Snoochie

If I researched the company properly, the President is John Markelwith. If you look up his past, I believe he was connected with Action National which could possibly shed some light on the terms of the contract that was displayed by chubbygumby. The 30 minute travel is strikingly similiar to the travel policy of Action. Maybe the Stouch crew is behind this company.................. Dominic

Not to beat this dead horse to death, but the Signweb thing is a joke. I primarily cruise the "Sign Syndicate" but I do read the Signweb infrequently. The General Board section of their site has degenerated into a spammers paradise. Today I notice they have a cool link to a pornographic site and god knows what else on some others. But I suppose using some twisted logic, they can be related to the sign industry. Again, this site is an authority on the state of the sign industry?? More like an authority on the state of internet confusion. Doesn't the board administrator on the Signweb read and take this bullshit down??? Thank goodness for this site and the fact that our administrator doesn't condone or allow that kind of crap......... Dominic

Eric; On a serious side from yours truly, have you entertained the idea of developing something along this line? I like your ideas, especially #1 #3 and #3b. I think a serious survey and analysis by regular folks who belong to your "Sign Syndicate" would be absolutely refreshing and enlightening. Imagine a perspective from those on the front lines instead of those being held up as experts by money interests. I hope you consider something in the future because an unbiased view is exactly the tonic to cure the sickness we have. Hail to the chief.................. Dominic

Eric; Apparently neither the old seatbelt or belt was tight enough.......... 4-5 Trillion of global net worth gone in a flash. More pain to come until we grab the reins of our country away from the politicians of both parties. The only flicker of anything even slightly remotely positive from this mess is Oil is almost in the 70's and slated to go even lower. That could mean lower pump prices to power our trucks. But as we speak, the oil executives are frantically devising ways to keep the price of gasoline high. They are planning to lower production at their refineries and ramp up the tired old excuse of "Inelastic Demand". You will be hearing this phrase in the coming days. Tighten the seatbelt even tighter. You ain't seen nothin yet................... Dominic

I don't frequent the Signweb board that much but I saw the following headline, "ST Releases Commercial State of the Industry Report". I didn't realize that Signweb was the oracle of the sign industry and their view was anything more than something you read while taking a pitstop in the restroom. State of the industry?? The way they present this is sort of like "The State of The Union" which whether we like it or not, we all listen in to see which way the president thinks our country is headed. These guys put this kind of crap out there but can't even prevent spammers from jamming up their website with useless crap. They really are full of themselves and that is why I prefer to read and post on "The Sign Syndicate" because I feel I am with my fellow contractors while on this venue. I think we should all get together on this board and produce the "Sign Syndicate State of The Industry" report. I would put way more credence in something coming from regular working folks from around the nation rather than a rag that is dominated by money. While I don't always agree with everyone on this board, and yes that even includes you Eric whom I respect, I feel like all the information is coming from hard working Americans who tell it like it is from their perspective in the part of the country they reside. Come on Eric, get it going. And when you get to the presidency you an include this report within the State of The Union speech.............. Dominic

Again the market tanks, While we middle class folks struggle to make ends meet, John Boenher, Mitch Mcconnell, Eric Cantor, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi all sip martinis while vacationing on the taxpayer dime. Shit, why not. They have guaranteed pensions at 100K for life, free medical care for life, guaranteed jobs as lobbyists if and when they desire and kickbacks from all those entities that bought them while in public life. Oh yea, Happy Brithday Mr. President. Damn sure don't want to exclude you from this hootenanny. Hope everyone remembers these pieces of shit when you open your 401 K statement, that is assuming you even have on or it is still intact. Both parties are deeply involved with this rotten system in DC while demonizing those folks who came to town to try to make a difference. Who is the terroist now, Washington elite ????????????? God bless all on this board and around the country,we are going to need it. Tighten your seatbelts folks..................... Dominic

