Monday, September 10, 2012

ELEVATORS CAN BE STRESSFUL EVEN WITH SHIRLEY MACLAINE


I rarely ride elevators anymore, especially in an employment situation where I would be working in a job that requires going up and down several floors a couple times a day.

CareerBuilder has done a study which showed that elevator riding can be a source of stress for a lot of people who are regular riders of them.

More than 3,800 workers spoke up during the study and described some unusual incidents and odd stories about things they have observed happening on elevators.   It seems unbelievable but they reported items like someone changing a baby’s diaper, the flossing of teeth, clipping fingernails, dancing throughout the ride and someone showing another passenger a rash and asking for a diagnosis.

Granted, those are unusual examples of weird elevator behavior and have to be scarce at best.  However, we all have been annoyed by some more typical breeches of elevator manners.  Some have been happening since elevators were invented while others are more recent because of changes in technology.

For example, one of the biggest annoyances was the cell phone.  During the study, 35% of those interviewed mentioned cell phones were very inappropriate on an elevator.  I agree 100%, but for me cell phones are inappropriate anywhere in public.  It’s bad enough that people still talk too loud on them but the new ones have about one hundred other ways to be annoying.  Stow them until you are alone.  We don’t care to hear your conversation.

33% said that not holding the door for those running to the elevator was inappropriate. (16% admitted that they purposely close the elevator door when someone is rushing to it!)  For me it depends on the situation.  If someone is a reasonable distance, wait for them, otherwise, hit the close button.  They can catch the next elevator.

Standing too close when there is plenty of room in the elevator:  32% didn’t like that.  I don’t blame them.  That reminds me of the “close talker” on Seinfeld who had to be within a couple inches of someone’s face when speaking.  Besides, do you really want to smell used deodorant?

Squeezing into an already crowded elevator, 32%.  Once again, it’s a common sense decision and a possible deodorant situation.

Shirley MacLaine as elevator 
operator Fran Kubelik with Jack 
Lemmon and other passengers in 
The  Apartment (1960)
27% thought it was inappropriate to not step off the elevator to let other people out.  It depends on how crowded it is.  If it’s packed, sure, step off for a moment.  It’s simply a courtesy. (This would not be a problem many years ago when elevators in busy buildings had human operators and “starters” with their clickers controlling the traffic flow!  Can you imagine Shirley MacLaine in “The Apartment” allowing such confusion in her car!)

Cutting in line to get on the elevator even when other people have been waiting in line.  Surprisingly, only 23% thought that was inappropriate.  Excuse me, but nobody jumps in line ahead of me at an elevator or anywhere else.  Well, maybe if it’s Muhammad Ali in his prime or Marilyn Monroe, circa 1953.  Anyone else better can expect a black eye.

As far as Shirley MacLaine, does anyone remember elevator operators?  You had to be skillful to run the early ones.  When the operator stopped them at a floor, they had to line up the floor of the elevator manually with the floor of the building.  It took a bit of skill unlike modern elevators where they are automatically lined up.

As far as the guy wanting a diagnosis on his rash, I know a good dermatologist who can help him!

134 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, I do remember elevator operators back in the 50s and into the 60s. Sometimes we had to get off on the floor below where we were going up only one more floor.

I have been in those 'vertical subways' on 4 continents. Some 2nd world countries, still had operators controlling them. Then along came the high speed elevators, that would push you down to the floor going down, and up toward the top of the car on the way down.
Ah, well, a nice column Jim, and I do remember Shirley, to bad she didn't have any room for her 2 Mules.

Glo said...

Ok, the #1 thing about elevator protocol for me is the IDIOTS that stand right in front of the door waiting for it then try to stampede into it before letting the people inside get out!!! Excuse the h@ll out of me: could you take 1/4 of a second to make sure no one's trying to get out? And, yes, #2 on the list: dolts who get on the elevator and talk on their cells. At the top of their voices while you are trapped with them in that tiny, slow-moving box. Grrrrrrrrr ...

sam said...

I had no problems about riding elevators....especially when other people were on board.....so many of them were well beyond apprehensive....especially some of the women.
The two rides I recall as being most interesting was when I was about 12, and riding up to the roof in some tall building in Chicago, and the power failed when we were about 10 or so floors high...stuck between floors. They had to lower ladders from the floor above and each of us (about 1/2 dozen) had to climb out of the car, up the ladder and onto the floor.....we were "one at a time" and had a rope tied around our waist as we climbed....all guys, no girls. The other was in an apartment building in Jacksonville, Florida in about '59...when the operator claimed something broke and the car fell from the main floor to the basement...one floor down. Solid stop! but no injuries.
I knew a number of people who would not ride elevators.
Dont think even Shirley could have enticed them on board.

proud said...

Last time I was at The Del Coronado Hotel, they still had an old fashioned, accordion gate type elevator, complete with operator...

Rick Kepple said...

I'm nearing the completion of my rebuilt root cellar and made into a 'safe room' beneath what will be a house in the woods. I like those loft things and I debated putting in stairs or an elevator made out of a small platform and a pulley with a counterweight. Might be solar too, since it's off grid.

Mixing mortar and concrete is with wheelbarrow cause I can't get a big ol' truck in there. So any elevator that I'd use would have to be alternative power. Maybe trained possums on a belt to an electric motor.

Mike slater said...

Jim, living in the Valley we didn't have a lot of elevators and most of of the buildings were not that tall.

I do recall in 1978 I had to go downtown to the court house to sign my divorce papers. The signing was on the 10th floor. Unfortunately that day all the elevators were out of service. I had to climb 10 flights of stairs with my soon to be ex-wife. You can imagine how that conversation went.

Jim McAllister said...

From: Joe Finnerty

Years ago Carolyn Warner, former Arizona Superintendent of Schools, but only recently retired from politics, spoke to a luncheon audience I attended. During her career, she had appeared on TV numerous times. You didn’t have to look at the screen to identify her because she possessed a very deep voice.

That day I happened to get on the elevator at the same time she did. We rode to the third floor of a five story building. What happened next made us both laugh.

She shared this anecdote with the audience, a preface to her prepared talk.

“As I stepped out of the elevator, another passenger pointed at me and said, ‘Hey, didn’t you used to be somebody?’”

Jim McAllister said...

Anonymous,

Love the Two Mules For Sister Sara reference.

A lot of elevator jobs disappeared in the 50s and 60s. It was another case of automation kicking in while kicking humans out.

In a story I did on the TCM website about a year ago, I mentioned the Perry Mason movies of the 1930s starring Warren William as Perry.

In those films Perry was portrayed as a drunk carouser (a far cry from the ever serious Raymond Burr) and one night he comes home drunk as a skunk and gets on the elevator.

When Paul Drake comes looking for him, the guy working the night desk tells him that Perry had come in earlier and was "so drunk on the elevator that as it went up he was dancing the Rhumba to the starter's castanets."

That is a line that would never be used today! I can still hear those castanets from childhood memories.

Jim McAllister said...

Glo,

Just another case of the high speed lifestyle of today; the same mentality that makes silliness like "Tweets" so popular with those who must have everything NOW!

You agree with the 35% who hate cells on elevators. Not long ago, it would be 85% but it's a cell phone/Droid world now. I laugh when i see all the little kids with those things.

I remember about 8-10 years ago Barb and I were eating at Pei Wei in North Scottsdale and there was a guy near us who had a cell phone. Cells weren't as mainstream then and every time he got a call, he walked outside to take so he wouldn't bother the other diners.

I wonder how many would do that now. I think the answer is ZERO. Bad manners are the rule now where they used to be the exception.

Jim McAllister said...

Sam,

Those are some bad experiences.

I hated elevators as a kid. I saw a film when I was little where one fell and killed everyone. It made quite an impression. I became an escalator user after that every time one was was available in lieu of an elevator.

