Labor Day And The Lost Respect For What Has Made America Great

Labor Day may be a sop to the unions and the progressive pressure groups that are loosely defined as "labor," but I prefer to see it as a recognition of the incredible tradition of labor that took America from a small, mostly agrarian nation to a world-leader in 150 years. Yes, we had coal and oil and timber and iron and water power, but we had visionaries who could take those inputs and create something far bigger. Samuel Slater, Eli Whitney, Oliver Evans, Robert Fulton, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and hundreds of other designers and engineers and dreamers created a manufacturing colossus, all with the help of the brightest and most hardworking labor force in the history of the world.

It was their brawn and brains that drove America to such great heights, and the honor of sometimes backbreaking work in the steel mills and coal mines and railroads and factories of America is something that we should never diminish.

Yet now we mock it!

Digging ditches as a teenager? Never! Bagging groceries, sweeping the shop floor, lugging parts from one bench to another, fetching tools, lubricating great machines? That's beneath us!

But that is the crucible from which the master machinist emerged. That is the classroom where the heavy equipment operator, who looks like he was born in the cab of his crane, learned his craft. That is where the welder who built the great war machines that saved the world learned how to do his magic. That is where the machine-tool operator who eyeballs a ten-thousandth cut learned his wizardry.

But we have spent generations denigrating that labor, and we are left with a nation that sees "labor" as a dirty word. Never mind that those laborers are responsible for the unimaginable wealth of America, and that without them we would rapidly fall back into a muddle of third world poverty and a decaying country that simply cannot be repaired.

Our youth dreams of web design and fancy offices and massage stations at work and never ever getting their hands dirty.

Change a tire? Call someone!

But one day that call will go unanswered...

Posted by: CBD at 12:00 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 first.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at September 01, 2024 12:01 PM (QNSds)

2 What bugs me about labor day is you see American flags flying all over the place to celebrate the holiday just like president's day. The holiday has nothing to do with the flag.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at September 01, 2024 12:02 PM (QNSds)

3 Change a tire? Call someone!

But one day that call will go unanswered...

Posted by: CBD at 12:00 PM

Need a semiconductor? Our ships will be arriving... aaaaany day now.

Need missile parts to send to our various warzones? Well, those are on the ships coming after the ships shipping the parts to rebuild our shipping containers.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 01, 2024 12:03 PM (M6tsv)

4 Change a tire? Call someone!
But one day that call will go unanswered...

Let us be grateful that the call to insert a italic or bold close tag, or left justify comments, when such has been forgotten, is still answered on this blog.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at September 01, 2024 12:03 PM (a3Q+t)

5 Most importantly, do not wear white after Labor Day. The Honour of Ace and the Hordlings demands it!

Posted by: Duncanthrax at September 01, 2024 12:05 PM (a3Q+t)

6 I had to change a tire just the other day on the daughter's truck. Then take the tire to the tire shop to get it patched until we can find 4 news ones.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 01, 2024 12:06 PM (Q4IgG)

7 And when someone does answer the call, they usually charge triple the old rate. Labor has gotten expensive, along with all the other inflation.

Posted by: illiniwek at September 01, 2024 12:06 PM (Cus5s)

8 I made the mistake of watching a few police videos on the Yootoobs recently.

Cops having interactions with subhuman scum, some of whom pull out guns, some who just demonstrate the have no value whatsoever to offer the planet.

The more we have of these, the more it looks like that's not a biproduct of the oligarchs destroying our labor sector, that was the point all along.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 01, 2024 12:07 PM (M6tsv)

9 “Yet now we mock it!

Digging ditches as a teenager? Never! Bagging groceries, sweeping the shop floor, lugging parts from one bench to another, fetching tools, lubricating great machines? That's beneath us!“

And yet even the stupid among us, looking at Kamala Harris, recognize the dignity of work, of earning your own way. We all remember our menial early jobs now with fondness and appreciation. Work gives us dignity and builds character….which is why Kamala felt compelled to lie about her early work at McDonalds. Waltz steals valor; Harris steals dignity.

Posted by: 7man at September 01, 2024 12:07 PM (P9AkI)

10 Had to have a nail pulled from my tire and a plug put in just yesterday.
Pulled into a used tire shop in a not great part of the city (not a mile from home), some kid in a 'do rag backed me in, and I sat in the back and watched him do his work. 5 minutes, $15.
Can't be afraid if they don't look like you, just check the surroundings and look for dirty hands.

Posted by: From about That Time at September 01, 2024 12:08 PM (4780s)

11 Having gone from many years of dirty, dangerous jobs to big tech... yeah the cloud people are completely out of touch with reality. At least under 45 or so - the older ones who aren't cat ladies totally know they are ruining things for later generations by importing cheap labor and outsourcing. They just don't care, since they're benefitting *now*

Posted by: somedood at September 01, 2024 12:08 PM (m1KSi)

12 Can't be afraid if they don't look like you, just check the surroundings and look for dirty hands.

Posted by: From about That Time at September 01, 2024 12:08 PM (4780s)

Anyone who does good work looks the same...an American.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 01, 2024 12:10 PM (d9fT1)

13 Mike Rowe has done a yeoman's job illustrating the issue.

(Is there such a thing as a yeowoman?)

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at September 01, 2024 12:10 PM (dg+HA)

14 > Anyone who does good work looks the same...an American.
-------
True dat

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 01, 2024 12:11 PM (Q4IgG)

15 Replaced the front brake pads on the truck recently. Got it done, only to realize I used the wrong grease when lubricating the caliper pins, etc.

Next morning, got the correct grease, pulled everything apart cleaned again and properly greased stuff.

I'll be replacing the splash guard I destroyed under the truck next weekend, Because, why not?

I was fortunately, by the way. Front rotors are still in great shape.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 01, 2024 12:11 PM (tT6L1)

16 Can't be afraid if they don't look like you, just check the surroundings and look for dirty hands.
Posted by: From about That Time at September 01, 2024 12:08 PM (4780s)

There's nothing to fear from the ones with dirty hands, or the haggard looking woman working in a store or restaurant. They took the time to get up, get ready, and go to work.

It's the ones with clean hands that are the problem. Or the women with fake nails and weaves and pods in their ears.

Sometimes it's possible to know their whole life story, before they even say a word.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 01, 2024 12:13 PM (M6tsv)

17
So, for the previous thread: LAST!!

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 12:14 PM (1Nxff)

18 Well, had the unions not forgotten what labor was all about and instead decided they were just part of the great progressive reset, maybe I'd care a bit more about it. The members have begun to figure that out. Unfortunately, the companies who worked their buts off to show how stupid the organized labor bosses were, turned their companies into nothing more than financial entities that used a product to act like a bank, or worse. And then of course to act like an active wing of democrat aligned political pressure groups.

Stupid. I'm happy to have the day off and go shop for new bedroom furniture and grab the Labor Day savings.

Posted by: Black JEM at September 01, 2024 12:14 PM (9j0Kf)

19 It is useful to remember that Chinese kids want nothing to do with factory work either. This is not unique to us. A more likely outcome is a worldwide decline and fall, as we all forget how to make the things we enjoy. OTOH, Skynet is willing to make them...for awhile.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 01, 2024 12:14 PM (xCA6C)

20 5 Most importantly, do not wear white after Labor Day. The Honour of Ace and the Hordlings demands it!
Posted by: Duncanthrax at September

But you can wear winter white! Know the difference, friends.

Posted by: Piper at September 01, 2024 12:15 PM (aT5K/)

21 Trades unions are fine with me with all the difficulties.

I DESPISE quasi-professional governmental unions.

In Springfield, Illinois, the Teachers have a bigger headquarters than the capitol.

Posted by: mustbequantum at September 01, 2024 12:15 PM (eRfHZ)

22
I slaved over a hot french fry pit at McDonald's.

Posted by: Kamala Harris at September 01, 2024 12:16 PM (RKVpM)

23 Good afternoon everyone

Posted by: Skip at September 01, 2024 12:16 PM (fwDg9)

24 If you can't actually get your ass kilt at work there shouldn't be a union.

Posted by: From about That Time at September 01, 2024 12:17 PM (4780s)

25 10
out here in flyover country, it can be even better. Wife, in Tulsa, called me to note she had a tire alarm on her old CRV. Suggested that instead of me driving 3 hours, she might consider a tire shop.
3" deck screw. Quick plug and aired up. Waved off payment "we don't charge for flats"

Posted by: Wingnutt at September 01, 2024 12:17 PM (5B0Ge)

26 I slaved over a hot french fry pit at McDonald's.
Posted by: Kamala Harris at September 01, 2024 12:16 PM (RKVpM)
------------

I'm trying to imagine you cleaning a fryer with boiling water, lye and a scrub brush.

...nope, that's imagination impossible.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 01, 2024 12:18 PM (tT6L1)

27 I used to change my own oil and will do so again when I have my own garage and driveway. As for changing a tire, I haven't done it in a few years, usually because when I have a flat or fatally damaged tire, I'm wearing good clothes and I have the option to call AAA. Were I to be out in the country in jeans and a work shirt, or without my phone, I could slip on the work gloves I keep in the trunk and take care of it myself.

Besides, I used to change the engine air filter -- still do -- and if GM hadn't made getting to the cabin filter so painful and tough, I'd have done that on this Buick too.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 01, 2024 12:18 PM (omVj0)

28 It is useful to remember that Chinese kids want nothing to do with factory work either. This is not unique to us. A more likely outcome is a worldwide decline and fall, as we all forget how to make the things we enjoy. OTOH, Skynet is willing to make them...for awhile.
Posted by: Archimedes at September 01, 2024 12:14 PM (xCA6C)

Shortages... how'd that happen.

Why doesn't my Doordash app work anymore??

Posted by: BurtTC at September 01, 2024 12:19 PM (M6tsv)

29
Our Elite Class has never been on a farm, walked in a plant, watched a manufacturing process or maintained a machine. Their summer jobs were as interns in some government or law office. They have no idea where stuff comes from, how it's made or how it gets to them. No wonder so many stupid policies get proposed nowadays.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 12:19 PM (1Nxff)

30 But one day that call will go unanswered...

If one pauses over this thought for a second, it will (and should) send a slight chill up one's spine.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 01, 2024 12:21 PM (W/lyH)

31 I pay for someone else to change my oil because I'd rather not deal with waste oil.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 01, 2024 12:22 PM (tT6L1)

32 "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all for the glory of God." Colossians 3:17

I remember growing up, hearing about the 'Protestant Work Ethic'. I don't think you have to be Protestant to recognize the dignity of work.

Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at September 01, 2024 12:22 PM (SfhV1)

33 Digging ditches as a teenager? Never! Bagging groceries, sweeping the shop floor, lugging parts from one bench to another, fetching tools, lubricating great machines? That's beneath us!
=====

A friend working at a big law firm told me that working your way through school was a no-no. You were supposed to have trust funds (and usable connections for the firm) to get a job there. I'm pretty sure that snobbery is active now for all 'higher' positions.

