Snoochie

Yep, Reminds me of a book I read in college called 'Atlas Shrugged' written by Ayn Rand back in the 50's . Her book describes the eventual collapse of society due to governmental interference in industry and the elimination of a profit incentive for the most productive in the society. Was this the same Ayn Rand who was a devout Atheist and and absolutely was opposed to any agrressive acts such as war for any reason? She also thought the poor were basically worthless entities who should be thrown on the scrapheap of society. An intersting factoid you may not have known; Rand underwent surgery for Lung Cancer 1974 after decades of heavy smoking. In 1976 she retired from writing her newsletter and, despite her initial objections, reluctantly allowed Evva Pryor, a consultant from her attorney's office, to sign her up for Social Security and Medicare. I guess in the end she succumbed to being one of the takers after years of being fiericly Capitalistic. Yes, I read Atlas Shruggd and Fountainhead along with other books such as Soul on Ice, Malcom X and Catcher in the Rye but to name a few as required reading in my junior high curriculum. They were all required reading but I never subscribed anything more to them other than required nonsense to pass my class. And we all know how the proclamation of being an Ayn Rand junkie which guided his adult life worked out for Representative Paul Ryan. I think the majority of folks in the country weren't too impressed with Ayn Rand or Mr. Ryan. Best

The people who come here to get the best have the cash. Unfortunately, many Americans just can't afford it anymore.

Chubby is correct once again..... We spend a higher percentage of our GDP in healthcare than any Industrialized nation in the world. At the current rate it will be unaffordable by the majority of Americans very soon. Again, I think we have the best Medical Technology in the world but definitely not the best Health Delivery system in the world. If you have the money, no better place to be sick than in the USA. Best

Mark; We will find out soon enough............. Best

Chubby; I believe we have the absolute best medical technolgy in the world. I also believe we do not have the best medical delivery system in the world. We talk of a Healthcare system and I believe, as you referred, we should refer to it as an Insurance system. Like I previously wrote, if you believe Healthcare is a business, then it is working exactly as it should. Profit before Patients. If you think it is a human right that should be afforded all, then its not working as it should. Patients before Profit. That is the big issue that the country has been grappling with. Maybe Obamacare will serve to rectify this situation or maybe it will make it worse, I can only hope and pray for the latter. Each of us will decide as we see it unfold. Best Lest I be called the Grinch, I meant to say "The Former" in my last line............. Sorry. Best

Chubby; I believe we have the absolute best medical technolgy in the world. I also believe we do not have the best medical delivery system in the world. We talk of a Healthcare system and I believe, as you referred, we should refer to it as an Insurance system. Like I previously wrote, if you believe Healthcare is a business, then it is working exactly as it should. Profit before Patients. If you think it is a human right that should be afforded all, then its not working as it should. Patients before Profit. That is the big issue that the country has been grappling with. Maybe Obamacare will serve to rectify this situation or maybe it will make it worse, I can only hope and pray for the latter. Each of us will decide as we see it unfold. Best