Jim McAllister said...

Proud,

As far as I know, it is still there. Barb rode it a few years ago when she was there with girlfriends.

That's quite a place. "Some Like It Hot" was filmed there in 1959.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

...possums or a goat on a treadmill with a carrot in front of his nose.

Jim McAllister said...

Mike,

That's a great story; I'm still laughing!

At least you had the willpower to not push her back down the 10 flights. LOL

1978 huh? That's 34 years ago, quite a while. In your opinion, probably still not long enough.

You have a great gal now with Debbie.

Jim McAllister said...

Joe,

With all your accomplishments in life, I'm sure you had a quick answer for that person.

I hope you remembered to tell them about being on the first TWA 707 cross country flight! That makes you somebody in my book!

Mike slater said...

Jim, I wasn't thinking about pushing her down the stairs she had a friend with her. I was hoping more for a heart attack half way up.

I'm not saying I'm bitter but I do check the Obits in the paper every day. That's one funeral I like to attend.

midnightsstaff said...

"didn't you used to be someone?" haha. sometimes it just doesn't clean up no matter how you try..

I don't get many elevators around here that have anyone else in them but it just seems prudent not to push past people you don't even know so I usually wait until I'm pretty sure no one is getting off or is on the elevator with one of those little body parts igloo containers, or try to wedge in besides a hospital bed.
.. besides more room the better as far as I am concerned...

It's probably because of my earlier experiences...
..does coming out of a mine shaft at two in the morning in Butte Montana jammed in an ore bucket with ten or so other guys from a mile deep count as an elevator ride?

Gloria should see that and she wouldn't think much about a little pushing and shoving at the door, yeah loading was just short of a using a telegraph pole to wedge the last miner in..

120 at the bottom of the shaft, 20 or so below at top..
enjoy the ride boys.

Society is out of control if you expect courtesy.. I was the only one at the waiting room today that got up to open the door for an old lady dragging her oxygen bottle..
.. that isn't as bad as later today when I had one item at Safeway the lady in front of me with a loaded cart just gave me the Arizona fish eye and went on her merry way, I normally ask if someone with one item wants to go ahead, hell that's the way I was brought up..
but she just had much too much of herself fed to her all her life I suppose and the thought never crossed her mind.
besides being the potted plant I am to women anymore I doubt she even saw me...
so much for the old "too young for medicare, too old for women to care"- bad now on both counts..

Except for plumber's crack and Bodo in his banana hammock posing like a wounded seagull (that was a new low even for him) guys for the most part are more courteous.

..for instance I won't stop dead in the middle of the aisle at the grocery, but how many people think they are shopping by themselves?
Helloooo.... trying to get by that wide load...and the cart too..

- no sense in getting all caught up in it I guess- we have bigger fish to fry so to speak.

man that Kevin Scott MacMichael can play the strat... catch the Fate of Nations album with Robert Palmer some time if you want to hear lead guitar played like it should be...

CJ Phoenix said...

We had elevators here in Phoenix for as long as I can remember. Yeah, our buildings weren't that tall but we had them. Even some 2-3 story buildings had them, like the stand alone department stores downtown (I think I am remembering Korricks on 1st Street & Washington).

I do not have any elevator pet peeves myself. I do not even care if somebody is talking on a cell because it doesn't really matter & what is the big difference between doing that & two people talking to each other except that it takes less space? I do have a couple stories though.

I was thinking about this just the other day when I went into a hospital: I remember playing elevator tag in the elevators at Saint Joe's with my best friend & her little brother around 1974. Yeah, we were running up & down the halls like a bunch of 'wild indians' ... Nowadays, that is probably a prosecutable offense.

My favorite elevator was the one they built outside of Diamonds when Metro Center was new. Nothing special nowadays but back then it was super cool because it had glass walls.

When I went to work at Woolworths downtown, I was fascinated with the old freight elevator in the back of the store because it looked so antique. So one day as I was eating my lunch, I was checking it out & wondering if it worked when the security guard came up behind me & pulled me into it under the pretense of showing me how to operate it. Well, then he stopped it between floors & demanded a kiss ... At which point, I shoved the rest of my pizza in my mouth & told him that I wasn't going to swallow until he let me out. LOL. Ray, Ray, Ray ... My grandma, the bookkeeper, would have killed him if she had ever heard of that incident. She might as well have ran the store at that time because she had been there forever & a day ... AND she handed out the paychecks. She also fielded his many calls from pissed off girlfriends (well before cell phones) so she was very aware of his game.

Jim McAllister said...

Mike,

I guess inviting you and her to the same party may be out of the question! LOL

I know how you feel. The people who say "Aw, forgive and forget" don't understand what it is like to REALLY dislike someone. I have a couple on my list like that.

There are just somethings we can't overlook.

Glo said...

OK, folks: Scariest movie elevator rides? I guess I would put the one in Damien - Omen II at the top. Let's just say that doctor who was about to expose the devil child didn't make it out in one piece... Trivia: the doctor was played by the actor who played Anthony in Designing Women.

Jim McAllister said...

Middy,

No question about it; manners are a disappearing luxury.

I remember when men would open car doors or any other doors for ladies and, like you mentioned, would let someone ahead in the grocery line who only has one item.

There are still some around but it's not like it used to be. There is no time for courtesies when you have to have your nose buried into a droid or a Black Berry. OMG! What would happen if someone missed a Tweet?

It's sad; people don't talk to each other anymore. I see tables of four in restaurants and all four are on their phones.

That situation with the old lady at the doctor's office is a good example of the manners of today.

Great game for the Bengals today 13-44 to Baltimore. Maybe they had an extra incentive to win one for Modell. He would have died a lot sooner if he ever tried to go back to Cleveland!

Good Raider's-Charger's game tonight.

Jim McAllister said...

CJ,

I would have paid money to see you fighting with that guard over a kiss!

All those old stores had freight elevators. I called on a drug chain in Kansas City in the early 70s (Katz Drug)that had a tiny elevator up to the offices above one of their downtown stores. Great account: they would buy truckloads of Dove Soap!

Anyway, a really nice black lady operated the elevator and it even had a seat for her. It was an old one where she had to line up the floors. She was a real pro!

Jim McAllister said...

Glo,

I wish I could remember the movie that scared me so much as a kid.

I remember it was in some hotel in a place like Morocco and the the shaft went through the middle of a hotel lobby. The cable broke and that car flew down that shaft and really scared the hell out of me. It had to be in the 40s.

I don't know who that guy is who played Anthony on "Designing Women." I remember Delta Burke and the great Jean Smart but not Anthony.

I just looked it up: Meshach Taylor. Good question, you had me on that one.

Jean Smart is a fave, she was tremendous on Frasier as the former high school queen that Frasier was so in awe of.

CJ Phoenix said...

I didn't really fight with him, Jim. I just showed him a mouthful of half chewed pizza ... It still makes me laugh to think about it. Ray was a big black guy about 10 or so years older than me (I was about 16 or 17) with a herd of jealous girlfriends that he used to juggle & he wore so much jerry curl & musk oil that, if he leaned against a wall, he left an oily mark. Yeah, my grandma would have thrown a fit if she had known he was messing with me.

They also had dumb waiters down there that used to fascinate me but the only place to see them was upstairs in the old lunch room because they were sealed off behind the lunch counter.

You know, when I think of scary elevator rides in movies, I always think of Towering Inferno:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKlMK9qR0nw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHsyQoJSSfI

Rick Kepple said...

Dora made rides in large, spacious elevators fun. Life just isn't fun anymore.

I like to pretend that I'm really good friends with a beautiful rock star, but that's not even true. We've barely talked and from my investigations, celebrities only hang out with pretty people who make them look good in the media. That would not be me.