Posted by: mustbequantum at September 01, 2024 12:23 PM (eRfHZ)

34 Our kids can change tires, oil and basic car repair.. They can also cook and manage their bank accounts... They worked at age 16 and purchased their own first cars.. We paid their insurance... Their kids are following the same route

Posted by: It's me donna at September 01, 2024 12:23 PM (IyPmt)

35
I'm trying to imagine you cleaning a fryer with boiling water, lye and a scrub brush.

...nope, that's imagination impossible.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 01, 2024

You learn a lot about the significance of time, how important it is, when the time is right to remove the fries.

Posted by: Kamala Harris at September 01, 2024 12:23 PM (RKVpM)

36 "Put a female Kindergarden teacher in charge of Metal Shop and see what happens." My reasoning behind how a company able to pay union wages for several generations went bankrupt, lost legacy contracts and will soon cease to exist.
We used to train kids by the end of middle school to do trades. Wood, Metal and Machine shops. All of which translated into experience across mutiple trades. A reference from a shop teacher was a golden ticket for a job.
A kid could end eighth grade, drop out and make a living. I've worked for some who did.
"Dad died. I had to support my family"

Posted by: Reforger at September 01, 2024 12:23 PM (xcIvR)

37 Besides, I used to change the engine air filter -- still do -- and if GM hadn't made getting to the cabin filter so painful and tough, I'd have done that on this Buick too.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 01, 2024 12:18 PM (omVj0)

I don't open the hood anymore, got tired of looking for something isn't there, or is hidden.

Last tire I changed in the rain, ruined a pair of pants, but didn't have a choice. I had to be where I had to be, as quickly as I had to be there.

This is the bane of my existence, having narrow windows of time in which to get from point A to point B.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 01, 2024 12:23 PM (M6tsv)

38 Every high school should offer a course on Life Skills. Everything from budgeting to changing a tire.

Posted by: redridinghood at September 01, 2024 12:24 PM (NpAcC)

39
I ask myself, "If I screw this up, how much will it cost me?" That's the value of calling in the professionals, for whose expertise and efficiency I am in awe of.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 12:24 PM (1Nxff)

40 Remember when somebody in the media got all butt-hurt when someone asked him if he even knew anyone who drove a truck?

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at September 01, 2024 12:24 PM (PiwSw)

41 Labor Day my favorite non religious holiday.
Factory worker all my life. Amazed at people who wonder how a toilet works, how to change a tire, etc. Hope everyone gets nice weather and enjoys the great outdoors if possible. God bless us all!

Posted by: Lars at September 01, 2024 12:25 PM (5VdHY)

42
I put used engine oil to use as chain saw oil. The chain doesn't seem to care.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 01, 2024 12:25 PM (RKVpM)

43 Times change and so do the skil sets. Once upon a time just about every 17 year old male used to know how to use a timing light and adjust a carb. Nowadays they change a hard drive and upgrade a video card with their eyes closed.

I for one don't miss breaker points and feeler gauges.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at September 01, 2024 12:26 PM (dg+HA)

44 I pay for someone else to change my oil because I'd rather not deal with waste oil.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 01, 2024 12:22 PM (tT6L1)

That's why I stopped doing it.

I remember when you could take it to a gas station, and they'd let you dump it in their waste reservoir.

Not anymore.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 01, 2024 12:26 PM (M6tsv)

45 Part of the cheap labor in China is lax safety concerns. No OSHA, no clean air/water concerns. They do seem to have some functional highway and trains and mega projects (e.g. Three Gorges Dam), but also build tofu buildings. Overall the people seem to have a decent work ethic though, (needed to survive there).

Posted by: illiniwek at September 01, 2024 12:27 PM (Cus5s)

46
I remember growing up, hearing about the 'Protestant Work Ethic'. I don't think you have to be Protestant to recognize the dignity of work.
Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at September 01, 2024 12:22 PM (SfhV1)

_________

All may of Thee partake:
Nothing can be so mean,
Which with his tincture - "for Thy sake" -
Will not grow bright and clean.

A servant with this clause
Makes drudgery divine:
Who sweeps a room as for Thy laws
Makes that and th' action fine.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 12:27 PM (1Nxff)

47 Our girl spawn loves thrift stores. We took her shopping one time in Evansville. We didn't really know the city or which parts might be dodgy. She was Google searching addresses for these shops. Wound up in a very dodgy area where the "vintage" clothing shop was tucked in behind a shop that sells sex toys. Girl and I went into the thrift shop while Hubbymayhem stayed with the car. I tried to block her from seeing the adult store. This thrift store was awesome! Run by what appeared to be a couple of very colorful (wildly colored hair) and friendly lesbians. The store was small, crowded with stuff besides clothing all from the 1950's and 1960's. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to that shop. We also found a restaurant in a run down strip mall. Place called Yak and Yeti serving Himalayan food. Loved it. Some people let appearances and fear of "others" keep them from finding neat stuff. Would I go to these places without Hubbymayhem? Probably not. But I wouldn't go to the target store in Evansville without him either.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 01, 2024 12:27 PM (4XwPj)

48 I saw the disregard for work that didn't require a college degree as a young pup in the 80s but this was in Silicon Valley where the focus was on the tech fields.

Posted by: NR Pax at September 01, 2024 12:27 PM (lXCUP)

49 I for one don't miss breaker points and feeler gauges.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at September 01, 2024 12:26 PM (dg+HA)
----------------

heh. 16 year old me had a timing light, feeler gauges, etc.

When I lived in MN before the advent of electronic ignition, I had to spend late summer early fall getting the car ready for winter. Points, plug wires, etc. Once electronic ignition because widespread, that headache went away.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 01, 2024 12:29 PM (tT6L1)

50 Having the proper tools and equipment to do certain things is a necessity. I don't have the equipment necessary to do maintenance on my tractor. I do some things, like change the oil and filters (some of them) or grease fittings on the mowing deck. But I can't do anything that would require a lift, as don't have one. And one does not simply "jack up" a tractor

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 01, 2024 12:29 PM (Q4IgG)

51 Every high school should offer a course on Life Skills. Everything from budgeting to changing a tire.
Posted by: redridinghood at September 01, 2024 12:24 PM (NpAcC)

How to change a diaper. Where to file for child support, how to get the baby daddy to take a DNA test. What to do when you have a restraining order against you. The benefits of having narcan on hand. Probation do's and don'ts.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 01, 2024 12:30 PM (M6tsv)

52 A kid could end eighth grade, drop out and make a living. I've worked for some who did.
"Dad died. I had to support my family"
Posted by: Reforger

There's a lot to be said about ending the current high school structure. It probably should be two years of academics then multi-track 3rd and 4th year that leads to internships for trades or a STEM route for college prep.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at September 01, 2024 12:30 PM (IG4Id)

53 *I remember when you could take it to a gas station, and they'd let you dump it in their waste reservoir.

Not anymore.*
----

Call us.

Posted by: AutoZone and Advanced Auto Parts at September 01, 2024 12:30 PM (dg+HA)

54 The rot from the Cultural Marxists Seminaries has gone on too long.
There always will be those self sufficient but the part of the population who isn't grows yearly.

Posted by: Skip at September 01, 2024 12:31 PM (fwDg9)

55 Less than 36 hours until I have to put my white patent leather shoes back in the closet. Sad.

And those of you pulling your brown penny loafers out for autumn, I remind you that it is traditional to replace the pennies with new, shiny ones.

Posted by: Public Service Announcement at September 01, 2024 12:32 PM (CV8a5)

56 I know how most basic things work. And now with the magic of youtube I can to more things. But I quit changing my own oil after just a few times because I'm a grease and dirt magnet so even as a broke college student it was worth the $ to have grease monkey et al do that for me. Laundry detergent etc isn't free.

Posted by: PaleRider at September 01, 2024 12:33 PM (UKUm3)

57 Well, time to wander. Church beckons.

Later!

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 01, 2024 12:33 PM (tT6L1)

58 Navy taught my uncle how to weld aluminum in WWII. That and metal craft, he became a pattern maker, supported him and his family comfortably.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 12:33 PM (p0sYx)

59 I used to work for a company that had machinery in plants all over the country, both unionized and non-union.
In my experience, the unionized shops had the laziest, most ineffectual employees I had to deal with.

Posted by: TC at September 01, 2024 12:35 PM (cHOHf)

60 I for one don't miss breaker points and feeler gauges.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty

After the EMP burst, I'll wave as I drive by in my Corvair.

Posted by: Old School at September 01, 2024 12:35 PM (CV8a5)

61 I pay for someone to change my oil because I have a coupon for $19.98.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at September 01, 2024 12:37 PM (63Dwl)

62 Beautiful insights, my friend, thank you!

Posted by: Jewish Odysseus at September 01, 2024 12:37 PM (NMkzy)

63 After the EMP burst, I'll wave as I drive by in my Corvair.
Posted by: Old School at September 01, 2024 12:35 PM (CV8a5)

At times I miss my Corvair, but not too many times

Posted by: Diogenes at September 01, 2024 12:37 PM (W/lyH)

64 There's a lot to be said about ending the current high school structure. It probably should be two years of academics then multi-track 3rd and 4th year that leads to internships for trades or a STEM route for college prep.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at September 01, 2024 12:30 PM (IG4Id)

Agree 100%.

Posted by: Reforger at September 01, 2024 12:37 PM (xcIvR)

65 The holiday has nothing to do with the flag.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS)
------------------------------

It celebrates the American worker, a foundation block of great America. I'll fly the flag for the American (can do) worker.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 12:37 PM (p0sYx)

66 Two things about unions I dislike; 1. Tortious interference in contracts. Collective bargaining should never have been legal. 2. There's no competition. There's no mechanism to prevent corruption or improve anything.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at September 01, 2024 12:37 PM (IG4Id)

67 I worked on a government technology demonstration project that was given to a large university. We had to build and install stuff, controls, platforms, wiring, instrumentation, etc.

Due to the way things were set up we could only hire students or an outside contractor.

So I had a bunch of students that I had to teach how to use tools if I wanted to get anything done. Not a single foreign student I taught knew how to use a screwdriver. Most of the students had never climb a ladder before.

I couldn't believe it. I had to watch them like a hawk.

Posted by: pawn at September 01, 2024 12:38 PM (QB+5g)

68 And what the hell is that thing on top?

Posted by: pawn at September 01, 2024 12:38 PM (QB+5g)

69 I will freely admit I am a 5’1 girly girl. I couldn’t change a tire. I am not changing oil. I don’t know how to mow a lawn. Heck, most of the time I don’t even put gas in my own car. It’s sounds funny to even say I have worked long and hard cleaning stalls, because horses are a luxury. Or that I work hard every day teaching 4 and 5 fitness classes, because I am in an air conditioned studio with padded floors.

But I appreciate those who work with their hands, those who get what an honest day of work actually means. I respect it. I am not afraid of people who look different than I do. I will go to a dodgy area of Mobile to get the best greens on the planet (not washed in a bathtub), or jerk chicken that would bring tears to your eyes. I don’t hate anyone. I may hate actions or behaviors, however.

Posted by: Piper at September 01, 2024 12:39 PM (aT5K/)

70 IMO public schools used to get you used to 'having a schedule.' Get up at the same time every weekday morning, go to someplace and at another specific time go to this or that room. Rince and repeat all day long. Along the way try to learn some shit that might help you find a job.