My wifes company provides my insurance as well, and every six months it gets changed based on how much more her employer can save. Blue Cross has been raising their rates twice a month for 15 years. Back in the ninteys if you had a claim they'd either drop you, or raise your rates so much that you'd find another carrier. I'm a little confused with your comments because you explain exactly why we need a new system, then you say you don't want it. This is the reason for "Obamacare"....You know when the insurance companies spend billions to block it, it's because they won't be able to continue to be the wealthiest industry in the country by charging huge premiums and denying claims. You already pay for people that don't have insurance! Blue Cross just raises the rates of people that pay to cover the people that don't. A new system will help to stop this process. My new plan though will be to just hop down to my county hospital and get the free health care that until yesterday I knew nothing about. Let me illustrate this whole Healthcare scenario like this. It really is a Macroeconomic Problem. 1. If you believe that Healthcare is a business that is part of an industry, then the current system is working just fine. The sole purpose of a corporation is to make as much profit legally and huamnly possible for shareholders. So, if you can maximize premiums, reduce benefits, use any excuse to throw off undesirable policyholders and basically not worry about the actual health of the patient but rather the health of the corporation, leave healthcare alone. It is working perfectly and the insurers are making fantastic profits even if patients are suffering. 2. If you believe that Healthcare is a basic human right in our country and should model itself after the European or other countries, then the system is not working fine. People have been experiencing policy hikes for years, been facing being thrown off the policy for actually having to use it, pre-existing conditions, etc. If you are in this group who believe everybody should have healthcare and not face bankrupcy if you get sick, then the system is not working for you. If you compare the administrative costs for the VA as opposed to private care you find that the VA is at about 2% while in the private sector it runs at about 30%. IE 98% of dollars at the VA go to patient care while only 70% traditionally go to patient care in the private sector. The 30% goes to the shareholders, executives, etc. Which is better or which was addressed by the current mood of the country, I don't have the answer. Which is best? I have my ideas but each of us will have to answer that for ourselves. I believe I know which way the country is moving after the election and personally believe that Healthcare is going to go "Single Payer". It is trending in this direction. So ask the Macro question first, "Is healthcare a business or a human right" ? The answer to this will then illuminate the path on a Microeconomic basis and should start to yield clarity to you. Best to all I meant "twice a year"....not "twice a month". I hate to agree with you Snoochie for fear of you being despised by proxy, but......................"what she said! Isn't Snoochie a Guy??? Profile says Gender = Male You two are missing the main point of my comment...to the point that I can no longer afford to live comfortably. I know that I have been paying for other people's health care, beer, smokes, cell phones, houses, cars, and food for decades! But I know that with the new LAWS kicking into gear I will have to send more of my money that I had plans for (like my kids college fund) to people that will miss use it and have shown that they will miss use it for decades! Don't give me any of that BS about the guy working 2 jobs to pay for his way and still not able to afford health insurance for his family, there are programs already in place that help people in that scenario and it is run by the states. Ours in Iowa is called HAWKEYE it is just a co-op set up through the state to assist in providing health care coverage. If you really want to gut the cost of health care and get it so everyone can afford it you take away the federal law that says insurance providers cannot cross state lines! Just like if the federal government made a law today that said sign companies could not cross state lines....Hell no nationals coming in and undercutting me and I only had to deal with the other locals bidding against me. HELL YEAH BRING IT ON! Firstly, Snoochie=Male=Guy. Correct and guilty as charged. Secondly, I understood the intent of your post and your concern. I simply said that you should do your own research and fact finding and not rely on what you hear in the media. They are slanted both left and right. Thirdly, I never stated what my belief about Obamacare was or was not. I simply pointed out some facts that I do know and stated those. I have more information that I did research on but did not list on my post. I never said what side I fall on and simply stated the obvious empirical fact, Obamacare is law and I will have to deal with it. Fourtly and I never said this prior, your State of Iowa went for President Obama and your fellow Iowans have culpability in this whole election just like my State of California. Ultimately your fellow Iowans and my fellow Californians helped make Obamacare a reality. Lastly, In the case of the present healthcare direction of our great country, it can on a micro level be summed up like this and hopefully you don't take offense "Iowa=California=Obamacare" Peace out....................

My wifes company provides my insurance as well, and every six months it gets changed based on how much more her employer can save. Blue Cross has been raising their rates twice a month for 15 years. Back in the ninteys if you had a claim they'd either drop you, or raise your rates so much that you'd find another carrier. I'm a little confused with your comments because you explain exactly why we need a new system, then you say you don't want it. This is the reason for "Obamacare"....You know when the insurance companies spend billions to block it, it's because they won't be able to continue to be the wealthiest industry in the country by charging huge premiums and denying claims. You already pay for people that don't have insurance! Blue Cross just raises the rates of people that pay to cover the people that don't. A new system will help to stop this process. My new plan though will be to just hop down to my county hospital and get the free health care that until yesterday I knew nothing about. Let me illustrate this whole Healthcare scenario like this. It really is a Macroeconomic Problem. 1. If you believe that Healthcare is a business that is part of an industry, then the current system is working just fine. The sole purpose of a corporation is to make as much profit legally and huamnly possible for shareholders. So, if you can maximize premiums, reduce benefits, use any excuse to throw off undesirable policyholders and basically not worry about the actual health of the patient but rather the health of the corporation, leave healthcare alone. It is working perfectly and the insurers are making fantastic profits even if patients are suffering. 2. If you believe that Healthcare is a basic human right in our country and should model itself after the European or other countries, then the system is not working fine. People have been experiencing policy hikes for years, been facing being thrown off the policy for actually having to use it, pre-existing conditions, etc. If you are in this group who believe everybody should have healthcare and not face bankrupcy if you get sick, then the system is not working for you. If you compare the administrative costs for the VA as opposed to private care you find that the VA is at about 2% while in the private sector it runs at about 30%. IE 98% of dollars at the VA go to patient care while only 70% traditionally go to patient care in the private sector. The 30% goes to the shareholders, executives, etc. Which is better or which was addressed by the current mood of the country, I don't have the answer. Which is best? I have my ideas but each of us will have to answer that for ourselves. I believe I know which way the country is moving after the election and personally believe that Healthcare is going to go "Single Payer". It is trending in this direction. So ask the Macro question first, "Is healthcare a business or a human right" ? The answer to this will then illuminate the path on a Microeconomic basis and should start to yield clarity to you. Best to all

