tschultzactive

2010-08-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

Who Really "Drove the Car Into the Ditch"

Lately, we've heard a lot of talk about the Republicans having driven the economic car into the ditch and that they can't have the keys back. But if you are any kind of a self-thinker, you know that nothing, politically, happens over night and that there is enough blame to go around for both parties that actually eliminates the rhetoric of political finger pointing.
The article linked below makes a good point that the actual drivers of the economic car, from 2006 on, were not the Republicans, but the Democrats. Now, I have to admit that I haven't researched the numbers and I won't state that the numbers are correct, but given the leadership of Congress in the last 4 years, is it not logical that the initial blame should go to the Democrats? If the numbers are correct, and you and I should do our homework to make sure, then the Republicans were on the road to, if nothing else, reducing our deficit and getting back to some kind of normality in the fiscal sense. And this was with tax breaks in place.
Yes, there are many extreme right and extreme left politicians that are making and generating the larger part of the news, but if we take a serious look and what Congress has done in the last 4 years, who was leading? Who was "driving the car". I would say it's time to take back the keys from the Democrats. I'd be cautious of giving the keys to any extreme right Republicans, but from the numbers shown, the Republicans as a group seem to have been driving better.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/08/democrats_drove_president_obam.html

How Should our Government Act?

2010-05-16T11:28:00.001-07:00

The opinion sections of papers and headlines of some web-based articles have been calling into play our Founding fathers and their views of what the governments role should be in the day-to-day lives our citizens.
I for one believe in the foundations this country was built upon and believe in the ideas the founders set forth and the principles they believed the government should be ruled by. In Thomas Jefferson's first inaugural speech, in the third paragraph, he states succinctly what our government's purpose should be, especially the final third of that paragraph, shown below:

"...(W)ith all these blessings, what more is necessary to make us a happy and a prosperous people? Still one thing more, fellow-citizens—a wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicities."

Notice that he says "a wise and frugal government...". Well, we all know that is not the case with our present politicians. Also notice the statement "...shall leave them otherwise free...". Are we free to our own pursuits of industry and improvement, are we able to keep the fruits of our labors?

It saddens me that as each day progress's, we see our government being less and less frugal and taking more and more of the fruits of our labor in the name of "progressiveness" and "Social Justice". I for one, will fight, as I can within the realms of the present law, to bring back the principles that created this country of ours. I am not a "Tea Bagger" or whatever name the progressives are using now, but I am a thinking person, able to see that our government is not a government "...of the people, by the people, and for the people." It has turned into a government of the politician, by the politicians, and for the politician.

You can read Thomas Jefferson's first inaugural address here:
http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres16.html

How the Constitution has Radicalized our Politicians

2010-04-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

There are comments, both on the internet and in conversations, that it is time to have more than two political parties. Much of this is due to congress's unfavorable standing with the public as well as all the bipartisanship being shown lately. But, as stated in the article that is linked below, if we look beyond the immediate machinations of our politicians, we will find that the root of this problem began in 1913 with the adoption of the 17th amendment.

When you read through this article, I think you will find that no matter how many political parties we have, the same problem will exist. That problem could be summarized in the saying "power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." I am amazed at times that we, the people, seem to act in the moment instead of trying to find the source of whatever problem we may have. Read the article and understand that the present political problems we have, were created by us, the people. Remember, a constitutional amendment cannot be put in place without the approval of the majority of the citizens.

http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/04/its_the_constitution_thats_rad.html

Resume Critiques

2010-03-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

Just recently I had my resume critiqued by a professional resume writer. It was a free critique and of course the response was cryptic and vague in its explanation of what was needed, as all critiques are (this being so you are more likely to purchase the expensive rewrite).

In the process of reading the reply, it sounded very much like every other "free" critique and so I decided to look at this company's sample resumes. Now I am cautiously assuming that these sample resumes are posted because they fit the "mold" that the resume writer thinks is best and I don't argue with that. The last thing a company would want to do is post samples of bad anything, let alone resumes in this present job crisis. So, I look at three sample resumes and guess what? With the exception of a line or two, my resume looks like the samples!

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against resume writers, or them trying to build their business, but after looking at the samples and seeing mine is so similar I have to ask the question "Did you really look at my resume". My immediate answer is no and in answering myself I have to wonder how many people have been led into having expensive rewrites done when there was no need?

I acknowledge the fact that there are people that have a tough time writing their resumes and need the help of professionals but how hard is it for these professionals, when doing these free critiques, to actually take the time to read my resume and compare it their samples? I would caution anybody to be very careful about purchasing expensive resume rewrites until you've done extensive research, looked at many samples, and actually try to rewrite yours to meet the standards of the "sample" resumes.