But, honestly, the routine was as much preparing you for what used to be a 'normal work schedule.'

Now, there's hardly anything remotely like it anymore.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 01, 2024 12:39 PM (Q4IgG)

71 Chuckling at the AI rendering of the soyboy with his laptop. The buckle of his overalls shoulder strap is not even connected with the lapel portion. AI doesn't understand how clothing works.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 01, 2024 12:40 PM (R9HLv)

72 I used to work for a company that had machinery in plants all over the country, both unionized and non-union.
In my experience, the unionized shops had the laziest, most ineffectual employees I had to deal with.
Posted by: TC

I (and cow-orkers) were kicked out a union lunch room because non-union. “We negotiated hard for this lunch room,” says Mr Asshole, the shop steward.

It was a lunch room any employer would set up for their employees. What a bunch of fucking clowns.

Posted by: Limp Bizkit at September 01, 2024 12:40 PM (4Med0)

73 68 And what the hell is that thing on top?
Posted by: pawn at September 01, 2024 12:38 PM (QB+5g)

According to what's written on the side, it's the thing that goes Up.

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at September 01, 2024 12:40 PM (PiwSw)

74 Off sock

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at September 01, 2024 12:41 PM (4Med0)

75
And what the hell is that thing on top?
Posted by: pawn

Looks like something in an automobile plant.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at September 01, 2024 12:42 PM (63Dwl)

76 Scarf-wearing, noodle-armed, soy-filled metrosexuals lack testosterone.

Neckbeards do not compensate.

Make Stallone-Weathers Handshakes Great Again!!

Posted by: Count de Monet at September 01, 2024 12:42 PM (Aqu9a)

77 Change the spark plugs every 3, then 5, then 10 thousand miles.
I can't get to the last plugs on my truck. On the other hand it's every 100 thousand miles.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 12:42 PM (p0sYx)

78 Chuckling at the AI rendering of the soyboy with his laptop. The buckle of his overalls shoulder strap is not even connected with the lapel portion. AI doesn't understand how clothing works.

Also, he looks rather buff for a coffee shop denizen. I don't think laptops give you guns.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 01, 2024 12:42 PM (xCA6C)

79
And what the hell is that thing on top?
Posted by: pawn at September 01, 2024 12:38 PM (QB+5g)

___________

I know where to kick it to get it running again. That'll be $10,000.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 12:43 PM (1Nxff)

80 Some of the jobs I did as a yute that I’m most proud of: delivering newspapers (rain, snow or sleet), detassling corn, baling hay, being an enlisted soldier and doing whatever dirty detail sarge put me on

Fast forward… I’ve been in the tech field as an engineer for decades, on the design side. We design engineers get snooty and sometimes forget that someone actually has to build/produce these designs. I’ve always found it good to regularly walk down to the manufacturing areas and actually look at hardware… it helps

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at September 01, 2024 12:43 PM (6RwsA)

81 Beautiful insights, my friend, thank you!

Posted by: Jewish Odysseus at September 01, 2024 12:37 PM (NMkzy)

Say "hi" to Penelope!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 01, 2024 12:43 PM (d9fT1)

82 52 There's a lot to be said about ending the current high school structure. It probably should be two years of academics then multi-track 3rd and 4th year that leads to internships for trades or a STEM route for college prep.

Japan and Germany have something like that and since Our Moral Betters™ always want us to be more like Europe or Asia, we might be able to make those changes.

Posted by: NR Pax at September 01, 2024 12:43 PM (lXCUP)

83 Did my fair share of manual labor as a younger fellow. I don't care for the disdain that has grown for working class/blue collar/trade jobs. Without plumbers and electricians and garbage men we are fucked. One less influencer or web developer and nobody notices.

On the other hand, everything seems to be on a downward slide. There's a disdain for work but also for the worker. Companies that used to value their employees and actually look out for them now nickel and dime them to death, outsource their jobs, treat them like expendable widgets so the suits can get their six-figure bonuses. There's no principle or long view, just using and discarding.

Posted by: Fewer people give a shit at September 01, 2024 12:44 PM (tMq8W)

84 Our youth dreams of web design.... and sucks at web design.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at September 01, 2024 12:44 PM (6ghrG)

85 I wish I was good with my hands (no pervey jokes, you morons) but I can't change a tire, or fix anything really. I am always in awe and appreciative of folks who can.

Posted by: IC - #FJB at September 01, 2024 12:44 PM (YY68q)

86 The United Mimeworkers Union failed, as they were unable to articulate their demands.

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at September 01, 2024 12:44 PM (kQgoX)

87 And what the hell is that thing on top?
Posted by: pawn

A widget maker.
Widget production is studied in every MBA program in America.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 01, 2024 12:44 PM (W/lyH)

88 Let us be grateful that the call to insert a italic or bold close tag, or left justify comments, when such has been forgotten, is still answered on this blog.
Posted by: Duncanthrax
--------------------

Enter something in italics or bold and have it carry over in the next quote. Hey Pixy!

Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 12:45 PM (p0sYx)

89 I pay for someone else to change my oil because I'd rather not deal with waste oil.

Yup. I did most of the routine work on my previous car, a 1984 Mustang. When I got my current 2005 vehicle (in 2010) most of the routine maintenance was no longer quite so routine. That plus disposal of the old oil and filter made it easy to get out of the habit of doing anything on it.

A lot of it, though, is that the newer vehicle is more reliable. I check the oil and radiator before every trip, and have never had to top them off. The only reason I have to “top off” the tires is changes in temperature, mainly the difference between Michigan and Texas in autumn.

The only things I do is replace the battery and make sure the wiper fluid is topped off!

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at September 01, 2024 12:45 PM (olroh)

90 58 Navy taught my uncle how to weld aluminum in WWII. That and metal craft, he became a pattern maker, supported him and his family comfortably.
Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 12:33 PM (p0sYx)

Pattern making is an art form. I'm in awe of what it takes even with modern CNC machines and CAD designs.
For those not in the know "Patterns" are inserts for sand cast and permanent mold casting. A relief of the product with all the ports, vents and gating to get the metal (or wharever) where it needs to go.
Good money back in the day but a dying art nowadays.

Posted by: Reforger at September 01, 2024 12:45 PM (xcIvR)

91 86 The United Mimeworkers Union failed, as they were unable to articulate their demands.

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
Posted by: Jim at September 01, 2024 12:44 PM (kQgoX)

They ended up getting boxed in during negotiations...

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at September 01, 2024 12:45 PM (PiwSw)

92 Piper..
I mow our lawn. We have a very large area to mow and I take care of that while Hubbymayhem is working. I don't do the string trimmer because it hurts my shoulder something awful. But mowing is two hours of motorized meditation. For many years it was quite literally the only time in a week that I didn't hear a little yelling Mom! If I suggest that Hubbymayhem do the mowing this week he looks alarmed and asks me what is wrong.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 01, 2024 12:46 PM (4XwPj)

93 Yesterday in the California blog I wrote:
Perfectionism And “A Sense Of Urgency” Are Characteristics Of White Supremacy, According To NASA.

And if you don't have that you end up like Mexico?
NASA is mainly in FL and TX. Well maybe it's a result of too many Hispanics with mañana and carefree attitudes. Central and South American countries should be vibrant, productive nations similar to the USA but instead we have 3rd world squalor and poverty, crime and disease.

Our visionaries and labor created the mighty USA but if we don't snap out of it we'll end up just like the rest of America south of us.

Posted by: Ciampino - Si Ispettore, e molto imbarazzante #02 at September 01, 2024 12:46 PM (qfLjt)

94 The only things I do is replace the battery and make sure the wiper fluid is topped off!

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at September 01, 2024 12:45 PM (olroh)

Don't forget the blinker fluid.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 01, 2024 12:46 PM (d9fT1)

95 The United Mimeworkers Union failed, as they were unable to articulate their demands.

Management had them boxed in.

Posted by: Oddbob at September 01, 2024 12:47 PM (/y8xj)

96 "I’ve been in the tech field as an engineer for decades, on the design side. We design engineers get snooty and sometimes forget that someone actually has to build/produce these designs."

I regularly make the design guys squirm by saying "Designers are a dime a dozen". It's really effective when I am beating them up about a manufacturability or test issue.

Posted by: pawn at September 01, 2024 12:47 PM (QB+5g)

97 Make Stallone-Weathers Handshakes Great Again!!
Posted by: Count de Monet at September 01, 2024 12:42 PM (Aqu9a)

The end of Rocky III… one of the great movie endings. When Apollo’s wish is to get another chance to fight Rocky… and they circle and finally that freeze frame: they’re both throwing a punch simultaneously and Survivor starts singing Eye of the Tiger….. that kind of handshake?

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at September 01, 2024 12:47 PM (6RwsA)

98 A widget maker.
Widget production is studied in every MBA program in America.
Posted by: Diogenes at September 01, 2024 12:44 PM (W/lyH)

Thornton Melon has entered the chat.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at September 01, 2024 12:47 PM (4Med0)

99
And if you don't have that you end up like Mexico?

____________

When you eat at a German-Mexican restaurant you want to invade France, tomorrow.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 12:48 PM (1Nxff)

100 Heritage America

as romanticized by Alabama in Forty Hour Week

https://youtu.be/S-G2J3RzURA

just to send it on down the line

Them days are hell and gone (mostly).

Posted by: Count de Monet at September 01, 2024 12:48 PM (Aqu9a)

101 I remember when you could take it to a gas station, and they'd let you dump it in their waste reservoir.

Not anymore.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 01, 2024 12:26 PM (M6tsv)

A local friend owns a heavy-duty truck shop, big building, and he heats with waste oil burners. He happily accepts whatever waste oil I bring him. Also dirty solvent. The system can handle oil with lumps in it just fine.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 01, 2024 12:48 PM (R9HLv)

102 Thx CBD.
When Pelosi said that not having a job would free you, all I could think was
Nazis: Arbeit Macht Frei
Pelosi : Nein Arbeit Macht Frei

Posted by: Smell the Glove at September 01, 2024 12:49 PM (1G9mh)

103 Dang, you can never be quick enough with a joke here.

On one hand, I wonder about the prompt that generated that AI pic but on the other hand, I probably don't really want to know.

Posted by: Oddbob at September 01, 2024 12:49 PM (/y8xj)

104 Don't forget the blinker fluid.

Darn it! No wonder everyone was giving me the stink-eye on the way up to Michigan last week!

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at September 01, 2024 12:49 PM (olroh)

105 The end of Rocky III… one of the great movie endings. When Apollo’s wish is to get another chance to fight Rocky… and they circle and finally that freeze frame: they’re both throwing a punch simultaneously and Survivor starts singing Eye of the Tiger….. that kind of handshake?
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at September 01, 2024 12:47 PM (6RwsA)

More like the one in Predator.

Posted by: Count de Monet at September 01, 2024 12:49 PM (Aqu9a)

106 When Thing 2 comes over to the house, first thing he says is 'Got any jobs?'. I love that kid.

Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at September 01, 2024 12:50 PM (SfhV1)

107 The only things I do is replace the battery and make sure the wiper fluid is topped off!

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at September 01, 2024 12:45 PM (olroh)

My car has a button for everything. It even has one for the rear wiper.
Im afraid to try that one.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 01, 2024 12:50 PM (W/lyH)

108 Among other videos watched yesterday one on why Italy was so bad a fighting force in WWII. One point made in it was Italian unions had the government over a barrel so any weapons cost way more to produce than for other countries. And they didn't have that great a monetary value to spend.