Dora used to make elevator rides fun though. Her mother never did figure out why my wife loved such an ugly man. It was the elevator rides, that's why!

Glo said...

CJ: I loved the Towering Inferno (and those other 70s disaster movies). The saddest part was when the security guard gave the cat to Fred Astair at the end. Unfortunately, that guard was played by OJ 'Killer' Simpson, and that now ruins the movie for me when he comes on screen.

steve buzzardo said...

on 9/11 a good day to see this elevator ride

"Video flashback: A ride to the Top of the World":

http://michellemalkin.com/2011/09/11/video-flashback-a-ride-to-the-top-of-the-world/

Jim McAllister said...

From: Ken Honeyman in Florida

Jim, the WEIRDEST elevator ride i ever was on was in Memphis at the vaunted 'Peabody Hotel'. Nothing strange about the elevator. It's the 'clientele'.. DUCKS!--- Mallard DUCKS!!! Every day at precisely 11 A.M. these ducks come down the elevator to the lobby and swim in the fountain there until 5 P.M., then they go back to their penthouse 'suite'.

Jim McAllister said...

CJ,

I can see how you would have been scared of that guy. He sounds pretty intimidating.

Scary film; I never did like tall buildings. I'm not sure I would have even taken the scenic elevator.

I think Newman and McQueen were only in two movies together. This is one; do you know the other?

Jim McAllister said...

GLO,

Some of those films with OJ have him edited out. There was one of the Naked Gun films on one night and his part was not there.

It didn't matter, Leslie Nielsen owned those films.

OJ was really stupid. He gets off then turns around and pulls a gun on some guys in Vegas and is right back in jail. I heard he got the hell beat out of him there. He is 65 now, not really in shape for ass kicking!

Jim McAllister said...

Thanks, Steve.

Quite a reminder.

CJ Phoenix said...

Then you would have been one of those people who crammed into the first elevator, Jim? AKA: burnt toast. I would far rather fall to my death than burn alive myself. Besides, I think most of the people on the scenic elevator made it to safety.

I had actually forgotten the scene with the scenic elevator until I looked it up on YouTube. It is that burning alive thing always gets to me -- I can actually empathize a little with that -- so the scene I always remember is the flaming guy running from the elevator that Fred Astaire then puts out with his jacket. Dang, that movie was scary back in the 70s ... That one & Jaws.

Nope, what was the other movie?

Glo said...

I can't for the life of me think of a second movie the SM and PN were in together! But, one more really underrated, good movie that OJ was in and is now spoiled for me is Capricorn One. Very good plot, where the US coerces 3 astronauts (Brolin, OJ, Waterston) to stage a phony Mars landing. It all goes terribly wrong. I recommend it for people who like 70s action flicks.

Mike slater said...

Jim, I wouldn't worry about. I haven't seen her since 1992 when I took her to court to have my child support lowered. It was kinda fun since I didn't have a lawyer and she did and still lost.

You're right about that forget and forgive thing. With some people it's not possible. Deb keeps telling to let it go but I can't.

Just curious is Paula on your list?

Jim McAllister said...

CJ,

I like the scene where Richard Chamberlain gets on Bill Holden's case for going El Cheapo in the design of the place.

It's definitely a scary film with a great cast. I never cared for Jaws. The shark was so phony looking it was laughable. Good cast though and that line "I think we need a bigger boat" caught on and we still hear it.

The other film with McQueen and Newman was "Somebody Up There Likes Me" from 1956. Newman starred as boxer Rocky Graziano and McQueen had a small part as a punk kid.

Jim McAllister said...

Glo,

Se my answer above to CJ for the other film with Paul and Steve.

I wish we still had guys like those 2 in films. My favorite film of the early 70s has to be "The Sting". Great story, great cast, great music.

For a great sleeper with Newman there is "Nobody's Fool" (1994) co-starring Jessica Tandy and Bruce Willis. Well worth seeing, 4 stars.

Capricorn One was a good film. I liked the premise of the whole thing being a fake. Too bad OJ was in it. What a fool he is. he got off from a murder that we know he did and still was getting $25,000 a month from his NFL pension and he screws it up.

I guess the guy who said "You can't fix stupid" was right. OJ had to know the cops were out to get him for anything they could so he pulls a gun on those guys.

Jim McAllister said...

Mike,

I agree with you. There are some people that can't be forgiven and I have a couple on my list from 1971 that it particularly relates to.

I'm as bitter now towards them as I was 41 years ago and it will never change.

In Paula's case I really don't care one way or the other what she does. Her recent actions politically simply prove that she is someone I can't take seriously. I have no malice toward her; I just don't respect her anymore. I think the "Sandra Fluke Rocks" line did it. LOL

CJ Phoenix said...

Well, I believe that Debbie has that "let it go" thing right, Mike. And I know from experience that not only is it possible to forgive anybody for anything you put your mind to, but it is also the smart thing to do. Holding onto anger & bitterness is bad for you & everybody else in your life ... And for what? It doesn't hurt the object of your hatred and it doesn't make you feel any better. In fact, it is actually makes you feel worse in the long run although, honestly, you will never ever understand that last part unless you let it go & begin to experience the benefits of forgiveness for yourself.

I would never recommend forgetting however. Take my ex as an example: I forgave his no good, lying, cheating, stealing ass years ago. Shortly after I got the divorce, in fact. Nowadays, we can even be in the same room on occasion. Play card games on holidays, eat together, laugh ... I will never leave anything of value unguarded around him though &, frankly, those people I know that have forgotten what he is all about were predictably reminded why that part of the phrase "forgive & forget" isn't smart in short order.

I am feeling better about Debbie nowadays. You need her, Mike. She seems to literally be your 'better half'.

One last thing: your obsession with Paula is creepy, dude. As far as I can tell, you two have never even met & your bitterness toward her is a direct result of her political preferences & how she expresses her views online. She has just as much right to her views as you do to yours, Mike. She even has a right to change her mind ... LET IT GO!

CJ Phoenix said...

Have you seen your kids since 1992, Mike?

midnightsstaff said...

Everyone has the right to their own opinion, they just don't have the right to demand I agree..

I guess that's the biggest difference between being a Liberty oriented person and a Statist.

..a personal liberty worshiping person like me will just ignore some issues they don't agree with, but a Statist demands obedience to the group consensus and will demand the State enforces group thought at any cost to everyone's rights.

I agree, I only met Debbie one time but she is a pretty well rounded and very attractive lady.

CJ Phoenix said...

Everything you do not agree with word for word is either statism or communism, Middy. BFD. I'm tired of it myself.

Here's the thing about these online arguments: EVERYONE is arguing their side & trying to convince the other side of the truth behind their particular views. That includes you. NOBODY IS DEMANDING agreement from you though. I mean, I know the difference between an argument & a demand, sweetie. What is wrong with you?

Know what the biggest difference between the sides that I am seeing nowadays? The right side no longer plays fair. You all are so ready to hate & demean & demonize ... While I can disagree with people on the left side of most arguments all day -- and I frequently do -- and never lose a single friendship over it.

Yeah, I know: "Life isn't fair..." You all should live by those words too. Pay your dang taxes & quit your whining about how unfair your particular tax burden is.

Jim McAllister said...

`....And then there is "The Sailor Takes a Wife" (1945) with June Allyson and Eddie "Rochester" Anderson.

Eddie was a fine black actor and comedian who made a fortune wising off to Jack Benny on radio and TV for many years.

He performed in 75 titles in movies and TV from 1932 to 1973 and was the elevator operator in the above mentioned "The Sailor Takes a Wife."

Eddie died in 1977 at the age of 71. I really miss guys like him.

midnightsstaff said...

a whole lotta rage going on over there...

proud said...

