JOBSEARCH: Unionized IT or something else?

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/career/should-it-be-unionized/4348?tag=nl.e101

Home / Blogs / Career Management
Career Management

Should IT be unionized?
By Patrick Gray
May 30, 2012, 4:48 AM PDT

Takeaway: Patrick Gray thinks unionization is exactly the wrong answer for IT, and the dynamic career IT he has been given would not be possible in a unionized environment.

Today we have a guest post from TechRepublic contributing writer Patrick Gray.

*** begin quote ***

Despite all this high-minded talk of knowledge and merit-driven success, are IT workers “exploited”? That might be a loaded and overly dramatic word when considering the plight of far more difficult circumstances, but there are certainly people in IT who put in more effort than the corresponding reward they receive.

While a union might offer some protection, an alternative solution is to manage your career as if you were a tiny corporation. Many workers complain about a lack of employer loyalty, but this is a two-way street. You’re always free to say “no” to yet another working weekend, turn off the mobile device during dinner, or ultimately take your skills elsewhere. It may strike some as selfish and perhaps conniving, but your employer will likely consider replacing you when the need arises, so there’s no harm in considering replacing them on similar terms.

After long hours and over a frosty beverage, a worker’s revolt of sorts in the IT industry may sound like a good idea. Defined hours and benefits, and an overarching organization designed to keep your employer in line, certainly has its positive aspects. However, that stability comes with a trade-off, one that I find too heavy a price to bear. At its best, IT offers young and old a dynamic career where merit and skill trump seniority, pricey academic credentials, and even deep pockets.

*** end quote ***

Perhaps there is a middle ground?

Contracts?

Employment at will worked in the IT workers’ favor in the old days.

Not so much any more.

H1B, off-shoring, out-sourcing, downsizing, rightsizing, layoffs, firings, nit picking, bankruptcy, political shenanigans (i.e., GM union got paid off; GM’s non-union workers, suppliers, bondholder, and stockholders got the shaft), “crazy” management, “do more with less”, fad de jour, “human resource management”, … just to name a few.

 

 

 

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HARDWARE: Retina MacBook Pro demonstrates Apple wants to be an “appliance company”

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/cracking-open/teardown-shows-retina-macbook-pro-is-nearly-impossible-
to-upgrade-difficult-to-work-on/696?tag=nl.e101

Home / Blogs / Cracking Open
Teardown shows Retina MacBook Pro is nearly impossible to upgrade, difficult to work on
By Bill Detwiler
July 5, 2012, 10:08 PM PDT

*** begin quote ***

Missing “Pro” features

And if all this wasn’t enough, Apple also dropped two features that set the MacBook Pro apart the thinner, but less “professional” MacBook Air–an Ethernet port and optical drive.

*** end quote ***

For awhile I was an Apple fan boy. For a very very short time before that I was a Wintel fan boy. Both times I’ve quickly soured over “offerings”. 

For Wintel, it was bloatware, crapware, feature creep, automatic updates, DRM, activation. But what really put the ultimate knot in my shorts was win rot. That almost mandatory bare metal restore every six to nine months was unacceptable. 

A brief love affair with Linux, it was just too hard to install. Too many distributions to choose from. And, they really wanted you to be a hardware geek. Personally, I’m astonished that large organizations with dedicated IT staffs haven’t jumped on this as opposed to Microsoft and it’s upgrade treadmill.

That all led me to Apple. I jumped in with Mac Book Air. And, for the most part it’s served me well. Except, like Wintel, it has Mac Rot. I’ve got several problems that the Geniuses haven’t solved and requires fairly frequent reboot. A bare metal install without a Lion distribution disk scares me silly.

I don’t like the whole app store concept. 

Personal computing has morphed into being a pawn or cash cow for the big guys.

Maybe it’s time to revisit Linux.

But, I’m going to try a Chromebox first.

Maybe I’ll be a Google fan boy next. I doubt. I always seem to find the man behind the curtain.