You're gonna need to edit! But what you should have edited was the initial biased post! We'll NEVER get through a discussion like this without name calling. Unless you don't consider "deadbeats, pussies, baby machines, and morons" name calling. I think we all know that the term "Obamacare" was used to see how many "like minded" ( and it was with great restraint that I used that term) allies he could find in here. Ron; With all due respect, I think the President has now embraced this term as does many Democrats and Republicans alike. But I do get your point and it is well taken. I use the term because it is now accepted and assign no specific meaning to it. Rather it is a generic term to reference healthcare reform. But you are correct, use the term and it is code for either side to start the personal attacks. I have kept an open mind with the new health care law and looked at the issue as an American one first. Couldn't care less what the Democrats or Republicans want to espouse ofr have me believe. I have concluded it won't end our American society and will have enemies and supporters on both sides. But again, it is "LAW" and Obama will be preceeded with "President" for 4 more years.

Erik; I was just going to type a response to the previous posts and you and Mega Volt beat me to it. This is a big problem in the country as a whole. When we disagree, it becomes a series of Ad Homynm attacks or a string of general Vitriol. No matter which side you are on, the other side is bad, unpatriotic and simply non-human or un-American. Small wonder we are facing the financial and social cliff. The one thing that I have never done on this board has been to attack the character of any other poster. We may disagree on the content but the other opinion is just as valid or American as mine. And after seeing the jousting that went on between you and Signtiffic, I was waiting for you to jump in. You did not disappoint me and kudos to you. As far as Obamacare, Mega Volt hit it. Whether you realize it or not, every time and unisured person enters the emergency room it is passed along to all of us via our ever increasing insurance premiums. The hospital is forbidden by law to refuse service on the basis of finance so when someone enters, gets service and then moves on, all of the rest of us pay. Why do you think that basic items like aspirin or saline bags are the same price as an ounce of gold. I am sure Eriks wife can attest to this. And to end this, I have met with my accountant to discuss and have researched on my own. I have concluded that I will survive and my business will survive. Obamacare is the "LAW", period. Rather than spewing generic nonsense or attacking fellow Americans who disagree, figure out what you will do in practical terms. But President Obama did run on raising taxes, continuing his healthcare vision, extending the Dream Act and a host of other things that I may or may not agree with, but the majority of citizens knew this and gave him 4 more years, Get over that as well.......

I am in the process of really researching Obamacare on an honest and straightforward manner. I am interested in what it will and will not do for the masses of Americans that it will affect. I think Rigby Neon is correct. Do your own research and do not be swayed by only what you are told. Heres what I know, 1. I do know children up to the age 26 will be able to stay on their parents insurance policy. I personally know of a few fellow business people who are rejoicing at this. 2. I do know that lifetime caps will disappear. 3. I do know that starting either in 2013 or 2014 that insurance exchanges will be set up in individual states that will allow people to shop and buy into plans that are most effective for them. Either the states will run them or they will be run by the Federal Government. The choice is up to the states. 4. I do know that "Pre-existing" conditions will be outlawed in 2014 so insurance companies will have to stop "Cherry Picking" Americans who they will cover. 5. I do know that now there will be certain level of premium expenditures that will actually have to go to patient care instead of CEO and investor pockets. If the threshold isn't met, refunds will be sent to policy holders. 6. I do know that "Everybody" will be required to buy an insurance policy or be faced with a fine. If you are at poverty level or some multiplier thereof, the Federal Government will subsidize the policy. 7. I do know "Obamacare" or whatever you choose to call it or categorize it is the "LAW" and the argument is officially over. Get over it.......... But, I do not know but believe that a pathway to a government run insurance plan will be established, or a lower Medicare buy in age or "Single Payer" system is on the horizon. Key point being in the last instance, "Single Payer" is not synonamous with "Socialized" medicine. These things and many others that will affect small buinesses and individuals will be in the pipeline and I am researching all these for myself. I do not listen to Fox News or MSNBC, rather I read, research and listen to my own brain and subsequent opinions.