Posted by: Skip at September 01, 2024 12:50 PM (fwDg9)

109 I slaved over a hot french fry pit at McDonald's.
Posted by: Kamala Harris at September 01, 2024 12:16 PM (RKVpM)

Stolen McValor.

Posted by: Kamala at September 01, 2024 12:50 PM (55boN)

110 Don’t forget to change out the muffler bearings, too.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at September 01, 2024 12:51 PM (4Med0)

111 89

The only things I do is replace the battery and make sure the wiper fluid is topped off!

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at September 01, 2024 12:45 PM (olroh)
----
Wait, .... you don't top off or change your blinker fluid?

Posted by: Ciampino - Si Ispettore, e molto imbarazzante #03 at September 01, 2024 12:51 PM (qfLjt)

112 68 And what the hell is that thing on top?
Posted by: pawn at September 01, 2024 12:38 PM (QB+5g)

Some sort of rail car is my guess.

Posted by: Reforger at September 01, 2024 12:52 PM (xcIvR)

113 ...Fast forward… I’ve been in the tech field as an engineer for decades, on the design side. We design engineers get snooty and sometimes forget that someone actually has to build/produce these designs. I’ve always found it good to regularly walk down to the manufacturing areas and actually look at hardware… it helps. Posted by: LinusVanPelt at September 01, 2024 12:43 PM (6RwsA)

Legendary aircraft designer Kelley Johnson, had it hard-written into his contract, when Lockheed brought him in to run their vaunted Skunk Works (mostly Top Secret) aircraft development and fabrication shop.

"It" being, of course, that the Design Engineering staff (and their desks) were to be on the same floor as the Manufacturing Lines. Constant and near instant fabricator to engineer consultation and "fixes" on the fly. Figure out what's needed, prototype & prove it, then have the engineers "draw" the design and write the specs, and send that solution out to the floor, for production.

All while "agile" would be tripping over it's own shoelaces.

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at September 01, 2024 12:53 PM (kQgoX)

114 If you consider that Kamala was in charge of McDonald's ice cream machines, it all makes sense...

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at September 01, 2024 12:53 PM (PiwSw)

115 If you consider that Kamala was in charge of McDonald's ice cream machines, it all makes sense...
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at September 01, 2024 12:53 PM (PiwSw)

It was broken like that when I punched in.

Posted by: Young Kamala Harris at September 01, 2024 12:54 PM (Aqu9a)

116 The only things I do is replace the battery and make sure the wiper fluid is topped off!

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair

You should probably change the air in your tires too. It's pretty easy and that stale air is hell on your mileage.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 01, 2024 12:56 PM (4XwPj)

117 All while "agile" would be tripping over it's own shoelaces.
=====

I must admit my prejudice against MBAs.

Posted by: mustbequantum at September 01, 2024 12:56 PM (eRfHZ)

118 I think Agile socks look nice.

What?

Never mind.

Posted by: Emily Litella at September 01, 2024 12:57 PM (PiwSw)

119 19 It is useful to remember that Chinese kids want nothing to do with factory work either. This is not unique to us.
-----------------------------

Always thought, when it is referred to as slave labor, that those Chinese laborers are there because they are too ignorant to do anything else.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 12:58 PM (p0sYx)

120 92 Piper..
I mow our lawn. We have a very large area to mow and I take care of that while Hubbymayhem is working. I don't do the string trimmer because it hurts my shoulder something awful. But mowing is two hours of motorized meditation. For many years it was quite literally the only time in a week that I didn't hear a little yelling Mom! If I suggest that Hubbymayhem do the mowing this week he looks alarmed and asks me what is wrong.
Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity

We have a postage stamp and a battery operated lawn mower. But nope! It’s pathetic, I know.

Posted by: Piper at September 01, 2024 12:58 PM (aT5K/)

121 I DESPISE quasi-professional governmental unions.

In Springfield, Illinois, the Teachers have a bigger headquarters than the capitol.
Posted by: mustbequantum at September 01, 2024 12:15 PM (eRfHZ)
==
Oh my goodness - these unions should flat be illegal. Even FDR felt they should be allowed to unionize.

Posted by: Black JEM at September 01, 2024 12:58 PM (9j0Kf)

122 117

I must admit my prejudice against MBAs.
Posted by: mustbequantum at September

Some of us are okay. But then again, I don’t know how to mow a lawn, so maybe not!

Posted by: Piper at September 01, 2024 12:59 PM (aT5K/)

123 I was too late with the blinker fluid but this is funny:

https://youtu.be/VikjL2G2XAs

Posted by: Ciampino - Si Ispettore, e molto imbarazzante #04 at September 01, 2024 12:59 PM (qfLjt)

124 Place called Yak and Yeti serving Himalayan food. Loved it.
Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 01, 2024 12:27 PM

Did you try both? Sounds like a great story for the Food Thread!

Posted by: Duncanthrax at September 01, 2024 01:00 PM (a3Q+t)

125 I'm down to working on only on things that allow me to stand or sit. Body is just too broken down now. I can change my car's oil and filters, both oil and air, but that's about all I can do. The filters are on to of the engine and I draw the old oil out through the dip stick. I used to change the fuel filter but that is just too complicated now. Brake or tire work is right out.

Posted by: javems at September 01, 2024 01:00 PM (8I4hW)

126 Per CBD: "But one day that call will go unanswered ..."

That day is, unfortunately, already here in too many places across the 'America That Used To Be' (but can be again ... ).

Posted by: Dr_No at September 01, 2024 01:00 PM (ayRl+)

127
I can't say I loved my time working on oil rigs, but-

it certainly was incentive to make sure I worked hard to wind up with a good paying job that I enjoyed.

But, that goes for all the other crappy little jobs I did like mowing lawns since I was ten or eleven.

The point though is that it was easy to get a job if you wanted one as a kid or teen. These days it's not so much that teens don't want jobs, though there is that, but stores, etc actually don't want high school kids.

They refuse to hire them.

Posted by: naturalfake at September 01, 2024 01:00 PM (eDfFs)

128 Frank Lloyd Wright used to design unbuildable structures but the contractors could save his bacon with their tricks. Sometimes.

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle at September 01, 2024 01:01 PM (SGXju)

129
BREAKING

National Park Kills Again; Officials Powerless To Stop Carnage

North Carolina hiker dies at Grand Canyon National Park during solo trek, believed to be 6th fatality in weeks-
60-year-old hiker believed to be 14th fatality at Grand Canyon National Park this year

Posted by: Don Black at September 01, 2024 01:01 PM (/7KEl)

130 One thing that gets missed in all this is that a lot of leftwingers I know seem to think everyone except them LOVES working.

It isn't fair that Mr Hardworker is making all this money...he likes getting up at 6 AM and working until 8 PM I'd rather spend the time on my hobbies!

And...they don't get that Mr Hardworker made the decision to prioritize work over fun things because he wants the income and in this in turn benefits society as a whole whereas their gay slash fan fic or stoned x-box gaming does not.

Posted by: 18-1 at September 01, 2024 01:02 PM (oZhjI)

131 North Carolina hiker dies at Grand Canyon National Park during solo trek, believed to be 6th fatality in weeks-

Any sort of solo hike dramatically increases the risks...

Posted by: 18-1 at September 01, 2024 01:03 PM (oZhjI)

132 >>>Legendary aircraft designer Kelley Johnson
-------------------

Wasn't it the P-38 that went from idea to combat in one year?

Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 01:03 PM (p0sYx)

133 That's a great image of the lady looking at the guy using his laptop.

"It sure is taking him a long time to use the online tool to schedule an appointment to have the headlights of his Jeep adjusted. Also it's such a shame he's gay."

Posted by: Boron Cobbie at September 01, 2024 01:03 PM (DTrt9)

134 I mow our lawn. We have a very large area to mow and I take care of that while Hubbymayhem is working. I don't do the string trimmer because it hurts my shoulder something awful. But mowing is two hours of motorized meditation. For many years it was quite literally the only time in a week that I didn't hear a little yelling Mom! If I suggest that Hubbymayhem do the mowing this week he looks alarmed and asks me what is wrong.
Posted by: Madamemayhem
---
I hadn't done any yard work in about 20 years when I bought SiD (Half) Acres. It surprised me that I sort of enjoy mowing the yard. It is excellent introvert time. And I can look around and tell that I've accomplished something. Still trying to get a handle on other yard maintenance...

But as for fixing stuff, nah, I'm hopeless with tools, except I wield a mighty Allen wrench to assemble flat pack furniture. I wish I could develop some skillz but I'm probably too old and clumsy.

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 01, 2024 01:04 PM (iZbyp)

135 If the lower picture is AI generated then maybe the upper one is too.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at September 01, 2024 01:05 PM (dg+HA)

136 North Carolina hiker dies at Grand Canyon National Park during solo trek, believed to be 6th fatality in weeks-
60-year-old hiker believed to be 14th fatality at Grand Canyon National Park this year

Posted by: Don Black at September 01, 2024 01:01 PM (/7KEl)

Might want to start putting Covid Vaccine Warning signs at the start of Hikes?

Posted by: Romeo13 at September 01, 2024 01:05 PM (xaFKb)

137 If the lower picture is AI generated then maybe the upper one is too.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at September 01, 2024 01:05 PM (dg+HA)

Nope.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 01, 2024 01:06 PM (d9fT1)

138 113 ...Fast forward… I’ve been in the tech field as an engineer for decades, on the design side. We design engineers get snooty and sometimes forget that someone actually has to build/produce these designs. I’ve always found it good to regularly walk down to the manufacturing areas and actually look at hardware… it helps. Posted by: LinusVanPelt at September 01, 2024 12:43 PM (6RwsA)

Legendary aircraft designer Kelley Johnson, had it hard-written into his contract, when Lockheed brought him in to run their vaunted Skunk Works (mostly Top Secret) aircraft development and fabrication shop.

"It" being, of course, that the Design Engineering staff (and their desks) were to be on the same floor as the Manufacturing Lines. Constant and near instant fabricator to engineer consultation and "fixes" on the fly. Figure out what's needed, prototype & prove it, then have the engineers "draw" the design and write the specs, and send that solution out to the floor, for production.

All while "agile" would be tripping over it's own shoelaces.

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
Posted by: Jim at September 01, 2024 12:53 PM (kQgoX)

"Agile". Must be Italian.

Posted by: Darrell Harris at September 01, 2024 01:06 PM (2ex5N)

139 BREAKING

National Park Kills Again; Officials Powerless To Stop Carnage

North Carolina hiker dies at Grand Canyon National Park during solo trek, believed to be 6th fatality in weeks-
60-year-old hiker believed to be 14th fatality at Grand Canyon National Park this year

Posted by: Don Black at September 01, 2024 01:01 PM (/7KEl)

What is it about this stupid desire to "touch grass" on a canyon floor with temps well over a hundred. And depending on where you go your little cell phone won't work and it's easy to get lost.