Hows that, apologetic, lead from behind, foreign policy working out for ya?

midnightsstaff said...

sorry that might be political...shhhh.. don't want to upset the kids.

Rick Kepple said...

"Pay your dang taxes & quit your whining about how unfair your particular tax burden is."

Well said, CJ.

Rick Kepple said...

I was just having blood drawn at the VA clinic and talking to a friend from Facebook. A former special forces dude and we've been friends for years. My wife used to work for him. He thinks it's pretty cool that I work on my root cellar about every day to lay a few concrete blocks. It keeps me busy and will be a good shelter for storms.

Jim, elevators have brakes. Course, I suppose that elevator laws could be deregulated so brakes would not be necessary to increase profits for corporations and small businesses. It's actually cheaper to pay the families for dead elevator passengers than to pay for brakes. Does that remove your fear from riding elevators, or make you want to lobby for stronger elevator laws? Just trying to help, Jim.

midnightsstaff said...

the dog's barking again.. but at least the dog's not trying to bully anyone...

CJ Phoenix said...

You never upset me, Middy. You just like to think that you do.

Jim McAllister said...

Those pictures from Libya are really graphic of that poor Stevens guy getting killed.

So much for peace. We are hated more than ever.

midnightsstaff said...

I haven't referred to you all week Cj.. not the first time nor this time... the dog is Rick.. he is barking at the clock again.

you are seeing shadows and hearing voices..
That other subtle dig was towards Blue who despite me not even being here still doesn't comment-
I guess I really polluted this blogsite forever.

Jim.. the discussion is elevators... try to keep on point- but my suggestion is to promise more foreign aid to Libya, Egypt etc. .:/

lol.

Jim McAllister said...

Obama says he is a Muslim believer in that piece that Fox backed down on showing so sure, send more aid over there.

I'm sure Barack blames the US for the misfortune, after all, he has apologized to the world for us many times.

Jim McAllister said...

I have to insert this. It's only a minute long but it shows that the same old rhetoric just keeps going on and on and on.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5VMX2JahrU&feature=player_embedded

midnightsstaff said...

brilliant observation on Rush's show this am... those rioters were not storming the embassy over some utube video but over "Obama spiking the football"

..."we came, we saw, he died" about Kadaffi being murdered by old Saddlebags herself and "Osama is dead, GM is alive" by Joe Bidet remember?

that's why the rioters were shouting..
.."We are all Osamas"..

Yeah we have a great foreign policy led by "Bill's Saddlebags" herself.

If Romney can't pin this on Obama he doesn't deserve election either.

Rick Kepple said...

Middy, you just like to read your own words.

I called Congresswoman's Hartzler's office and offered my services. No, I'm not helping with Romney's campaign. This attack on Americans is likely to progress. You know how those people are.

CJ Phoenix said...

Middy, These are the words that I believe were directed at my comments whether you were referring to me personally or not:
"Everyone has the right to their own opinion, they just don't have the right to demand I agree.. I guess that's the biggest difference between being a Liberty oriented person and a Statist. ..a personal liberty worshiping person like me will just ignore some issues they don't agree with, but a Statist demands obedience to the group consensus and will demand the State enforces group thought at any cost to everyone's rights. I agree, I only met Debbie one time but she is a pretty well rounded and very attractive lady." & "...don't want to upset the kids"

For the record, I was not talking to you or about you with my comment that preceded that nor any other comments prior to that on this thread, Middy. And at least I am not deliberately vague in my responses then try to deny responsibility after that. That's your game, old man. The only personal liberty you worship is your own.

Mike slater said...

CJ, I have never met Paula but have seen her on TV.I used to comment on her blogs and actually agreed with most of the time. Ever since her loss to Michell Ugenti in the 2010 legislative race she changed. Since then she's been ragging on the Tea Party, the Republicans in the legislature and Sheriff Joe, all the while claiming to be a conservative Republican. On her blog last week she said she's voting for Obama.

As for my ex there is no "letting it go" When you got divorced did you have a trial before a judge? I did.

We were married 2 and a half years when see filed for divorce. The divorce took 6 months. I won't boor you with all the details but there is no forgetting or forgiving on my part.

We had a daughter that was 2 when we divorced. I had visitation rights every other weekend. In 1992 when I had the child support lowered she was 16 and informed me me she didn't want to see me anymore. That's the last time I've ever seen her.

She does have contact with my mother so I see pictures of her and her family.

Anonymous said...

Middy, thanks for the kind words. I got lucky by marrying Debbie.

CJ, you're right Debbie is my "better half."

Jim McAllister said...

This is discouraging to say the least:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/09/12/fox-news-poll-obama-has-lead-over-romney-in-post-convention-poll/

I'm really disappointed in this country that a guy like Obama can become this popular.

Rick Kepple said...

I'm going to be the Middy of the Midwest. Catchy, isn't it?

Yep. You there! Yes you with that grain harvester! You don't know what you're doing! I'll shout in a cornfield.

You! Yes, you with that construction sign! You're doing it all wrong! I'll holler out the Jeep window.

The key is to be vague and I'm no good with vague. I'll have to dumb it down.

You are nothing but a dog and a wet dog at that!

I can save that one for people who are doing good things for the community. Middy likes to rag on decent people.

You, yes you! I've been reading your church blogs for years! Then launch into a vague attack about nothing in particular.

Finally, TAXES! Wait until I get into the county board meeting! They repealed the food safety ordinance, they can repeal all the taxes! It will give lazy, unemployed parents an opportunity to homeschool!

Oops. Too much detail. Gotta keep it vague. I just can't be as vague as Middy. I'm a old dog and prone to obscure detail. Sorry.

midnightsstaff said...

Think what you want Cj.. I wasn't arguing with you, I was just explaining how I view first amendment rights..

Jim, this is the psyche ops side of the campaign.. the media including a lot of Fox news coverage is on his side.. you had better start ignoring those polls that are designed to discourage us..

Ask yourself exactly what has he done other than give stolen money away, wage war on the producers of society and sell this country and Israel out to terrorists?

What has he done that would earn this much approval- would you expect to get unfiltered news in someplace like Venezuela? because there is slight difference between the msm and the Venezuelan press.

it's a lie that he is so well loved and adored, just name one dictator that was truly loved and respected by his subjects- it's the reason he had to threaten Gallup.. remember?- they were starting to wander off the reservation and tell the truth.

repeat after me..."it's the economy stupid"

Jim McAllister said...

I hope you're right. Rasmussen still shows it within one point at 46-45 Obama. I hope that is correct.

I'm glad Paula has not returned here with her mindless drivel. I'm glad she turned out to be the spineless airhead phony that she is; it keeps my perspective alive about how artificial some people can be.

Why would Fox like Obama. Are you including Hannity, Ingrahm, and Ann Coulter in that group? If they like Obama, they sure had me fooled.

Rick Kepple said...

Jim, I apologize to you and SN for having hurt y'all. CJ too. Middy, I guess I can, if I have to. My friend, Kerry, says that I've got a good heart and stop using poisonous words. I won't tell you the circumstances, but I intentionally pissed her off to get a reaction and she knows me. I haven't done it since to her.

Then Jim says that I gotta be nice to Middy. CJ gets to fight with him. How come CJ gets to argue with him and he can call me a dog, and I'm supposed to be good? You like Middy better than me, Jim!

Kerry loves my stories anyway.

midnightsstaff said...

school yard triangulation...

CJ Phoenix said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
CJ Phoenix said...

Mike, Yes, I had to go before a judge to have my divorce granted. I am not sure there is any other way to do it. I didn't use a lawyer however. And there was relatively little for the judge to decide. I seem to remember that it did take around 6mos. to be final though.

