phrase “doorbuster” over and over and over again, especially in a positive light. There is nothing positive about busting down a door to get a great deal–nothing is worth THAT much.

While I’m at it, I’m sick and tired of hearing “Happy Holidays” and “Seasons Greetings” blah blah blah. There are 3 mainstream holidays during the month of December–Christmas, Hannakuh, and Kawanza. And if you really mean to say “Merry Christmas” then SAY IT! If you offend someone, then you have 2 other choices–or maybe 3 I suppose but if they don’t celebrate anything then they might want to reconsider with all the choices they have here in America.

Final Note: I always wonder if those “Freedom from Religion” wackos exchange gifts on Christmas… I bet they do! 

Sleep Tight.

Buy Your Loved One a Lexus?

Okay, it has to be said. Every year around this time we see the car commercials where a husband or wife buys their spouse a $40k+ Lexus for Christmas. Seriously, who buys a car for their spouse for a Christmas present?! A better question is who buys their spouse a LEXUS? Give me a break!

Need a Resume?

I’m just throwing this out there…

If I said I’d write your resume for only $300, what would you say (assuming you were in need of a resume, that is)?

Kids Say the Darndest Things

While waiting in line at Wal-Mart this afternoon, I pulled a piece of paper out of my pocket that my 4-year old had obviously written on. When I asked Madilynn what it said, she replied “You’re fired.” 

Nice.

Axed!

So I was released from my place of employment last Wednesday. As a recruiter, I filled a lot of jobs. Unfortunately, we weren’t getting any new jobs to fill. Sometimes you just have to do things yourself, I suppose. In any case, few companies out there want to pay an arm and a leg for a service to find candidates and I can’t say I blame them. I filed for unemployment but I have to call and talk to them. I have tried calling 15 times–FIFTEEN TIMES–so far today and the line is B-U-S-Y. It is worse than trying to be caller number 104 during a radio promotion!

At least I have my lovely children to keep me company while trying to apply for jobs. I think Madi is waiting behind me for the computer. She can’t live without her playhousedisney.com–she’ll just have to wait a little longer!

-Jeff