And no water but a single small bottle of Evian.

Good luck! You might as well go hiking in Death Valley or the Sahara.

Posted by: naturalfake at September 01, 2024 01:06 PM (eDfFs)

140 National Park Kills Again; Officials Powerless To Stop Carnage

North Carolina hiker dies at Grand Canyon National Park during solo trek, believed to be 6th fatality in weeks-
60-year-old hiker believed to be 14th fatality at Grand Canyon National Park this year

Posted by: Don Black at September 01, 2024 01:01 PM (/7KEl)

Grand Canyon is just a big-ass hole in the ground. We need to ring it with signs: "Open Excavation, Keep Clear!" Until we can fill it in, of course.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 01, 2024 01:06 PM (R9HLv)

141 >>> he wants the income and in this in turn benefits society as a whole whereas their gay slash fan fic or stoned x-box gaming does not.
Posted by: 18-1
-------------------

Delayed gratification pays compound interest.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 01:06 PM (p0sYx)

142 If the lower picture is AI generated then maybe the upper one is too.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty

-

I think it looks bad enough that it's probably real life.

Looking at the coffee shop one I'm not sure that's even a laptop, which is pretty neat. They might have spent the morning balancing a thin aluminum rectangle.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie at September 01, 2024 01:07 PM (DTrt9)

143 the mistake people make when they visit the American West is that they are going to have that unique outdoor experience, because TV and magazines make it look so easy-

the truth is, many are under-prepared, and there are a thousand ways to die out here

Posted by: Don Black at September 01, 2024 01:07 PM (/7KEl)

144 I think having a parent that can do hands-on stuff really informs your attitude towards labor.
Our dads were a) a doctor and b) a sportscaster/TV exec, but they were both very good craftsmen, and passed on their skills.
I apprenticed with my husband who is great about building me things, or turning me loose with the tools to build what I want.

Posted by: sal at September 01, 2024 01:07 PM (bx3Km)

145 It's best to hike the Grand Canyon when your young

Posted by: Skip at September 01, 2024 01:07 PM (fwDg9)

146 "It" being, of course, that the Design Engineering staff (and their desks) were to be on the same floor as the Manufacturing Lines. Constant and near instant fabricator to engineer consultation and "fixes" on the fly. Figure out what's needed, prototype & prove it, then have the engineers "draw" the design and write the specs, and send that solution out to the floor, for production.

All while "agile" would be tripping over it's own shoelaces.
Posted by: Jim at September 01, 2024 12:53 PM

Actually, that's a pretty good picture of how "agile" is supposed to work.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at September 01, 2024 01:07 PM (a3Q+t)

147 The picture up top is the base of our new Rail Gun. Barrel is being delivered on Tuesday. After that-watch out!

Posted by: Franz Liebkind at September 01, 2024 01:07 PM (CV8a5)

148 Not pathetic. Just different.
I grew up on a farm in Indiana in the 1970's. We lived by the rule "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without". Everbody had a job to do. Whether it was mowing, or weeding the veggie garden, or hanging clothes on the line, or whatever else mom and dad told us to do. I spent many a summer day in the hay field. Spent a few days at Grandpa's little private sawmill dragging off cuts out of the way and stacking them. That got tricky when he had the bull in the pasture where the mill was set up.
My kids never had to do any of that. We call it progress and think it's a better life for them. I wonder sometimes if maybe that's wrong.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 01, 2024 01:08 PM (4XwPj)

149 Willowed:

Naturalflake, I remember going on a Peter Devries kick got to be forty, fifty years ago I think.
Don't remember anything specific except that they were funny, good reads.
And really, that's pretty much all I was looking for, and still am.

Posted by: From about That Time at September 01, 2024 11:53 AM (4780s)

I'm a different sort of comic beast, but-

Peter DeVries is one of my Writing-Fathers.

He reading him is always great fun, and a master class in how to write a comic novel.

Posted by: naturalfake at September 01, 2024 01:08 PM (eDfFs)

150 the mistake people make when they visit the American West is that they are going to have that unique outdoor experience, because TV and magazines make it look so easy-

the truth is, many are under-prepared, and there are a thousand ways to die out here
Posted by: Don Black

--

It happens everywhere, from state parks to sports stadiums. Lots of people have been conditioned to believe everywhere is similar to Disneyworld and they don't have a concept of danger.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie at September 01, 2024 01:09 PM (DTrt9)

151 Our Explorer has a 'cartridge' style oil filter. It's a PITA to change, so I have one of those instant oil change places deal with it. I doubt I could crawl under it to get to the oil pan drain plug anyway. I can sit in the car while they do their thing and bug out on my smartphone.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 01, 2024 01:09 PM (Q4IgG)

152 I did some hanyman work here over the summer. First client said he had THREE people that would make excuse after excuse not to: water new gras seedings, put up trip, towel racks, repair water hose, clean around house and storage shed for $18 an hour. Second client paid around $25 an hour to take down old exterior witing, remove a satelite dish and reinstal a different setup. Yeah, i did my stint as a 16 year old making pizza. Then mucked stalls for just enogh money in college to buy a pizza and 6 pack of beer.

Posted by: Cicero Kaboom! Kid at September 01, 2024 01:09 PM (hirWM)

153 "It" being, of course, that the Design Engineering staff (and their desks) were to be on the same floor as the Manufacturing Lines. Constant and near instant fabricator to engineer consultation and "fixes" on the fly. Figure out what's needed, prototype & prove it, then have the engineers "draw" the design and write the specs, and send that solution out to the floor, for production.

All while "agile" would be tripping over it's own shoelaces.

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
Posted by: Jim at September 01, 2024 12:53 PM (kQgoX)
***

I worked with the Boeing Phantom Works for a couple years on a couple projects. Some of the engineers hated it when some joker like me would walk in, look at the really crazy and fantastic stuff they were doing, and then ask a really obvious, "user-level" question.
Case in point: "So what do you do when some private has to check the oil and spills some? How do gou clean it up?"

Posted by: Diogenes at September 01, 2024 01:10 PM (W/lyH)

154 Another interesting part of labor that lefties generally don't get is how it gets valued.

"It isn't fair a teacher only makes X while a celebrity makes Y!" And then you'll find out...they follow that celebrity and pay for their movies/concerts/merch. YOU choose that. Stop giving Taylor Swift your money and her income will go down, voluntarily give it to the teachers you think are underpaid and their income will go up...

Posted by: 18-1 at September 01, 2024 01:10 PM (oZhjI)

155 We have a postage stamp and a battery operated lawn mower. But nope! It’s pathetic, I know.
Posted by: Piper at September 01, 2024 12:58 PM (aT5K/)

I mowed my dad's huge lawn one time as a kid...it was a great experience to know I could earn money some other way than getting hot and sweaty with blisters on my hands.

After that one mow, I told my younger brother he could have the $20/week job (b/c it was passed down kid to kid as the higher kid found work), and I started work at 13 as a evening receptionist at the Church, followed by babysitting, and lifeguarding (once I was "of age" at 15) for high school.

Posted by: Nova Local at September 01, 2024 01:11 PM (exHjb)

156 I wish I could develop some skillz but I'm probably too old and clumsy.
Posted by: screaming in digital at September 01, 2024 01:04 PM

Have you considered applying to the Ewok Shelving Construction Apprentice Program?

Posted by: Duncanthrax at September 01, 2024 01:11 PM (a3Q+t)

157 125
I can't even do my own oil now: arthritic hands, can't stand too long and cataracts.

Posted by: Ciampino - Si Ispettore, e molto imbarazzante #05 at September 01, 2024 01:11 PM (qfLjt)

158 the truth is, many are under-prepared, and there are a thousand ways to die out here

I've hiked a fair amount in the East, but not the West. I assume the lack of water and trees make heat exhaustion a much much bigger danger. Also, most areas in the east aren't that far from some sort of help.

Posted by: 18-1 at September 01, 2024 01:11 PM (oZhjI)

159 The point though is that it was easy to get a job if you wanted one as a kid or teen. These days it's not so much that teens don't want jobs, though there is that, but stores, etc actually don't want high school kids.

They refuse to hire them.
Posted by: naturalfake at September 01, 2024 01:00 PM (eDfFs)

100000% true. You are unemployable in most states until you're 18, unless you know someone (or can swim, b/c lifeguarding still seems like the one place teens get hired b/c illegals can't get certified).

Posted by: Nova Local at September 01, 2024 01:13 PM (exHjb)

160 Grand Canyon is just a big-ass hole in the ground. We need to ring it with signs: "Open Excavation, Keep Clear!" Until we can fill it in, of course.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 01, 2024 01:06 PM (R9HLv)

I was lucky enough to be able to do some hiking there when I lived in Arizona, but it’s a place that demands respect. Get off the trails, and there’s a lot of loose rock and 400 foot cliffs everywhere.

Posted by: Tom Servo at September 01, 2024 01:13 PM (S6gqv)

161 137 If the lower picture is AI generated then maybe the upper one is too.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at September 01, 2024 01:05 PM (dg+HA)

Nope.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo
----------------------------------

Mr. SloppyShop sez, that maintenance box on casters has its cable unnecessarily laid across the tracks and that tarp thing on the tracks too. na na

Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 01:13 PM (p0sYx)

162 Have you considered applying to the Ewok Shelving Construction Apprentice Program?
Posted by: Duncanthrax
---
Me with power tools? The carnage would be epic!

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 01, 2024 01:13 PM (iZbyp)

163 @ 143 ... "the truth is, many are under-prepared, and there are a thousand ways to die out here" ...

Say 'scorpion' or 'tarantula' or 'rattlesnake' or ... seemsayin'? It ain't always the 'big stuff' that'll do ya in ... sometimes all it takes is a broken ankle from a single mis-step. That's when y' hear the theme from 'Cops' ask 'Bad boy, bad boy, what'cha gonna do?' ... and there ain't no one gonna come for you out there.

Posted by: Dr_No at September 01, 2024 01:13 PM (ayRl+)

164 ...Wasn't it the P-38 that went from idea to combat in one year? Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 01:03 PM (p0sYx)

P-51A. Brits commissioned North American Aviation to give 'em something to arm up with, quick-like, PRONTO! Same Allison engine as the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, IIRC?

Contract to first flight, in what... five or seven months?

Allison engine, the '51 didn't see it's Glory Days really unfold until the Brits stuffed a Merlin under the cowl.

Inside Baserbawl. "North American" is the name the Dutch aircraft company "Fokker" adopted, when Fokker moved to the USA post WWI. Which is why a heretofore unknown aircraft company could produce the T-6 Texan trainer and P-51 Mustang, seemingly out of thin air.

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at September 01, 2024 01:14 PM (kQgoX)

165 I look forward to being able to mow. The yard is 5 acres and the pasture is 55. Peaceful.

Posted by: Ben Had at September 01, 2024 01:15 PM (WbH4L)

166 I can't say I loved my time working on oil rigs, but-
---
Speaking of oil rigs... for us 'ettes...

https://tinyurl.com/yck6htuv

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 01, 2024 01:15 PM (iZbyp)

167 Our culture and society is bankrupt. We deny our traditions and celebrate what past generations declared to be obscene. Drag queens, drugs, queers, quotas, welfare. The norm. Duty, honor, country-are you kidding-get high. We are headed for a Cuban society. Glad my dad didn't see this and I am happy that I will not see what the USA will be like in 30 years.