Anyways, like I said, you will never know or understand the benefits of forgiveness until you have tried it for yourself.

midnightsstaff said...

and now for an alter call...

CJ Phoenix said...

"How come CJ gets to argue with him and he can call me a dog, and I'm supposed to be good?"

Because I do not act like a barking dog, Rick.

Rick Kepple said...

"Because I do not act like a barking dog, Rick."

Another words, y'all want me to shut up so you can enjoy your clique. Adios. Give Blue my regards Elites. And I'm still not going to any concerts or supporting the rich. Let them buy their own shit.

Jim McAllister said...

"Scottsdale Jooo"? LOL

I only "Walk Like an Egyptian" as The Bangles sang in 1986.

Damn! I loved those '80s babes with that big hair!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5N7RNQUKts

CJ Phoenix said...

LOL!

Ahh, he'll be back. He always comes back. It does go to show though that I do not fit in with the half-witted anarchists on either side of the aisle ... Both sides tend to believe that I am one of "them" when it comes right down to it.

midnightsstaff said...

Well that is what being an "independent" is all about isn't it? ..standing in the middle of the aisle demanding attention from both sides.

One doesn't have to commit to anything- and better yet, be forced to offer defense for leftist assaults on our Constitution... just wait them out for the last best offer..

Really when you have no allegiance to principle there is no sense in getting all caught up in esoteric, noisome concepts like the preservation of our individual guarantees of liberty and freedom...

Remaining undecided is a way one can just remain focused on the bottom line and let others do the heavy lifting while you sit back and carp at your heart's content not worrying about criticism.
.. after all they don't want to piss off some precious uncommitted voter do they?

...So just sit back, relax and find out what's in it for you.. it's no wonder being a bowl of oatmeal in society is so attractive.

CJ Phoenix said...

"Really when you have no allegiance to principle there is no sense in getting all caught up in esoteric, noisome concepts like the preservation of our individual guarantees of liberty and freedom..." Now there you go being a total asshole again, Middy. Bet you're gonna say that wasn't directed at my comments too now...huh? As far as principles go, standing up & saying what you think directly is not just principled but it also shows character & I am not the one making the deliberately vague evasive comments here.

All my refusal to pledge allegiance to one or the other of the two main groups really means is that I am not a follower.

midnightsstaff said...

So why call me an asshole if I am so far off point?
You have no defense, so yeah if the shoe fits I say wear it.
No greater confirmation than the squeals you get when the shoe is just too good a fit I suppose.

I have your position bracketed and it makes you very uncomfortable.

No Cj, you don't want to admit it's obvious you are just another problem, not a solution- you and your childish center of the universe mentality shared by all citizens of Utopimerica creates these politically pandering politicians.

Unclean people like Rick are possessed and should be ignored by reasonable people.

You on the other hand are merely empty with no bearings to draw from in a stormy sea so you are constantly waiting for some populist to come along promising you something for nothing.

After all, it's all about you- right?

CJ Phoenix said...

Actually, Middy, more often than not I am thinking about what is best for others as far as I can tell, including future generations ... And I know that I have expressed that on this blog too & you ridiculed me for it. But it does not surprise me that you are unable recognize altruism when you see it. I may not be completely altruistic but I certainly aspire in that direction while you do not have even a drop of it nor do you intend to ever change ... All you can see is what you know, therefore, you believe that everybody is completely selfish like you. At very least, that is the POV that you always argue from.

CJ Phoenix said...

(I gave you the benefit of the doubt with that last line)

Mike slater said...

CJ, as I stated there is no forgive and forget. Not going to happen.

Jim McAllister said...

Obama:"Egypt is not our ally."

Jimmy Carter: "Egypt is an ally of the US, we know Egypt well."

Stae Dept. quickly issues a "save Obama" statement that: Well, what he meant was.....blah, blah,blah...


Jim McAllister said...

Mike,

I'm in total agreement with you. Forgive and forget is highly overrated. Just because a situation involves a family member is no reason to cut that person slack. In fact, they should get less slack since they should have known better.

My case is similar and I haven't spoken to the parties involved for 41 years and never will.

You have to draw the line somewhere and I commend you for holding your ground.

midnightsstaff said...

Well then ms. altruistic, what was all that demanding to know the exact details as to what Mitt Romney's solution to creating jobs was all about a couple of weeks ago?..
I remember you were badgering Jim to give you concrete reasons based on how Mitt was going to do something that would guarantee you a job- because you were undecided.

I have to ask the question, what is the difference between voting for a job promise and someone voting selfishly to continue the welfare checks?

When you rightly see the effect of government on the economy you wouldn't expect, no.. demand their help.

You have a belligerent self centered union mindset and absolutely no idea how the capitalist system works- no different than the average school teacher.

It was all about what was government going to do for you a couple of weeks past, have you since changed your mind?

Well I didn't think the Packers would lose two home games in a week, Matthews is an official NFL beast- nice to see people with some cold weather gear on eh?
I feel a definite chill in the air right now, not much longer til the election.

Jim McAllister said...

Green Bay dominated the Bears pretty well. Rodgers can still do it in spite of the concussions.

I'm big on guy's numbers. I saw number 30 on GB and it reminded me of journeyman Chuck Mercein who wore that number for the Pack that year and had the game of his life in the ice bowl.

What a great game that was with Dandy Don, Starr, McGee, Dowler, Dale and all those great past players for Dallas and GB.

steve buzzardo said...

Romney inauguration and Packers win Super Bowl a great way to begin the new year!

midnightsstaff said...

I was amazed at the pressure the GB offensive line was putting on the Bears, nice to see my man Driver get some meaningful routes including a touchdown catch.. the guy is amazing at his age, I guess he is going into that stage of career tho that lots of playing minutes are just not gonna happen.

Don's a great guy and a rare positive reflection on the sport.

next game is two Mondays from now at Seattle... ya' all ready for some football?

Jim McAllister said...

Dandy Don and Howard were so great on MNF in the 70s. They offered something different to the NFL: the stuffy New Your Jew smartass know it all vs. the country Texas boy with the great comebacks. They were a great combination.

I remember Howard calling that little black running back for Washington a "monkey" as in "Look at that little monkey go!" He meant nothing racial but the press jumped all over him. Typical of our thin shinned society.

One night the Steelers changed quarterbacks and someone asked him why teams never play as well with the number 2 QB in the game. Don says "Ya know, a lot of people have asked me that question and I will tell you the same thing i told them: "I don't know"

Those were great days of the NFL. Now they have the kickoff line so forward that we don't even get to see run backs anymore. It has hurt the game.

Jim McAllister said...

Steve: We can only hope that happens.

I'm currently reading Bob Woodward's new book "The Price of Politics" and he has some good stories of the nonsense that goes on under Obama.

I'll post some shortly.

midnightsstaff said...

I really don't know what it will take to wake up voters to the endless scams we have been subjected to.
That book last year revealing how lobbyists write law for the legislators, corrupting them with special interest money, the graft and corruption tainted money that is wasted on every government program, the endless regulatory agencies that are now writing law.
all federal judges are suspect.

Where does it stop?- total collapse is where it stops, this form of government cannot be sustained without a large component of morally oriented individuals making up the society.

Just as every secular based (see Russia), and false religion based society (see Africa) leads to feudalism, every cult based society like Islam leads to insanity.

..so what does another book do for us Jim?- you and I already know the problem.
The problem is too many people willingly choose ignorance and self serving politicians as their personal path of least resistance.
WWIII has already been started, as usual we are engaging in the self deception of appeasement which is a certain guarantee of war.. yes it has just begun but in an election year no one wants to admit it.

Ron Paul was and still is right and we have run out of time.

midnightsstaff said...