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MONEY: French tax grab on holiday homes

Monday, July 9, 2012

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/offshorefinance/9377307/Francois-Hollande-announces-French-tax-grab-on-holiday-homes.html

Home»Finance»Personal Finance»Offshore Finance
Francois Hollande announces French tax grab on holiday homes
British owners of holiday homes in France are to be hit with punitive tax rises under plans announced by the new Socialist government.
By Henry Samuel, Paris
9:49PM BST 04 Jul 2012

*** begin quote ***

Approximately 200,000 Britons own second homes in areas such as the Dordogne and other parts of France, particularly those serviced by budget airlines.

Now, however, holiday home owners find themselves in the sights of President François Hollande as he seeks to tax the better-off to reduce France’s large budget deficit.

On Wednesday (July 4th), the French government announced it was to increase taxes on foreign-owned second homes. Tax on rental income would rise from 20 per cent to 35.5 per cent, and capital gains tax on property sales would rise from 19 per cent to 34.5 per cent. The extra in each case is being labelled a “social charge”.

A Treasury source said on Wednesday night: “We will need to study the details. But we will of course challenge any proposal which breaches European single market laws and anti-discrimination rules.”

*** end quote ***

I can’t imagine a dumber attack on property rights.

Why should “We, The Sheeple” care?

Because one Gooferment’s bad idea quickly migrates around the world. Gooferment, like vampires for blood, have an insatiable desire for wealth to spend on this program or that. Without concern for morality, effectiveness, or efficiency. 

Every unit of wealth extracted from the serfs has a “broken glass” effect. It can’t be used by the serf how they’d like to use it. It can’t sate a personal need, saved, or invested. 

We, here in Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerzee, are a classic example of Gooferment creep. Property taxes drive old people from their homes. Income taxes were imposed to provide “property tax relief”. What joke! All the taxes are higher. 

No, the only answer is to resist any and all taxes. No matter how reasonable the excuse, the answer must always be the same: “No!”

And one should insert some salty language to assure that everyone understand just how serious you are.

Then, the follow up should be: “And, while we are on the subject, how can we lower all taxes 10%?” If they politicians and bureaucrats begin to sputter and turn red or blue, then raise the ante. “OK, if you can’t do 10, how bout 20%?” When they turn white, then you’ve got them. They’re dead!

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POLITICAL: Too late for me to save Amerika

Sunday, July 8, 2012

FROM MY FAVORITE GOOFERMENT WORKER

On Sat, Jun 30, 2012 at 10:16 PM, Favorite Gooferment Worker wrote:
 
I assume you’ve rsvp’d to this?

Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: Matt Hawes 
Date: June 30, 2012 15:09:38 CDT
To: Favorite Gooferment Worker 
Subject: Ron Paul to Speak at LPAC
Reply-To:

 

Dear Favorite Gooferment Worker,

It seems each summer flies by faster than the last.

So the 2012 Liberty Political Action Conference (LPAC), which takes place September 13-15 in Chantilly, Virginia, is quickly approaching!

I wanted to make you aware of two important updates regarding our Conference.

1.) I’m proud to announce that Congressman Ron Paul is confirmed to speak!

For over 30 years, Congressman Paul has stood up in defense of the Constitution and individual freedom, and his founding of C4L in 2008 ensured a continuing grassroots impact on the political landscape by liberty-minded activists.

Congressman Paul joins Senator Rand Paul, Senator Mike Lee, Joel Salatin, Jack Hunter, Mike Church, and many more as an LPAC 2012 speaker.  

2.) Our Early Bird rate, which discounts tickets to all three days of main stage activities to only $85 (and includes our grassroots training), was scheduled to expire July 1. 

But to help as many people as possible attend LPAC 2012, we’re extending the time to take advantage of this rate.

The Early Bird discount will now be available through July 8!

We won’t be able to stretch our deadline again.  So once this deal is gone, it’s gone!

Although we’ve extended our Early Bird rate, don’t wait until the last minute to save your spot.

LPAC 2012 is guaranteed to be an exciting, motivating, and encouraging weekend for all those desiring to reclaim the Republic and restore the Constitution.