The problem is that we now have "Professional Politicians". Back when our country started, the people who served our country were "Statesmen". They came to do the business of the country on a limited basis and after they did their patriotic duty they went home to their respective states to continue with their lives. Now we have folks who start and end their careers in Washington and fight at all cost to not lose their position. With the emergence of the TP freshmen, they see this cash cow finally ending and they are are scared shitless. Both parties are scared shitless. I hope the trend continues back towards the "Statesmen" position and these career politicians have to find and perform jobs like the rest of us on this board. Dominic

I agree. "WE AMERICANS" have a problem with our system but just as in Washington DC, we are way too divided. We will never solve our economic or social problems until we undterstand that "WE AMERICANS" need to come together to solve them. I am not Republican, Democrat, Conservative,Liberal or whatever, I am an American and unless we come together as one we will continue with this bullshit. All I hear is "who won" ? I don't give two shits about which party or faction won the argument, we as Americans lost in this deal. We did not solve anything other than delaying any solutions to future years or maybe never. And now we have a "Super Commitee" in Congress. How about this novel idea, just get the existing congress and senate to do their jobs as regular members. As far as imploding, you may just get your wish. Although, be careful what you wish for. Dominic

ERIC for PRESIDENT.......................... Dominic

The markets have crashed the past (2) days and many companies are announcing layoffs and other cut backs. I thought the end all be all cure for the USA was to allow the Geniuses in Washington to raise the debt ceiling? Well we got it today and guess what, down goes the DOW. When are they going to understand that "REALLY" bringing our out of control government spending in line and getting back to Econ 101 basics, like manufacturing and selling American built products around the world instead of buying all the cheap Chinese trinkets at Walmart, is the way to create those jobs we desperately need. What a Frickin joke............. Dominic

Eric; Now you are being very non specific.......... Yes or No, can I be Chief of Staff. I pledge my unyielding loyalty to your administration. Dominic

Eric; Since I first nomitated you for office, can I at least be on your staff when you get to the Oval Office? There must be something I am qualified for... Dominic

Eric; I never take what you write as a rant but rather "PASSION". Never change my brother. As far as my cynical outlook, it's the only one I have. Remember, no one ever looks for equality, they always look for advantage. And in the pursuit of self interest most become excellent chameleons. I think Shakespeare said it best "The world is stage and we all are actors". Want change in the industry, you take The Sign Syndicate to the next level and be the center of the industry that actually gives a shit about its constituents rather than the "Big Money". Heck, maybe you could be the next Senator from California who actually gives a darn about the folks who put you in office. Well, back to work. Dominic

Eric; Everything that is done in Washington and in most state governments are never specific so wiggle room or back doors are always open. You are right that the ER and HR 527 were initiated at the beginning of the year. As far as Lori Andeson, what did you expect her to say? And take a read of HR 527 and see if you can understand the vagueness and non specificity of this document. As far as the letter signed, I happened to be part of a group that signed on to the letter through another organization other than that of the ISA. (See attached letter). Notice this letter is chock full of non specifics, but we get the jist of what they were trying to say. I realize you don't care for the ISA much and to be quite honest I don't know about them that much. But in regards to Lori Anderson, of course she was playing the game. Dominic HR 527 Letter.doc

.....I thought according to Lori Anderson of ISA, when talking about President Obama's visit to Gelberg Signs in D.C., that this president was "giving us the tools" necessary to thrive in business. I guess the gushing and fainting has ended, and reality set in. Must be a DC thing, glad I'm on the West Coast. Eric; President Obama signed executive order #13563 which was only one of many tools that was referred to by Lori Anderson regarding Obama's visit to Gelberg Signs. The bottom line was that the EO was signed to require outdated old rules or cumbersome new rules analysed and modified so they don't burden small business. The House of Representatives drafted H.R. 527 in conjunction with the executive order signed by the president to force it to grow teeth. Both the executive order and the bill are compatible with one another and hopefully will protect small business from outdated or unrealistic regulations in the future. The ISA joined a group letter that included many other associations to push for the implementation of H.R. 527. So the statement by Lori Anderson, H.R. 527 and ISA support for it via a group letter indicates to me that the gushing and fainting continues. Dominic 13563.pdf H.R. 527.pdf