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-press-review-on-middle-east-violence-against-us-embassies-a-855835.html

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/mob-gathers-us-embassy-london_652335.html

http://live.reuters.com/Event/Middle_East

http://af.reuters.com/article/tunisiaNews/idAFL5E8KEHJ920120914

Ho- hum, typical Friday morning news with nothing to see, keep moving- remember to please turn in all your firearms to Homeland Security to ensure the safety of all- take advantage of the grace period so as not to jeopardize your families safety or subject yourself to relocation by the ministry of Love.

.." In our ministry, we make sure that people do not "doublethink" in Oceania because if they do and if they get caught by the "Thought Police", they will be sent to us.
We will help each person that has "doublethink".
We will re-teach you what is expected in Oceania and make sure that they understand.
If they do not cooperate with us, then we will have to send them to Room 101. You do not want to be sent there."

1984 was a documentary.

midnightsstaff said...

Try to imagine a couple of weeks before the election Al Queda releases a statement that five American cities will have nuclear bombs already in place detonated if Romney is elected.

Not that hard to imagine is it?

midnightsstaff said...

http://theulstermanreport.com/2012/09/14/glenn-beck-apologizes-to-mitt-romney-calls-romney-a-man-of-incredible-character/

A tale of two men- one petty, irresponsible, mendacious, hates Americans the other one who leads by example and tries to help people whenever he sees a need..

you decide who you will follow.

Jim McAllister said...

It's the BP spill and the Isaac reactions already by this ding-a-ling, professional campaigner.

During BP it took a hard core Dem like James Carville to tell jug ears that "Hey, man! Get down here; we're dyin' down here!" I love the scene where O walks on the beach ans rubs sand between his fingers like, "Uh....now what do I do?"

Carville's statement interrupted O's golf round.

Then, it takes Romney to get down to Louisiana to check it out before O decides, "Well, maybe I should get down there."

Now, he is campaigning in Vegas and Colorado with the swing states scheduled next while our embassies burn, not coincidentally.

"We've seen numerous reports now of a growing intelligence trail that this was a planned attack," said Richard Grenell, who served briefly as a national security spokesman for Mitt Romney and used to work for the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. under George W. Bush. Grenell questioned Obama's recent campaigns stops and media interviews in light of the tragedy.

A State Department official reportedly told lawmakers Wednesday that he did think the assault was planned. And other lawmakers and analysts have reached the same conclusion. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers told Fox News shortly after the attack that it was clearly "coordinated." His account was backed up by a Libyan official Thursday who said it was a two-stage operation.

....And the beat goes on.

midnightsstaff said...

And all this pales compared to what is in store for us after the assured financial collapse starts unfolding..

Whoever is next is going to have to deal with such intentional destruction I don't have a clue as to how it could be approached, much less fixed without some real "sacrifice" by the "usual suspects"
.. the taxpayers.

Bend over- "forward"

Mike slater said...

Jim,I rarely watch Pro Football anymore. I due tune in sometimes to watch the Cardinals lose.

My passion is college football.Much more entertaining plus a variety of teams to watch unlike Pro football.

steve buzzardo said...

....And the beat goes on.

yeah Jim,
I feel like Im living in a 3rd world banana republic. Obama is a propped up dictator with a protective shell of pathetic media. Their only purpose is to make the dumbass look good.

anyway, there is some good news today:

"Mitt Romney possible landslide indicated by polling data released today"

http://www.examiner.com/article/mitt-romney-possible-landslide-indicated-by-polling-data-released-today


steve buzzardo said...

see what I mean, the Obamapravda have proclaimed that you should not be allowed to run against the great O.


Chris Matthews: Romney “arrogant” to run against Obama, shows “certain kind of disdain” for Obama: http://www.therightscoop.com/chris-matthews-romney-arrogant-to-run-against-obama-shows-disdain-for-obama/ …

midnightsstaff said...

It will be interesting to see how the debt ceiling plays out, as I said Jim in a rational world a guy running on making sure the unemployment stays high, is surely involved in not only providing a Mexican cartel weapons but was doing it to attack our second amendment protection, is leading a cover up that makes Watergate look like a junior high prank, showing no concern over gas prices remaing high, has shown no appreciable leadership skills- siding with al queda every time he gets the chance, has a history as cloaked as the Shroud of Turan, showing outright hostility towards Israel and the Christian church, an antichrist surrogate bringing the world to the brink of all out war and is presiding over the collapse of our monetary system should be defeated by a landslide.

..but this is no longer a rational world, just look at the headlines.

The al queda types know that he is on the way out, so they are doing as much of a land grab as possible before someone stops them.

I'm not worried about the election, I am worried about after the election.

Jim McAllister said...

Mike,

I don't watch a whole lot of football any more. There making it too soft with all the penalties and moving the kickoff line up in the pros to cut back injuries. they may as well put skirts on the guys and be done with it.

I watch a little college ball especially since Barb's and my alma mater, the U of Cincinnati, is on fairly often.

Do you have a favorite college team?


Jim McAllister said...

Steve,

That Examiner poll is pretty impressive. If it actually happens, I will definitely be popping the Chanpagne!

Matthews is an idiot and so is his tingling leg. I don't see how he keeps a job on MSNBC or any other network.

Jim McAllister said...

Middy,

It's going to be interesting. I'm buying more shells.

midnightsstaff said...

Great news on the Coyote front, Shane Doan just signed a four deal staying with the Yotes..
.. that gives me hope that maybe there is a deal imminent on the team purchase..

One way or the other the city of Glendale gets hosed pretty bad, the taxpayers lose no matter what happens, maybe Arizona legislators should pass a statewide tax to offset Glendale's sacrifice... just kidding.

But really it's not fair that I get to watch the Coyotes and the taxpayers of Glendale have to pay my share..(sounds like Jimmy Mac talking about property taxes and schools eh?)

Maybe a region wide incentive to business's that support the team including a surcharge payable directly to Glendale, or a special lotto with profits going directly to pay off one city's costs, something could be worked out if politicians could think outside the box.

But good news indeed on keeping a great guy like Shane in the valley- one battle won.

midnightsstaff said...

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/germany-opines-obamas-middle-east-policy-ruins

.."US President Barack Obama's Middle East policy is in ruins. Like no president before him, he tried to win over the Arab world. After some initial hesitation, he came out clearly on the side of the democratic revolutions. … In this context, he must accept the fact that he has snubbed old close allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia and the Egyptian military. And now parts of the freed societies are turning against the country which helped bring them into being. Anti-Americanism in the Arab world has even increased to levels greater than in the Bush era. It's a bitter outcome for Obama."

mommy, why doesn't the president have any clothes?

Jim McAllister said...

Great to see Doaner hang in there with us. I hope they have a season.

The Die Welt column pretty much describes jug ears. Have you noticed that more and more writers are using the term "naive" relating to him?

Other than his philosophy, that describes him perfectly. He's umraveling like a ball of string attacked by a kitten.

midnightsstaff said...

There is nothing this monster might do to prevent his Waterloo.
(whoa.. major Burma Shave moment eh?)
.. I think he might be willing to start a world war with the thought that the American people usually vote to keep the incumbent in office in time of war...

I am that cynica.. er I mean skeptical but tell me, have you ever seen a president so willing to sacrifice American lives for his own political gain?

I sure haven't.
You can fault George W. Bush for a lot of things and I will be the first, but for all his faults I never once thought he had contempt for the general population, our soldiers in harms way or would be involved in setting off a race war for sheer political gamesmanship, like "Lightbringer" will.
..this fraud is a menace to society.

CJinPhoenix said...

JUST WONDERING, Mike: What do you think about Joe Arpaio's latest campaign ads on network TV? I mean the one's where he proclaiming his accomplishment of going after deadbeat parents (it's for the children). Haven't heard a word about your favorite illegal immigrants all season, have you? I haven't heard a word bash Paul Penzone either. I believe old Joe's liberal roots are showing myself. Bet you would have loved this back before you got you child support payments reduced...

midnightsstaff said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6zIX29HkSo&feature=player_embedded#!

coming soon to a town near you..

steve buzzardo said...