Posted by: Jane at September 01, 2024 01:15 PM (bXvrr)

168 Quality Digest, 01/20/2020 'Best Practices for Heavy Equipment Manufacturing, Inspection, and Quality Control
Plasser American uses FARO laser projection and laser scanner technology to improve efficiency and increase throughput'

Interesting article. Photo, above, is related to the article. "The PAC team invested in the FARO FocusM 70 laser scanner and a FARO TracerSI imaging laser projector."

Posted by: L - If they'll do it with you, they'll do it to you, too at September 01, 2024 01:15 PM (NFX2v)

169 Delayed gratification pays compound interest.
Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 01:06 PM (p0sYx)

That's not always true. Sometimes it just leads to an empty, meaningless and joyless life.

Posted by: Keep delaying and it never arrives at September 01, 2024 01:16 PM (tMq8W)

170 Exposure and falls kill a lot of people out here

Posted by: Don Black at September 01, 2024 01:17 PM (/7KEl)

171 The Grand Canyon?
Looks like a good place to throw used razor blades.

Posted by: W. C. Fields at September 01, 2024 01:17 PM (dg+HA)

172 "It isn't fair a teacher only makes X while a celebrity makes Y!"

-

All while ignoring that one teacher makes as much as the median household income in the U.S.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie is a no-spat bullsh*tter who loves everyone at September 01, 2024 01:18 PM (6S84Y)

173 148 d to do any of that. We call it progress and think it's a better life for them. I wonder sometimes if maybe that's wrong.
Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September

I hate the word privilege has been usurped. I grew up privileged. Not bazillionaire, or anything close, my daddy was an army officer. We lived in nice houses in nice neighborhoods. I got my first pony at 8. My parents made sure I had what I needed, maybe not top of the line, but good. We got cars when we turned 16. I always appreciated it, though. Well, there is one story I am embarrassed about, but I will have to tell you that in person. 😂

My kids wanted for nothing. They had horses, but they had to get up and clean stalls, feed, etc. my kids were traumatized by my stall inspections. It’s because I had a German dressage instructor, Ben Had would get it. Remember no wire hangers? I was NO POOP particles. Clean shavings. No discoloration. None. Or else. Hahaha.

Posted by: Piper at September 01, 2024 01:18 PM (/sySz)

174 I remember reading some pulp SF novel years ago about a hardbitten operative in some secretive anti-crime unit in NYC called, appropriately enough, NYPD 2025. It was written by George H. Smith using a pseudonym

And I remember thinking at the time wow this is so over the top with elites in sex cults killing people with impunity and crime and corruption everywhere and now...now...it doesn't seem quite so out there...

Note it isn't a particularly good book - I'm just more taken by how prophetic it was.

Posted by: 18-1 at September 01, 2024 01:20 PM (oZhjI)

175 Speaking of oil rigs... for us 'ettes...

https://tinyurl.com/yck6htuv
Posted by: screaming in digital at September 01, 2024 01:15 PM (iZbyp)

They don't much use spinning chains anymore. They claimed a lot of fingers. New rigs are pretty much fully automated. Driller does it all by working joysticks on a control console.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 01, 2024 01:20 PM (R9HLv)

176 ...Actually, that's a pretty good picture of how "agile" is supposed to work. Posted by: Duncanthrax at September 01, 2024 01:07 PM (a3Q+t)

Operative word being: "supposed to".

Now, add in the layer of the paperwork to document how the agile process was used to facilitate the actions.

And "agile", no longer is.

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at September 01, 2024 01:22 PM (kQgoX)

177 *Driller does it all by working joysticks on a control console.*

The Paolo, he, how you say...

Posted by: The Paolo at September 01, 2024 01:22 PM (dg+HA)

178 A couple of jobs ago, I was a QC manager. Instead of sitting at my desk and trying to come up with more ways to do the impossible (other departments were failing to do their jobs, which limited my ability to do mine), I'd go sweep the shop floor.

When the manager is sweeping the shop floor, it sends a signal to everybody else - I'm not above this, so neither are you.

Sometimes the attitude problem is actually a leadership problem.

Posted by: Cato, Post-Apocalyptic Scourge of the Seas at September 01, 2024 01:25 PM (gJKGU)

179 Speaking of oil rigs... for us 'ettes...

https://tinyurl.com/yck6htuv
Posted by: screaming in digital at September 01, 2024 01:15 PM

Manly men doing manly things? The horror!

That's not who we are!

Posted by: Women of the Democrat Party at September 01, 2024 01:25 PM (a3Q+t)

180 Our Explorer has a 'cartridge' style oil filter. It's a PITA to change...

-

I recently helped a neighbor who is trying to become more handy (best economy ever, jack!) change the oil on a late-ish model Hyundai with a cartridge filter. It was so well placed right smack in the top front - and he already had it on ramps - that it probably took me longer to get the tools together and walk over to his place than it did to change the oil.

The best part was the confidence boost it gave him. Those small victories add up fast.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie is a no-spat bullsh*tter who loves everyone at September 01, 2024 01:26 PM (6S84Y)

181
the mistake people make when they visit the American West is that they are going to have that unique outdoor experience, because TV and magazines make it look so easy-

the truth is, many are under-prepared, and there are a thousand ways to die out here
Posted by: Don Black

The New Yorker vision was true?

https://t.ly/NozVx

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at September 01, 2024 01:27 PM (63Dwl)

182 59
'In my experience, the unionized shops had the laziest, most ineffectual employees I had to deal with.'

Of course. Because so many unions are anti-productivity. This does little to protect workers but does guarantee hostility from management.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at September 01, 2024 01:27 PM (3wi/L)

183 >>> 139
==
What is it about this stupid desire to "touch grass" on a canyon floor with temps well over a hundred. And depending on where you go your little cell phone won't work and it's easy to get lost.

And no water but a single small bottle of Evian.

Good luck! You might as well go hiking in Death Valley or the Sahara.
Posted by: naturalfake at September 01, 2024 01:06 PM (eDfFs)

When I was not yet 29, I knew someone who worked at the Grand Canyon. You will probably not be shocked that I heard many stories about idiots carrying little to no hydrating fluids of any sort who thought they would hike down and back up in a day, instead being chased back up to the rim before they could achieve Darwin Awards.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at September 01, 2024 01:27 PM (FnneF)

184 I just laugh anymore when my small engine repair guy tells me how to fix it myself.

Posted by: Ben Had at September 01, 2024 01:28 PM (WbH4L)

185 Speaking of, I saw that OReillys has five quarts of full synthetic for under $30 as a regular price. I asked the cashier who made it and he said the buzz is Havoline but there's nothing definite.

It's $5-$7 cheaper than the conventional Castrol and Havoline, so it seems like a great deal.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie is a no-spat bullsh*tter who loves everyone at September 01, 2024 01:28 PM (6S84Y)

186 The point though is that it was easy to get a job if you wanted one as a kid or teen. These days it's not so much that teens don't want jobs, though there is that, but stores, etc actually don't want high school kids.

They refuse to hire them.
=====

Had to call one of my kids' bosses (while she was dealing with school excuses) because of two funerals and a wake over one weekend. The guy unloaded on me big time for irresponsible kids, etc. 'Sir, we have a lot more calls to make and we called as a courtesy so you would have time to make other arrangements rather than disappear.' Bless her heart, she called herself the next day between family stuff, and resigned.

Hearing the 'kids today are irresponsible' always sets my teeth on edge because I remember how hard they worked to make sure they covered shifts.

Posted by: mustbequantum at September 01, 2024 01:28 PM (eRfHZ)

187
My kids wanted for nothing. They had horses, but they had to get up and clean stalls, feed, etc. my kids were traumatized by my stall inspections. It’s because I had a German dressage instructor, Ben Had would get it. Remember no wire hangers? I was NO POOP particles. Clean shavings. No discoloration. None. Or else. Hahaha.

Posted by: Piper

One of the very best recycling programs I've seen is at the Santa Anita Racetrack where they reuse the bedding straw they use in the stalls. It is changed frequently, because you don't want multi-million dollar horses bedding in dirty straw. The straw is taken to a mushroom farm, "cooked" for ten days in a dark building, then it gets used as mushroom growth medium through 3 cycles of growing. When it's depleted, it's rich black material that is then brought back to the track to be used as mulch in their extensive landscaping and flower beds. I thought it was a cool idea.

Posted by: Post Time! at September 01, 2024 01:30 PM (CV8a5)

188 FedGov was excited to use "agile" project management. Except there's nothing remotely agile about FedGov.

So, it was exactly the dumpster fire you'd think it was.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 01, 2024 01:30 PM (Q4IgG)

189
Had to call one of my kids' bosses (while she was dealing with school excuses) because of two funerals and a wake over one weekend. The guy unloaded on me big time for irresponsible kids, etc. 'Sir, we have a lot more calls to make and we called as a courtesy so you would have time to make other arrangements rather than disappear.'

-

He'd probably been holding onto that rant for years but never got a chance to use it because everyone else just no-showed without a word.

Posted by: Boron Cobbie is a no-spat bullsh*tter who loves everyone at September 01, 2024 01:31 PM (6S84Y)

190 I'll do you one better; agriculture work. If you look at photos of farm workers in FL in the 50s, you'd see some blacks. I worked with pickers that raised their families on fruit picker wages. And the packing shed I worked in had a lot of older women that started there after high school. By the time I left, it was mostly Mexican workers.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 01, 2024 01:31 PM (MpVUb)

191 Operative word being: "supposed to".

Now, add in the layer of the paperwork to document how the agile process was used to facilitate the actions.
And "agile", no longer is.
Posted by: Jim at September 01, 2024 01:22 PM

I've been brought in to coach agile development in software in many companies. While individual projects were very successful, no organization succeeded in (or, in truth, wanted to) become agile. I would observe that "Agile isn't something you do, it's something you are."

There were always at least one or two that 'got it' about agile, and they would complain about the organization not getting it. To them, I would observe "You can change your company, or you can change your company."

They universally chose the second.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at September 01, 2024 01:32 PM (a3Q+t)

192 “A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”
― Robert A. Heinlein

Posted by: Aviator at September 01, 2024 01:32 PM (HQ9Sl)

193 Note it isn't a particularly good book - I'm just more taken by how prophetic it was.
Posted by: 18-1

Reminds me of a book I read way back in the 90's. It was from a used book store. Can't remember the name or author. A General is retired against his will because he keeps yapping about terrorism and how vulnerable the US is to it. He gets crazy and hires a mercenary to carry out the General's own plan. Merc recruits terrorists from IRA, muslims, and Germany. They blow up the bridges and tunnels to Manhattan island kill the power and water and issue demand for hundreds of millions of dollars. City and Feds cave, hand over the cash and terrorists split the money and leave on the Concord. Merc that arranged it all kills the Concord with a missile provided by the General and gets most of the money and complete anonymity. He goes on about his life rich and banging the General's daughter. General offs himself to avoid dishonor and a bunch of terrorists get blowed up real good.
I thought of that book on 9/11.
Life sometimes imitates bad fiction.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 01, 2024 01:33 PM (4XwPj)

194 Post Time, I .went back to using straw. Better for halting erosion and doesn't deplete the soil.

Posted by: Ben Had at September 01, 2024 01:33 PM (WbH4L)

195 FedGov was excited to use "agile" project management. Except there's nothing remotely agile about FedGov.

So, it was exactly the dumpster fire you'd think it was.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 01, 2024 01:30 PM (Q4IgG)

Most of those cutesy acronyms are bullshit. It's just buzzwords for incompetent managers to latch onto, and a way for consultants and seminar speakers to stay in business.