Eric; Great talking to you today and like I said, best of luck in all your future endeavors........... Dominic

Manuel; What type of testing been done on the life of your bulb as it pertains to spikes or troughs in voltage? Many locations I work at have these fluctuations in voltage from time to time both on the high and low end. I was wondering what effect they may have on your product. Thanks in advance Dominic

Not that long ago we worked at about 25 Blockbuster locations around California for another national contractor. We installed the electrical circuitry for the Blu Ray machines they installed in conjunction with Sony.(See attached) It went off well and we were paid in a timely fashion by said contractor. Since this other national is most likely not involved any further, it gives me pause as to why aren't they involved. In addition, Gateway is listed as a new company with no particulars. Why not and why not an established contractor being utilized for this project?? I recently wired in some Blockbuster kiosk booths that were installed at a few Valero gas stations in my service area and now notice they have been removed. I was paid by the Valero rep but it was indicated that the Blockbuster equipment/venture was run by NCR and it seems as if it fell through. For the record, Blockbuster is now owned by Direct TV and I wonder who would be legally responsible if one were not paid by Gateway? Bottom line, I would be very careful if getting involved with Gateway or anyone else until I was very sure if I were going to get paid. Dominic

Mr. Axiom; How is this product working out for Axiom? Has the initial rollout been a sucess? I think it is perfect for those folks who want a quick retrofit for the old incandescant without having to completely remodel their facility during these difficult economic times. Is anything else in the works? Dominic

I know right? What was "Big Dog" Thinking?!? I Mean, coming back all snarling, barkin, with his razor like teeth, taking a doo doo in my slippers. Soon my family, friends, neighbors, salesmen, postman, will stop visiting me and coming to my parties and BBQ's because I got "Big Dog" on my porch, letting some pet him with that zest and finesse, but then biting that same hand, and unpredictably I might add. What are you gonna do, ya know? Sometimes I can relate "Big Dog" to sports. Hey, your probably a 9'ers fan I'll gamble? But I'll use my hated team the Cowboys as another example just in case. T.O. was a pretty good decent player, could catch the ball and run and help the team win games, but he had another side to him, he would only play when he wanted to, created problems within his team, made it divisive and he ended up a locker room "poison". So they had to let him go, and hope he did good somewhere else. But you know the cycle of that story, something for some reason follows him. Enough time spent on that subject, didn't really finish. I read that lame thread too on SW. Not sure if anyone thought you were "Big Dog", will have to read it again, but maybe some thought you maybe the other feller or gal. But if there is confusion here I'll let it be known that the, "Snooch".....is not the "Pooch"! I do have to add, and I thought it was funny if indeed intended, pretty fricken hilarious. Maybe I read too much into it and maybe ignored the simple part to it all , BUT, it was hard to tell if you really enjoyed the Big Dog's TOTAL company as a whole here, or were IF you indeed were setting up the Big Dog to tip over the edge, egging him on to bite someone, almost calculated. LOLOLOLOLOL! Anyway, all kidding aside, I truly do hope/wish "Big Dog" the best where ever he goes. I like him, I really do from the conversations I've had with him online in private. But some people just may not be good for online interaction. Erick; Thanks for clearing up the misconception about Snoochie. I have to tell you that I did not try or intend to lay any traps for Signtiffic. He is a smart guy with a lot of information and experience to offer. I know he sometimes gets under some peoples skins but you have to read between the lines and extract the information. He is a good guy and I think it is a shame for him to be banned anywhere. After reading the posts on "The Sign Syndicate" and "SignWeb" I think other posters like to draw him into an argument on many occasions to achieve this end result. I categorically can say I am not one of those. Like I have said many times, Free speech is why I love this country so much. I don't agree with some people on this board but will spill my own blood defending their right to have them and articulate them. Lastly, even though I have never met you face to face I appreciate the time you gave me listening to my rant about that nameless national contractor. You could have just told me to get off the phone but you didn't. For that I'll always have your back. And after reading your posts, I know also that you are the kind of guy that values your freedom in any form you choose define it in. I know you are passionate about many thindgs and I think Signtiffic is as well. Well enough of this as I have to hit the field again after meeting an inspector for an electrical/Sign job I am working on for a major oil co. Best to all on the board and I hope you reconsider Signtiffics participation on this board. Dominic