Mark R. Levin -
This sums it up: please read and circulate...
Obama vs. the First Amendment

http://fb.me/thXGFaYe





Obama vs. the First Amendment

Jim McAllister said...

Middy,

The Aussies told those bastards a long time ago that they weren't going to put up with their crap. Glad to see the cops bust some heads; I only wish they would have mowed them down. The way it looks, that will be next.

Nits make lice so I'm sure you're right; we're probably next. I'm sure when it happens jug ears will say, "Let's not jump to conclusions."

I need some more shells.

Jim McAllister said...

Steve,

Great piece by McCarthy and true.

The sad part is that Obama has the believers that he has. Look at the characters just on these blogs over the past few years who would lay down and die for the MOTHER F.

It all seems so obvious what he is trying to do to this country. We didn't used to have this outrageous behavior by citizens like we see now. Who the hell ever heard of the 99 per centers before this year?

We've always had protests but nothing like now. I hate to see what happens if he wins. He has achieved his goal of class warfare.

midnightsstaff said...

good catch..
NRO is a great source and Andy McCarthy knows his stuff..

A free and open society simply cannot tolerate Islam in any form- it has nothing to do with first amendment rights.
At minimum all mosques in the US should be torn down and not allowed to re open,
Islam is not a religion just another cult of death the same as Jonestown or Jeffords church group.
If you remember the Federal government had no problem dealing with either of them or the Branch Davidians..

The first amendment was never intended to be a suicide pact, what it actually was intended to do was preventing the government from establishing a national religion.

If taken one step further, what this illegitimate Obama administration is attempting to do is establishing Islam as a protected therefore dominate state supported religion.

It is precisely what the first amendment was designed to prevent.

I suppose I will get the same argument from the usual suspects on this one tho...
whatever.

steve buzzardo said...

"I need some more shells."

Jim, I think you're gonna need a bigger gun! lol

midnightsstaff said...

save your breath Steve.. it's more like a hand grenade.
when seconds count, the police will be there in mere moments- just remember the cops carry guns for their own protection, not yours...

and to shoot the family dog.

..twice a firearm has saved my bacon... not counting that moment in time in the sixties.

911 operator.. can you hold? (this call may be monitored to make sure you are still alive when the authorities finally arrive so please don't hang up)

Jim McAllister said...

Jim, I think you're gonna need a bigger gun! lol

Maybe several of them if anything like in Sydney comes to town.

I enjoyed watching that dog gnaw on that a-hole's leg!

Mike slater said...

Jim, I have several favorite teams I've watched over the years. Notre Dame, USC, Alabama, and any team that beats Michigan. My brother's a big Michigan fan so I always put that in.

Middy, now you know why I moved out of Glendale and went to Sun City. I don't have to pay the new Glendale taxes plus in Sun City there's no school taxes. It was a good deal for us.

CJ, I got my child support payments lowered because the State changed the formula how they were calculated. They took into account how much my ex was making and decided I was paying too much. That frosted my ex's ass.

I'm voting for Joe just to tick off people like Paula Pennypacker, Ed Montini,Laurie Roberts and Linda Valdez.

midnightsstaff said...

Looks like some are late to the party.. People just didn't want to admit what Obama care will do to small business, well they are waking up now..


Franchisors warn Obamacare will halve profits
By Paul Bedard | Wednesday Sept 13, 2012

The International Franchise Association held a convention in Washington this week where most of the Radio Shack, Dunkin Donuts, Curves and other franchisers were grumbling about new federal regulations, especially the impact of Obamacare.

Most, said Atlanta Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken franchiser David Barr, presumed that the reports about how hard Obamacare will hit them were overblown. "They had their head in the sand," he told Secrets.

That is until he pulled out his PowerPoint showing how funding Obamacare will cut his–and likely their–profits in half overnight. With simple math the small business folks understood, he spelled out that their only choice is to slash employee hours so they aren’t eligible for company-paid health care or stop offering insurance and pay the $2,000 per employee fine.

Barr has 23 stores with 421 employees, 109 of whom are full-time. Of those, he provides 30 with health insurance. Barr said he pays 81 percent of their Blue Cross Blue Shield policy, or $4,073 of $5,028 for individuals, more for families, for a total bill of $129,000 a year. Employees pay $995.

Under Obamacare, however, he will have to provide health insurance for all 109 full-time workers, a cost of $444,000, or two and half times more than his current costs. That $315,000 increase is equal to just over half his annual profit, after expenses, or 1.5 percent of sales. As a result, he said, "I’m not paying $444,000."

Providing no insurance would result in a federal fine of $158,000, $29,000 more than he now spends but the lowest cost possible under the Obamacare law. So he now views that as his cap and he’ll either cut worker hours or replace them with machines to get his costs down or dump them on the public health exchange and pay the fine. "Every business has a way to eliminate jobs," he said, "but that’s not good for them or me."

But that’s not all. His experience tells him that most low-wage workers he would have to cover under Obamacare won’t take it because their $995 share is too high, meaning those the program was set up for won’t see any benefit. And those who do will [do so] because they have major health issues, likely resulting in higher premiums to him.

This isn’t news to the regular readers here. We have always known that Obama’s real end game with Obama-Care is to force everyone into the protective arms of the government. To make them dependent so they’ll always vote Democrat.

But it is quite disturbing to hear that the businessmen at this franchisers convention were unaware of what is coming. But, then again, where would they hear about it? From the our mainstream media?

These small businesses had better wake up and smell the coffee before November 6th. Their futures are on the line.

CJinPhoenix said...

"I'm voting for Joe just to tick off people like Paula Pennypacker, Ed Montini,Laurie Roberts and Linda Valdez."

Excellent reason, Mike. BTW, that's sarcasm. Here's what I really think: I am going to vote for somebody who at least seems qualified to be Sheriff of this county & the reasoning you expressed up there just goes to show why voters should have to pass an aptitude test immediately after moving into a retirement community (like Sun City) & every four years after that.

midnightsstaff said...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/9545597/Armada-of-British-naval-power-massing-in-the-Gulf-as-Israel-prepares-an-Iran-strike.html

Well Jim I doubt this will make it past the elections.. my worst fears.

It's ramping up for a shoot out in the mideast right now, and I don't know which side this son of a bitch will back..
I'm beginning to think that Mayan calender might be right.

Mike slater said...

CJ, I'll take an aptitude test if you will. I'm voting for Joe because I like the way he goes after illegals.

Paula and the other illegal lovers don't like Joe going after illegals.I want Joe to win just to listen to them whine.

BTW, moving to Sun City doesn't make a person suddenly senile.

CJinPhoenix said...

Sure thing, Mike. In fact, I have taken a few aptitude tests recently &, as always, I test well. Not counting the test I took in order to go back to college (reading comprehension because I already had all my math & English credits but I guess they needed to see that I could still study), I have taken two more recently in order to apply for employment. Those were pretty basic like the MEPS: mechanical, math, grammar, logic ... Plus, I now have a shiny new diploma that includes the phrase "highest distinction" in paralegal studies (meaning 4.0 average) so I will accept that challenge. Low score loses their voter registration card. Are you sure you are still up to it?

You know what? You guys are gonna miss me when I am too busy to come here every day & spar with you. I know you will never ever admit it but I am 100% positive that you will. It will be just you old guys patting each other on the back ... AND RICK. LOL. Want me to see if I can scrape up some interested liberals?

midnightsstaff said...

I kept expecting Blue to show up with one of her alcohol fueled all caps rants over the excessive bullying going on, but evidently she is selective with her criticism just like some others..