Posted by: Cato, Post-Apocalyptic Scourge of the Seas at September 01, 2024 01:33 PM (gJKGU)

196 Tangentially, Edgar Schmued [designer of the P-51] left his native Germany for Brazil in 1925, ... In 1931, he was sponsored to move to the United States ... (immigration rules were extremely strict at that time - he was one of 794 people admitted in the quota).
---

TOTAL: 794 people allowed to immigrate into the US in 1931.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 01:34 PM (p0sYx)

197
When the manager is sweeping the shop floor, it sends a signal to everybody else - I'm not above this, so neither are you.

_____________

I went to pick up an order at our favorite Cajun restaurant. The girl at the window went back and the manager brought the order up. He tried ringing the charge up but was having a problem. Meanwhile the girl came back so I mock roared at the manager, "You don't know what you're doing, do you?" Everyone laughed and the girl quickly rang me up.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 01:34 PM (1Nxff)

198 165 I look forward to being able to mow. The yard is 5 acres and the pasture is 55. Peaceful.
Posted by: Ben Had at September 01, 2024

This is how I felt about getting up at o’dark 30 and feeding everyone, pretending all the nickers were because they loved me and not because I had the food cart. I think I am a dichotomy. On one hand, I have had this really interesting, cool life. On the other, I had the absolute garbage beat out of me and lost it all. Literally burnt to the ground and maybe even some digging. And now I don’t have a real job, but can do it because J provides a very nice house where I don’t have to pay for anything, but it’s not mine. Anyway, this isn’t about me. It’s about our country and working hard and appreciating that. I have incredible respect for those out there hustling, and the things you do, Ben Had? Holy smokes. You are inspirational.

Posted by: Piper at September 01, 2024 01:34 PM (aT5K/)

199 FedGov was excited to use "agile" project management. Except there's nothing remotely agile about FedGov.

So, it was exactly the dumpster fire you'd think it was.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 01, 2024 01:30 PM

One can say the same about State and local government organizations, as well IME.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at September 01, 2024 01:35 PM (a3Q+t)

200 Thanks for finding the article. It looks like some kind of rail car rig possibly for laying/replacing/aligning rail ties.

Posted by: pawn at September 01, 2024 01:35 PM (QB+5g)

201 Now, add in the layer of the paperwork to document how the agile process was used to facilitate the actions.

And "agile", no longer is.

As applied to software development, I would say that in an ideal agile environment, management has almost no purpose except to decide what the end product should be. Of course, management can't justify its existence with just that so they have to be seen "managing" the process.

Posted by: Oddbob at September 01, 2024 01:35 PM (/y8xj)

202 Posted by: screaming in digital

Mmm, yummy. Have them scrubbed and sent to my chamber. I will apply the scented oils personally.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 01, 2024 01:36 PM (4XwPj)

203 The top pic looks like the frame for 09-16 DYNA C-A-T. A continuous -action-tamper for railroad track.

Posted by: t-dubya-d at September 01, 2024 01:38 PM (RjlXJ)

204 Mmm, yummy. Have them scrubbed and sent to my chamber. I will apply the scented oils personally.
Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 01, 2024 01:36 PM

In ecru, taupe, fawn, or seafoam loin cloths, Madam?

Posted by: Duncanthrax at September 01, 2024 01:39 PM (a3Q+t)

205 : Notsothoreau, I can't find information on ivermectin in Mexico.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 01:39 PM (p0sYx)

206
And I remember thinking at the time wow this is so over the top with elites in sex cults killing people with impunity and crime and corruption everywhere and now...now...it doesn't seem quite so out there...

_________

I do not think there are elite cabals reenacting The 120 Days of Sodom. But I would not be surprised if we learned one day there are elite cabals reenacting The 120 Days of Sodom.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 01:39 PM (1Nxff)

207 And I remember thinking at the time wow this is so over the top with elites in sex cults killing people with impunity and crime and corruption everywhere and now...now...it doesn't seem quite so out there...

Note it isn't a particularly good book - I'm just more taken by how prophetic it was.
Posted by: 18-1 at September 01, 2024 01:20 PM (oZhjI)

Yesterday's dystopias are today's reality.

Posted by: Cato, Post-Apocalyptic Scourge of the Seas at September 01, 2024 01:41 PM (gJKGU)

208 When I was not yet 29, I knew someone who worked at the Grand Canyon. You will probably not be shocked that I heard many stories about idiots carrying little to no hydrating fluids of any sort who thought they would hike down and back up in a day, instead being chased back up to the rim before they could achieve Darwin Awards.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket
---
I visited the North Rim about 15 years ago and did some solo hiking. Which is probably stupid... but I'm a day hiker only, I know my limits, always carry water and food, etc. I did hike a ways below the rim, always remembering that I had to conserve some energy to come back up... I had a nice chat with a Ranger on the way back up. I think he thought I was dying because I get very red-faced when I exercise; but I was ok. I found the descent harder than the ascent; harder on the knees and ankles, and I slid a couple times on the sandy trail, fortunately falling straight back on my ass each time.

I hiked for a total of about 8 hours that day. When I got back to the car I opened the hatch, sat down and ate a PB sammich. It tasted as good as a steak after that.

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 01, 2024 01:41 PM (iZbyp)

209
This is how I felt about getting up at o’dark 30 and feeding everyone, pretending all the nickers were because they loved me and not because I had the food cart.

_________

I get up at o'dark 30 to take care of everyone and I know damn well it's because I'm feeding them.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 01:42 PM (1Nxff)

210 204 In ecru, taupe, fawn, or seafoam loin cloths, Madam?
Posted by: Duncanthrax at September

Having nothing to do with anything, but my picture of MM is always in bright, bold colored, flowy skirts and tops, leather sandals and just looking like a cross between a Gypsy and the person you go to when you need the best cup of tea and a welcoming kitchen table ever.

What, y’all don’t imagine what we look like based on our posts? Just me?

Posted by: Piper at September 01, 2024 01:42 PM (p4NUW)

211 Mmm, yummy. Have them scrubbed and sent to my chamber. I will apply the scented oils personally.
Posted by: Madamemayhem
---
I think he needs to lose the shirt. It could get caught in something. Safety first!

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 01, 2024 01:43 PM (iZbyp)

212 I hiked for a total of about 8 hours that day. When I got back to the car I opened the hatch, sat down and ate a PB sammich. It tasted as good as a steak after that.

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 01, 2024 01:41 PM (iZbyp)

I have never hiked the North Rim...I am jealous.

But I can confirm how good that first meal was after the South Rim!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 01, 2024 01:44 PM (d9fT1)

213 I thank John Deere for the technological advances of the "gator" because it sure beats the hell out of pushing a wheelbarrow

Posted by: Ben Had at September 01, 2024 01:44 PM (WbH4L)

214
What, y’all don’t imagine what we look like based on our posts? Just me?
Posted by: Piper at September 01, 2024 01:42 PM (p4NUW)

_________

Based on that, you are Beauty's pride, Madame.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 01:44 PM (1Nxff)

215 In ecru, taupe, fawn, or seafoam loin cloths, Madam?
Posted by: Duncanthrax

You're adorable. None of the above.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 01, 2024 01:44 PM (4XwPj)

216 I have never hiked the North Rim...I am jealous.

But I can confirm how good that first meal was after the South Rim!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo
---
I was enroute to Anaheim from Laramie for a library conference. Made a few stops along the way for hiking. I had originally planned to spend a day at the North Rim and a day at the South Rim. After talking with the Ranger, I did a 2nd day at the North Rim and skipped the South Rim altogether. No regerts!

Posted by: screaming in digital at September 01, 2024 01:47 PM (iZbyp)

217 Mexican study in ivermectin and cancer:

https://tinyurl.com/76kat3mk

Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 01, 2024 01:47 PM (MpVUb)

218 Thanks

Posted by: Braenyard at September 01, 2024 01:48 PM (p0sYx)

219
North Rim >>>> South Rim

The north is 1000 feet higher and totally different.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 01:48 PM (1Nxff)

220 174. George H. Smith using a pseudonym
=====
Really? George H. Smith needs a pseudonym? He was born with one.

Posted by: From about That Time at September 01, 2024 01:49 PM (4780s)

221 "The top pic looks like the frame for 09-16 DYNA C-A-T. A continuous -action-tamper for railroad track."

Very close, it has that alignment carriage but not the big overhead arch frame. Probably does the same thing.

Good call!!!

Posted by: pawn at September 01, 2024 01:49 PM (QB+5g)

222 Having worked steadily since I was 14 years old, I do not understand the idea that kids shouldn't work or that any job that pays money is somehow beneath anyone. I bussed tables, worked in a kitchen, washed dishes, made soap, cleaned toilets, and even pulled staples for microfilming for heaven's sake. Paid for college, kept a roof over my head and food on the table.

Now as a professional, I tip well because I used to be that person. Why on earth is that so difficult for today's kids to grasp?

Posted by: tcn in AK, Hail to the Thief at September 01, 2024 01:50 PM (sRfrW)

223 The conclusion in the Mexican study confirms what was denied during covid was bullshit.

Posted by: DanMan at September 01, 2024 01:50 PM (8uzBS)

224 What, y’all don’t imagine what we look like based on our posts? Just me?
Posted by: Piper at September 01, 2024 01:42 PM

Speaking for the 'rons, we're just thinking about your eyes, because that's the only portion we look at.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at September 01, 2024 01:50 PM (a3Q+t)

225 I can tell you why they don't hire high school kids: child labor laws.

I used to work cherry harvest in the packing shed. You work 10 hour days, 7 days a week until done, usually about 21 days. When I started, there were still high school kids working. The Oregon changed the law. Now there were limits on the hours per day and required days off after so many days. And it was impacted by the school year. Really a mess, so they stopped hiring the kids.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 01, 2024 01:51 PM (MpVUb)

226 my picture of MM is always in bright, bold colored, flowy skirts and tops, leather sandals and just looking like a cross between a Gypsy and the person you go to when you need the best cup of tea and a welcoming kitchen table ever.