And our grassroots training will equip you with the tools you need to turn your passion into effective action.

Visit www.LPAC.com to learn more about our Conference activities and reserve your ticket(s) today.

If you have any questions, be sure to contact us at lpac@campaignforliberty.com.

In Liberty,

Matt Hawes
Vice President

P.S.  I’m excited to announce that Congressman Ron Paul is confirmed to speak at LPAC 2012!

And I also wanted to let you know that our Early Bird rate on LPAC 2012 tickets, which includes access to all three days of main Conference activities and our grassroots training for just $85, has been extended until July 8.

 

Even though our deadline to obtain our Early Bird discount has been extended, don’t wait until the last minute to save your spot.

Visit www.LPAC.com to learn more about our Conference activities and reserve your ticket(s) today!

And be sure to contact us at lpac@campaignforliberty.com with any questions.

This message was intended for: Favorite Gooferment Worker
You were added to the system September 15, 2011. For more information

 

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Dear Favorite Gooferment Worker:

No. I was planning to take a week down at Casa Reinke and just “try to remember”.

(Yes, my life is governed by old songs, TV shows, and great quotes.)

Although it’s right nearby. It’ll just make me want to move to NH. Besides, I’m at the end of my journey. It’s too late for me to make or effect any meaningful change.

For better or worse, it’s up to you young people and the rest of “We, The Sheeple” to correct the mistakes of my and previous generations.

Sadly, “we” were not as smart as the Dead Old White Guys.

More sadly, neither is your generation.

I won’t be around to see the demise of the American Experiment (in self governance). But, maybe I have. It’ll goes back to Wilson creating the Federal Reserve System. The Republic was “Dead Man Walking” from that point on.

Sadly.
“to late, we get smart” Ferd 

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SERVICE: Yahoo! Groups Labs Applications (beta) and Groups Chat — goodbye

Saturday, July 7, 2012

ygroupsnotifications@yahoogroups.com via ng4-ip2.bullet.mail.bf1.yahoo.com

to JasperJottings.

Dear User,

Unfortunately, the time has come to say goodbye to Yahoo! Groups Labs Applications (beta) and Groups Chat. We thank all the users that were a part of this program. We intend to use this learning to enhance Yahoo! Groups further with new features.

On July 04, 2012, we will shut down the Yahoo! Groups Labs Applications (beta) and Groups Chat. We request you to backup any data that you might have created using the applications.

This closure will not affect your other services on Yahoo! Groups.

We look forward to continue having you as our customer.

Best,
The Yahoo! Groups Team

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You can’t depend on Cloud apps not changing on you. Free is just a hook up. If you’re not paying for it, then you have zero assurance.

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FUN: I vote for “Tail-egger”

Friday, July 6, 2012

FROM MY FAVORITE GOOFERMENT WORKER

*** begin quote ***

Taylor Swift spends July 4 with Schwarzenegger’s son, other Kennedys
Flirt alert! Taylor Swift, 22, spent Independence Day hanging out with Patrick Schwarzenegger, 18, at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Mass., a source tells Us Weekly. ”They are getting to know each other, but she thinks he’s cute!” PHOTOS: Famous political families T …

*** end quote ***

On Fri, Jul 6, 2012 at 5:48 PM, Favorite Gooferment Worker wrote:

“Favorite Gooferment Worker” shared this with you from TODAY Entertainment:

Note: “This can’t make you happy.”

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TO WHICH I QUICKLY RESPONDED 

Sure it does.

The gal needs to find her one true love.

The big thing is do we call it “Taylor-negger”, “Pat-wift”, “Patta-Tail”, “SwiftaSwarrz”, or will we have another great “revenge song” from the Princess of Puberty?

She reminds me of when I was young such a long long time ago. When I was one of the young and beautiful. At least in my own mind. 

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One concern I have is marital fidelity doesn’t run in the Kennedy genes; nor Schwarzenegger ones. So, as an old “swift”, I’d advise her to be extremely suspect of their intentions. 