Mike, ask the hot chick about her military career sometime, then ask her about her marriage.

people in glass houses.....

Not many people posting here have had the pleasure of conjugal visits..

Have you noticed a pattern yet?- when these leftist windbags get cornered by reason they always want to change the subject and get all personal... like digging on you over something that happened years ago, in another life..

Mom told me once what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

CJinPhoenix said...

Mike, tell the dumbass that my "military career" was truncated by a "hardship" when my no-good, lying, cheating, thieving spouse demonstrated his true nature again & took off in the middle of the night because everybody with a gun, dog, &/or badge in Mayer was looking for him. My "military career" didn't even last long enough to be eligible for Obama's affirmative action plan these days because I never went active. BUT I did learn a very valuable lesson from that experience, including the importance of self-reliance & how to spot a real criminal coming my way, AND I learned it the FIRST TIME around (unlike the dumbass, I believe) ... Anything else you want to know?

midnightsstaff said...

Hahahaha...clears it up for me... now do you want to stay on topic and start discussing issues?- or continue being a horses ass, remain in your default fishwife mode and get all high school on us with this personal crap designed to feed your personal vendettas?

Were you referring to me??- if so, I had no idea my ass was so dumb but seeing how asses are mostly democrat it doesn't surprise me.
.. my ass having to stay in the backyard with Rick's goat probably isn't helping, but thanks for pointing it out.
twit.

Try to keep in mind no one is perfect and the adults realize it-
at least this covers most aspects of movies, TV, bullying, sports, American history and a whole lotta other stuff.. as usual right on topic.

The Cards backed into that one eh?
good game tho.. hard to win in that stadium.

Jim McAllister said...

That game was unbelievable. That guy on the Cards who fumbled that ball really got a reprieve.

I'm not a Cards fan necessarily but it was nice to see a nobody team like them step up and beat those smug bastards on New England.

Take that Tom Brady! I guess 42 yards was too close for Gostowski.

Mike slater said...

CJ, you sound like you're a legend in your own mind.

I was thinking more in the line of an aptitude test on government, civics and history. Those are my strong points.

Old Guys? Come on now let's show a little respect. Didn't your parents ever teach you to respect your elders? You sound like my son. Every time he calls or I see him the first words out of his mouth is hey old man how you doing. No respect.

Please don't leave this blog and take all my fun away.

CJinPhoenix said...

Not a legend, Mike. Just confident & telling you like it is. I am usually much more low key about it but you did issue me a challenge. And, yeah, I didn't really think you were up to it & that is why I gave you fair warning (although it would have been fun to win that bet) ...

"Old guys" is a term of endearment when I say it towards you. And Jim. You can tell the other old guy, the one who is also a dumbass, to go suck an egg though. I didn't know the topic was actually sports.

I knew you would miss me. Don't worry, Mike, I'll just be busier than usual now but I will make sure to check in every so often so that you old guys do not trash the place.

Mike slater said...

CJ, what about the aptitude test on government and history?

I realize you will be busy with your new job but please take the time to chat with us "old guys"once in a while.Being retired and living off our investments gives us a lot of free time on our hands. If you left the blogs I just don't think I could bear it.

Jim, I not a Cardinal fan. They dodged a bullet in that game. If the kick would have been good they would have lost.

I've watched many a football game over the years, both college and pro,the one thing you don't want is a field goal kicker to win or lose the game.

CJinPhoenix said...

That would be just a test of knowledge you have acquired thru study of those subjects, Mike. An aptitude test measures the person's ability "to develop skills or acquire knowledge" & that's what I was talking about all along so, no, since I have not devoted very much of my free time to those subjects, I do not believe it would be appropriate. I did very well in both of those classes but that was like 25yrs. ago now & I am sure that I have forgotten a lot of the picky little details.

"If you left the blogs I just don't think I could bear it." Now you are just playing me. Does that line still work on anybody at our age? Oh, I know, how much money are we talking about?

Mike slater said...

CJ, "develop skills and acquire knowledge" is what we all strive to do. With "old age" comes wisdom hopefully.

Don't worry about the money, I have plenty of it.

Jim McAllister said...

Mike,

I watched the game and I told Barb when they lined up that 42 was "pretty" easy but not a gimme. Sure enough, after kicks 0f 51,46, and 53 he jerks one to the left and the idiot Cardinals pull one out against a good team on the road.

I'm not in love with those smug New Englanders and Belichek so I was glad to see the Cards get that one. Cincinnati is my team.

Otherwise, I am like you and always root against them. It comes from my days in Kansas City when we had the annual governor's cup game between the Chiefs and the Cardinals. Also I have always very much disliked the Bidwills. They are lucky they had a good PR company pushing or they would never have gotten Jiffy Pop in Glendale.

Jim McAllister said...

CJ,

Don't underestimate guys like Mike and me. We have been around the horn quite a few times and know a lot of tricks of the trade. The only way one gets that knowledge is by living it.

Good luck with the job. Let us know what it is when you feel it is appropriate. In the mean time, we will still invite you to lunch.

Fall baseball league is just around the corner. That's a good place for a get together.

CJinPhoenix said...

Just teasing you all, Jim. But I've been around a few horns myself ... (I think I'll stop right there.) And now, look: I have Mike bragging about all his money. Boy howdy, I bet his wife would have something to say about that.

Hey, did anybody else see Harold Fish's obit in the paper this morning? Remember him? He was only 65. Karma.

Jim McAllister said...

I didn't know Harold.

midnightsstaff said...

I believe he shot some guy in the forest a few years ago in self defense and it became political incident..

He wasn't exactly a mass murderer, the thought of karma is pretty much bubblegum anyway.. if karma was real how is it that death row is overflowing?- and that's not even considering what goes on in Africa with machetes every day.

Guess that sad chapter in Arizona history is officially closed tho, maybe that's what you meant.

midnightsstaff said...

A rich Arab Sheik was admitted to Hospital for heart surgery, but prior to the surgery, the doctors needed to store his blood in case the need arises.

As the gentleman had a rare type of blood, it couldn’t be found locally, so, the call went out.

Finally a Scotsman was located who had a similar blood type.

The Scot willingly donated his blood for the Arab.

After the surgery, the Arab sent the Scotsman as appreciation for giving his blood, a new BMW, diamonds & US dollars.

A couple of days later, once again, the Arab had to go through a corrective surgery.

His doctor telephoned the Scotsman who was more than happy to donate his blood again.

After the second surgery, the Arab sent the Scotsman a thank-you card and a box of Quality Street chocolates.

The Scotsman was shocked that the Arab did not reciprocate his kind gesture as he had anticipated.

He phoned the Arab and asked him: “I thought you would be generous again, that you would give me a BMW, diamonds & money, but you only gave me a thank-you card and a box of Quality Street .”

To this the Arab replied: “Aye laddie, but I now have Scottish blood in ma veins”.

it's a joke, it's ok to laugh...

Jim McAllister said...

Now that you mention him I do kind of remember something about Mr. Fish.

I don't know if this will go through but it is a good Ramirez cartoon; a nice change from the garbage Benson prints every day.

http://arizonarepublic.az.newsmemory.com/?source=nletter-top5

Good Scotsman joke!

midnightsstaff said...

Yeah.. I know I'm taking a chance of having Scottish militants attacking and burning our embassies and raping the staff everywhere Scotts are tolerated..
could be as bad as when I commented that the only reason God gave us whisky was to keep the Irish from ruling the world... gotta be careful in the new normal.

na.. didn't come through.

Mike slater said...

CJ, who do you think is spending that money? I'll give you a hint, it's not me.

Harold Fish should never have gone to prison. It was a clear case of self defense. The people on the jury that convicted him were idiots.