What, y’all don’t imagine what we look like based on our posts? Just me?
Posted by: Piper

I actually do wear a lime green gypsy style skirt and pair it with a bright pink oversized t-shirt. My sandals are black flip flops though I'm usually barefoot.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 01, 2024 01:52 PM (4XwPj)

227 That covid blog has links to other studies. The fact is that they don't want ivermectin to be effective because it's cheap.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 01, 2024 01:52 PM (MpVUb)

228 Day off, hahahahaha!

Posted by: Ben Had at September 01, 2024 01:53 PM (WbH4L)

229
Speaking for the 'rons, we're just thinking about your eyes, because that's the only portion we look at.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at September 01, 2024 01:50 PM (a3Q+t)

___________

As I approach the twilight of my days, I'm trying to clean my act up but I'm afraid I still look at a woman's, uh, eyes first.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 01:53 PM (NRaSU)

230 We have 5 acres of "lawn." Probably about 4 are actually mowed. Time on the tractor is time spent resolving every issue known to man.

And promptly forgetting all of it the second you're done.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 01, 2024 01:54 PM (Q4IgG)

231
Lawn mowing = Not bothered by the wife

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 01:55 PM (NRaSU)

232 As I approach the twilight of my days, I'm trying to clean my act up but I'm afraid I still look at a woman's, uh, eyes first.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

Hubbymayhem says, " men always try to see a woman's heart first. It's not our fault that her tits are in the way."

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at September 01, 2024 01:55 PM (4XwPj)

233 99
And if you don't have that you end up like Mexico?

____________

When you eat at a German-Mexican restaurant you want to invade France, tomorrow.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 12:48 PM (1Nxff)
----
Mañana eh!
Okay that's funny.

Posted by: Ciampino - Si Ispettore, e molto imbarazzante #06 at September 01, 2024 01:57 PM (qfLjt)

234
Mañana eh!
Okay that's funny.
Posted by: Ciampino - Si Ispettore, e molto imbarazzante #06 at September 01, 2024 01:57 PM (qfLjt)

_________

Eat at a German-Chinese restaurant and one hour later you're hungry for power.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 01, 2024 01:59 PM (NRaSU)

235 like many here, I worked as soon I figured out that's where money came from and so did our kids...one summer the sons were working with a contractor that was building a gold course/subdivision. The older one was about 16 or 17 and had spent two weeks learning how to survey for grading. They gave him a different illegal alien laborer on the mirror end every day. About a week in Danny sez "let my little brother work with me and it'll go faster"
Those boys were in bed by 9 every night and prayed for a breeze and clouds every day for two summers straight. One's a surveyor and the other one an engineer and they are both kicking ass.

Posted by: DanMan at September 01, 2024 02:01 PM (8uzBS)

236 My grandpa was a machine tool operator. He tooled fastenings for the Panama Canal when he was 14.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at September 01, 2024 02:01 PM (w6EFb)

237 Local kerfluffle is that the brainiacs in the office have shortened the time to pay sewer and water bills. Brainiacs also determined that a massive payment to another local municipality for their own sewer upgrades was cost-effective for us. For the MBAs running our municipal offices, 21 days before enforcing late fees means extra $$$ to pay for the heretofore unknown sewer upgrades.

Bean counters.

Posted by: mustbequantum at September 01, 2024 02:02 PM (eRfHZ)

238 Remember that only manually labor-intensive jobs allow you the opportunity to stick it in the Pickle Slicer. White collar jobs can only offer desk-mounted Pencil Sharpeners, and then only comfortable to pencil-necked geeks.

Posted by: Ciampino - Si Ispettore, e molto imbarazzante #07 at September 01, 2024 02:02 PM (qfLjt)

239 Nood

Posted by: CapeFear at September 01, 2024 02:02 PM (1z3/M)

240 I hiked the south rim, down and back and had nothing but shorts and shirt I had on.
Only water was stations 1/2 way down that supposedly needed purification, I lived on it without and a little from a former Californian woman who moved to Israel.
9 hours down and back and about 20 minutes at the bottom.

Posted by: Skip at September 01, 2024 02:02 PM (fwDg9)

241 golf course not gold course

Posted by: DanMan at September 01, 2024 02:03 PM (8uzBS)

242 I don't know how MadamMayhemlooks, but that's pretty much how I look today. Tiered denim skirt, old west style floral blouse and Birkenstock sandals

Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 01, 2024 02:04 PM (MpVUb)

243 Pawn. All frames look the same when they are nekkid. Also Friday was my last day of work for the R.R. I am retired now. Ran a jackson tamper the last 17 years.

Posted by: t-dubya-d at September 01, 2024 02:05 PM (RjlXJ)

244 Congrats on the retirement!

Posted by: Notsothoreau at September 01, 2024 02:06 PM (MpVUb)

245 Got maybe 100 miles in the GC with a pack on (three trips) - Dad's got about 4x that. Takes prep to be sure, but you meet the best people once you get away from near the main South Rim tourist area.

Posted by: MD_Mike at September 01, 2024 02:07 PM (BouEL)

246 And promptly forgetting all of it the second you're done.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 01, 2024 01:54 PM (Q4IgG)

You're the man, MF - I've only got a quarter acre here in Long Island - so I used today my self-propelled mower - but it's still some work in the hot sun. About fours to finish the lawns, trim all the bushes for Mrs. Boswell, use the weed whacker to trim the driveway, walk, back yard pool area...and like you said, fix stuff everywhere - the pool, the fountain, the deck area...there could be a few beers involved but don't tell Mrs. Boswell, she's in charge of the Temperence Movement here in my town...

Posted by: Boswell at September 01, 2024 02:08 PM (K+UlC)

247 Then world needs ditch diggers too.

We pay those destined to be ditch diggers to kick back in section 8 housing nd enjoy the fruits of EBT.

So we bring in those willing to dig ditches. But give them free rent and food too... Socialism is incompatble with compassion.

What the socialist world really needs is a hybrid of Stalin to make them work, of Mao to eliminate those of the old ways, and Pol Pot to purge the intellectuals. Then WEF will finally get its world of overlords and ignorant serfs.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at September 01, 2024 02:08 PM (/lPRQ)

248 thanks!

Posted by: t-dubya-d at September 01, 2024 02:12 PM (RjlXJ)

249 Our youth dreams of web design and fancy offices and massage stations at work and never ever getting their hands dirty.

--------------

I wish. They all want to be "content creators" and "influencers".

Posted by: MAGA_Ken at September 01, 2024 02:20 PM (E5roJ)

250 since I'm not a Wallyworld hater, I quickly found out that it's about the easiest place to drop off used oil.
As for doing my own maintenance work ... I'm ecstatic that I found a '95 F250 with just 100k on the clock. I was suffering withdrawal since I've got the big Monaco rv finished and ready to put on the market. Now I can play with a 351 that I can actually see and get at all sides.

I reflect on labour and unions on this holiday every year. My first job in college was working a trucking dock. Had to join the Teamsters to start. The first evening of work was only 1-1/2 hours old when the shop steward walked up to inform me I was working too hard and making others look bad.
That was also my last union job ... never worked another where I had to interact with union people.

Posted by: Wingnutt at September 01, 2024 02:25 PM (5B0Ge)

251 TWD-
It says that the max speed of those tampers is 35 mph.

This is kind of a stupid "question" but I would think it had to move slowly to do the alignments.

Posted by: pawn at September 01, 2024 02:27 PM (QB+5g)

252 I have no idea what that thing in the top picture is, but my instinct as a man tells me I need one and that I'll figure out where to put it later.

Posted by: stv at September 01, 2024 02:30 PM (P5JRd)

253 My husband is friends with some of our local police. They shared that a new cop was late to work recently due to a flat tire. He was in another town and called their 9-1-1 for help! A female officer showed up and he stood over her in uniform as she changed his tire for him. Then he showed up at work and told everyone there, too stupid to understand that A) you don’t call 9-1-1 for a flat tire, B) only a total wimp would stand by and watch a woman change his tire for him, and C) that he now has ruined his reputation forever in at least 2 police departments -others will soon learn of him- and he will never be respected or rise in the ranks. He’s 25 years old. He said he had never learned to change a tire. If I was his commanding officer, I know how I would accelerate his education!

Posted by: Annie Rose at September 01, 2024 03:40 PM (wMS25)

254 Newsweek - which must be the designated dollar whore for by the media for the Dems, besides the embarrassing idiocy emanating from MSNBC and CNN...actually gives the odds of Harris as VP winning as a VP - very small:

"What Vice-Presidential History Tells Us About Kamala Harris' Chances" - Newsweek

Apparently, basically none of the eight that tried after 1850 - cue the Harris laughter! We won't count Nixon since he didn't become President after he was VP - he waited like 12 years...

Posted by: Boswell at September 01, 2024 04:32 PM (K+UlC)

255 Fast forward… I’ve been in the tech field as an engineer for decades, on the design side. We design engineers get snooty and sometimes forget that someone actually has to build/produce these designs. I’ve always found it good to regularly walk down to the manufacturing areas and actually look at hardware… it helps
Posted by: LinusVanPelt
---------
One company I worked for had everyone, including the newly appointed president, spend the first two weeks on the job working on the assembly line for one of the then 5 products. I did as a newly hired senior design engineer. Over the next 15 years, that company grew to over 100 M/years sales. It was bought by Gigantic Megacorp, Inc (Fortune 100) who hollowed it out for cash to finance a big bet corporate project... which crashed out in the dot-boom. Megacorp is no more, and the company has gone through 2 owners and exists (and is fast fading) solely to provide support to old products.
Which demonstrates that even successful companies can be screwed by greedy ravenous beancounters.

Posted by: buddhaha at September 01, 2024 04:55 PM (h7WoK)

256 Glad to see that somebody thought of farmers.

Posted by: Weak Geek at September 01, 2024 05:30 PM (p/isN)

257 My old man worked an open-hearth furnace, one of the hardest, hottest, dirty and dangerous jobs ever. That, along with winning the genetic lottery in brains, encouraged me to get through college despite poor academic skills ( not the best schools in my working-poor neighborhood) with some scholarship help, and working every summer in construction, manufacturing and intern level engineering jobs.
I have 4 US patents with my name on them. If you sent a text that traveled over AT&T's cell network in the late 90's, it went over a piece of equipment that I designed. If any of your stock trades went through Goldman Sachs around 2000, it traversed a com box I designed.
I used to do 90% of my own auto work, I've replaced my own roof and put in a new sub-panel breaker and circuits. I've dug up and repaired a sewage line, and installed a wood stove. In my eighth decade, I can't do much of that anymore.
I have nothing but respect for those who actually build and maintain our world.

Posted by: buddhaha at September 01, 2024 05:34 PM (VGIwg)

258 That looks like a Mark IV tamper, and those are made in germany at last check.

We are getting to the point of not being serious countries any more that import everything, while creating a circular economy that moves paper around.

Posted by: JD at September 01, 2024 06:51 PM (IXlV2)

259 Hi there! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this
post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this.
I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good
read. Thanks for sharing!

Posted by: seo services at September 01, 2024 07:43 PM (xnUWf)

260 Lurker here. I had never considered this about Labor Day before, so now I have a better appreciation for the holiday. Thank you.

Posted by: Jeff at September 02, 2024 11:44 AM (j5dgD)

261 Here's a hint: if you're going to appeal to blue collar workers, don't lead off with singing the praises of owners and management. If you want to go back to a Wall Street Journal/National Review conservatism, just say it.

Posted by: Eric Dale at September 02, 2024 01:25 PM (0uH3m)

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