Electricity can kill.................. India_BBQ.wmv

Erik; I wanted to float a new marketing idea by you. I am a long time Los Angeles Lakers fan and came up with what I think will sell. How about this. A Lakers line of condoms. The catch is this. The lakers uniform colors are rotating purple and gold. How about a line of condoms as follows; Purple condoms for the road and Gold condoms for home activities. What do you think? We could promote this line right here on the "Sign Syndicate". In fact, we could change your name to the "Sign and Condom Syndicate". What do you think???

We are all going to require condoms when the new, higher FEDERAL TAXES arrive to open the new year festivities. These taxes recognize no state boundaries when they are collected and are then sent to Washington. In fact, probably a good portion of condoms will be bought with federal money sent to California which was collected from Texas................ Condoms anyone....................

Erik; You already got it going on right now. Hillcrest is the sister city of Hollywood along with Cathedral City and Palm Springs going north towards Arizona. The State of Virginia already has joined the new club along with Florida with the new addition of Texas which should become very Blue in the year 2020. This story is coming to a state and city near you very shortly. Oh, and forgot to mention Nevada, Colorado and Iowa. All members of the new Paradigm.

Welcome to the club my friend. We just found out today that the Democratic party took a Super Majority position in the state legislature of California which means the Republican Party has been reduced to basically roadkill. That same Democratic Super Majority can now raise taxes unfettered in my state without even consulting the Republican Party. Basically, Republicans in California are extinct. Whatever the Democrats want, the Democrats get without even considering the other side. But like I always say, it is what it is. So I must now re-evaluate my next move in light of conditions in my state and my country. Maybe in 2016 the national Republican Party will present a candidate who actually might have a chance of winning the presidency unlike the bowl of gelatin that was run this time.

I guess it's like the 800 lb gorilla in the room................. Barack Obama has been re-elected. I am not sure what this will bring to the country and our industry but it is what it is. Get used to it and start making realistic plans on how you are going to navigate the waters of this truth that is facing all of us. Taxes will go up and a whole host of other realities are going to hit us like Hurricane Sandy. And for you in particular Erik, Proposition 30 passed by a majority. We just just voted to raise our own taxes here in California. Incredible........................

"Neon is for the talented and skilled professionals. You can't buy it out of the box or get it cheaper from the next guy off the boat". I think that just about sums up the phrase "Made in America" and what it used to mean. Hopefully neon and all the other things we so proudly labeled "Made in America", built lovingly and professionally by the hands of skilled American craftsmen will come storming back in the near future.

Erik; Isn't the City of San Diego either bankrupt or on the verge of bankruptcy due to unfunded obligations such as pensions, health care, etc? This doesn't surprise me one bit. What did you think would be the result when they hit the financial wall. Unfortunately, they don't realize this doubling of everything such as sign permits only compounds many problems. Cut the spending first. This is coming to cities around the USA..........

Hell, if I wanted to work for a Chinese company I would go to work at Wal Mart. That company is the pride of China.

Chubby; The pursuit of the dollar or material things in not always the end all be all. God, country and family are the most important things in my life. Business and profits come and go. My dealings with my family and fellow Americans are always treated by me as if it is going to be my last day on this planet. Leave no good deeds undone or kind words usaid. If you do that, you will ultimately leave this earth a very blessed person indeed. Dominic

Surely someone here must have heard of these guys and/or performed subcontract work with them.

These guys........... http://www.americans...s.com/home.aspx

Does anyone have any feedback on this company?

Gotta agree with Chubby............ That music doesn't fit the nice presentation. Maybe try some vintage Dean Martin songs for us Italians. Dominic