She’s not fifteen any more. And, lest she wind up plucked and thrown aside like Abigail, i’d use the aspirin method with these clan of philanderers! Joe Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Michael Kennedy, Kennedy nephew William Smith, Skakel, … chips off the old block — Bootleg Joe, JFK, RFK, and Teddie.

Either that or bring her Mom and Dad on any date. 

Remember Martha Moxley, Mary Jo Kopechne, and countless others. That came out a lot worse than wear and tear.

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Maybe on reflection, she should stick to the Nashville talent.

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INTERESTING: 9 Beliefs; that’s what I missed

Friday, July 6, 2012

http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/9-beliefs-of-remarkably-successful-people.html

OWNERS’ MANUAL | Jeff Haden
Jun 25, 2012
9 Beliefs of Remarkably Successful People

*** begin quote ***

The most successful people in business approach their work differently than most. See how they think–and why it works.

1. Time doesn’t fill me. I fill time.

2. The people around me are the people I chose.

3. I have never paid my dues.

4. Experience is irrelevant. Accomplishments are everything.

5. Failure is something I accomplish; it doesn’t just happen to me. 

6. Volunteers always win.

7. As long as I’m paid well, it’s all good.

8. People who pay me always have the right to tell me what to do.

9. The extra mile is a vast, unpopulated wasteland.

*** end quote ***

Have to think about and internalize the meme.

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FUN: Listening to “Dear Boss” ℅ “Irish Pub Radio” on TUNNIN radio app

Thursday, July 5, 2012

… some of the songs are absolutely great.

Puts me back in the Red Garter, Gerdie’s Folk City, or the other clubs in the 60’s Village.

Just listened to “Dear Boss”, a Clancy Brothers’ classic — I remember taking dates — those gals who preceded Our Girl and Our Girl to their concerts — I went to lots of those — … …

… … any way, back to “Dear Boss”, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a funnier “dumb” song. It was funny to me then; it’s still funny today.

Sigh!.

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RANT: Independence Day!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_%28United_States%29

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116629/

*** begin quote ***

President Thomas Whitmore: Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. “Mankind.” That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it’s fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom… Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution… but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: “We will not go quietly into the night!” We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!
[crowd cheers]

*** end quote ***

That’s what we should be about.

What the Dead Old White Guys envisioned.

Switzerland!

A porcupine!

Argh!

Not the tyranny of the welfare / warfare state!

Independence Day!

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POLITICAL: Listening to “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda” ℅ “Irish Pub Radio” on TUNNIN radio app

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

… some of the songs are absolutely great.

Puts me back in the Red Garter, Gerdie’s Folk City, or the other clubs in the 60’s Village.

Just listened to “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda”, I don’t think I ever heard that one before.

It reminded me of all the anti-war songs I heard in the Sixties. I was a fool in those days. It took a long time for me to understand.

“Blown In The Wind”. “Billy Don’t Be a Hero”. “Bring Them Home”. “Eve of Destruction”. “Give Peace a Chance”. “Blowin in the Wind”. “One Tin Soldier”. “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?”

I heard the words. I even understood the words. I sand the words.

I just didn’t “grok” the concept like I do now.

And, let’s not forget “Leaving on A Jet Plane” that at one time was Our Girl’s and my anthem.

It was funny peculiar to me then, I believed what I was told. Today it’s just sad.

Unfortunately, the anti-war Left is merely a guise for the Socialists to campaign on. (You can tell it’s a ploy because with “their party” in the White House, there are no anti-war demonstrations.)

One reason, I support Ron Paul is because he is the ONLY candidate that “gets it”.

Every boy and girl should be on something coming home. 

And, oh by the way, if you in the Third World mess with them or with us again, you’ll get more a lot more than what that country song promises — a boot up your ass. We’ll make your country a glass parking lot.

I’m an anti-war little L libertarian, but I’m not an isolationist or defenseless. The one valid function of Gooferment is defense. Defense; not offense. 

So why are we trying to be the world’s policeman?

Sigh!.

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