Erick; Tell me you didn't ban Signtiffic from the board again. I didn't even get a chance to say hello to the "Big Dog" in a proper manner. I actually think he adds some spice to the board. Also, I don't post on Signweb but I was reading a very amusing thread that made reference to some on this board. I couldn't help but notice that my screen name was mentioned at the end of a session between two posters. I can only conclude that some think that I am Signtiffic as well? Since you are the administrator on this board, you can clear up any misconceptions regarding this little bit of absurdity. Erick, without revealing all my information, would you verify that I am not Signtiffic. I have spoken to you on the telephone and told you exactly who I am, what I do and what part of California I come from as well as discussing a mutual customer we have serviced. I also told you as a result of contractual considerations I have with some large corporations, I can't really post who I am as I would be in breach of confidentiality agreements I have signed and couldn't speak freely without getting in trouble. Having said this, in the big picture I don't really care who some people think I am except to say that when they post childish crap, I am embarrassed for them and think it just serves to amplify their basic ignorance. So for the sake of the posters who are battling back and forth, am I Signtiffic? Dominic (or whomever you would like to think I am)

The "Big Dog" is back! Growling, snarling and biting with teeth sharp as razor blades...

Thanks for the input! I have to say that the bid package is for locations in my immediate service area but the travel,unit part cost and service time don't fit into the real world. Even though I am very familiar with the stores themselves, the prices thay would require me to adhere to would not allow me to make a red cent on the job. I declined but am wondering if someone out there will accept the job? Any contractor who is insured and licensed with employees would be in the same boat. Hell, if I did the work myself I still would turn 2 pennies on the dollar. if that. I have worked at the subject chain in the past through (2) different nationals so I was wondering if the current guys are just greedy or they negotiated a price that will most assuredly paint themselves into a corner. In the end, everybody is going to be at odds because the work can't be done at the stated price. It just seems this whole National thing is headed towards the toilet. Back in the day, most large corporations had maintenance or engineering departments that handled these sorts of projects. Now, for the luxury of having the centralized, outsourced telephone number, the final product quality is going out the window. But outsourcing everything seems to be the new paradigm. Heck, I get some service calls for one account from a centralized dispatch center in India. You can barely understand what the person on the other end is trying to tell you let alone get any detailed information as to what is the nature of the service call. OH well, welcome to the brave new world. Dominic

That's up to him, I only banned him for a week with a second chance. Why is he not allowed on Sign Syndicate any longer? Erick; Fair enough! I didn't know what the circumstnaces were. Dominic

I forgot to add one thing. I received a solicitation to bid on some work by a national service provider today for some work required. I will leave the party nameless except to say that they have been the subject of some heated debate on this board. They not only specified exactly what they would pay in the way of travel charges (Extremely Low - basically ridiculous), what they would pay per unit of product changed (Again, Extremely Low - basically ridiculous) and how long and how much they would pay for labor (Again and again, Extremely Low - basically ridiculous). The customer they had signed up was a fairly major chain that is nationwide. I am taken back with what I read but wondered if they got a good price and were basically trying to maximize profits or did they bid it so low that they have to resort to broadsiding any contractor who would be foolish enough to accept the terms. The E Mail is confidential so I will respect their wishes to not share it on this venue but can assure you I won't be doing the jobs. Is this where our industry is headed??? Dominic