How Obama Is Turning America against Israel

2010-03-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

How Obama Is Turning America against Israel

For years, no, decades, the United States has been a staunch supporter of Israel and has not been conciliatory to Islamic radicals yet, as you read the article linked here, you will find that this administration is in the process of turning that around. Think about how this administration has been bowing to radical regimes such as Iran and condemning the actions of our strong ally Israel. I can't help but believe we have got the wrong idea of who the real bad guys are. Read the article and post your opinions.

Job-Locking Requires Passage of Health Care And Should Be a Right, Not a Privilege

2010-03-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in an interview by Rachel Maddow, talked about job-locking and the need to pass the health care bill. The American Thinker has an article about that comment and it would be interesting to find out what you think. I've attached a link to the article as well as a link to the video of the interview so you can compare. Also, in the interview, Speaker Pelosi says that health care should be a right, not a privilege. What are your thoughts on this.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/vp/35828164#35828164

http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/pelosi_and_marx_on_freedom.html

Why the Rules Matter

2010-03-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting article from American Thinker about the "rules" as they relate to our politicians. When reading it, remember that it applies to both political parties, not just one. We, as citizens, are required to abide and live by the "rules" set down by those in authority so why shouldn't our political parties have to do the same? Think about it.

Why the Rules Matter

The Big Lie of Health Care Reform

2010-03-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

The Big Lie of Health Care Reform

Focus on the "Now"

2010-03-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

A good blog from Kevin Kermes

Focus on the “Now”

Posted by admin on March 6, 2010 · 3 Comments

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

The quote is from Buddha. While I am not sure if he experienced the frustration that can come along with a job search, I think his advice is very fitting. Clients constantly tell me how they feel like their search is taking too long, they are lacking focus since they are looking at so many different things or they simply do not think they are making process. If you are experiencing any of this in your search, here is some advice to help you focus on the “now.”
The Push and The Pull – Every search has a Push and a Pull. The Push is the reason you are leaving (or have left) your current (or past) job. The Pull is what is attracting you to your new job. Too often, by dwelling in the past you end up focusing on the Push. This is a lot like talking about an “ex” on a first date. A little bit can go a long way (in a bad way). Focus on the moment, which is the company you are pursuing and why they are a good fit for you.
Work in Blocks – Most people are looking at multiple opportunities across a wide array of industries – particularly if you are looking to change fields. It is typical to be left feeling a little scattered and without focus when jostling all these different positions in various stages of progress. Try breaking down your time into blocks. You can organize the time blocks by specific industry or by activity type (follow up calls, check-in emails, etc.). This allows you to get into a groove and get the most out of a set of like tasks, versus constantly shifting gears.
The Interview – Simply put, your job at each phase of the interview is to get invited back for the next interview. Do not worry about how many steps are in the process. Do not worry about compensation. Keep focused on stating your track record of accomplishments and the ROI the company will get by hiring you. This will put you in a position to not only be invited back, but in doing so you can figure out if this is the right job for you.
Patience – It isn’t a virtue, it is a requirement. The average job search is taking 211 days. Companies are taking their time to make the right hire which is resulting in a longer process than we have seen in years. Have a system to follow up and keep in touch with your prospective employer(s). Demonstrating patience will only help raise your stock, since your competition is likely not playing it as cool as you will be.
Sucking the Marrow – Be in the “now” for every call, email or meeting. You need to be constantly expanding your network, so whenever you are in communication with someone get the most out of that conversation. Who else do they know? Who is hiring? Get everything you can out of each interaction. And, always remember “give to get.”
This process is a marathon, not a sprint – particularly in this economy. Keep that perspective and focus on making forward progress every day. That may be a positive conversation that leads to a new introduction can be just as valuable in the long run as an interview.

Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to uncover the hidden job market and start pulling opportunities to you, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com

Intelligence operations of the Byzantines

2010-03-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

This is a good article on what our intelligence operations need to do in today's world. Some good comparisons of the Byzantines successful longevity and how we, the United States, should use our spy services.

http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/03/what_the_byzantines_can_teach.html

Job Postings requiring minimum experience-Part 2

2010-02-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

What is the job market coming to? Look at one of the duties, below, I found in a job posting.

Prepares mechanical detail drawings by developing applications and calculations of castings, forgings, stampings, machined components, gears, cams, bearings, belt and drive chains, splines, linkages, dies, jogs, hydraulics, and pneumatics; producing fit specifications and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T); analyzing force systems in equilibrium, involving loaded beams, columns, trusses, and riveted and welded joints, and internal stresses of loaded members; resolving conflicts between options.

This posting states that the applicant should have 1 to 2 years experience. When this part of the 'duties' list is taken as a whole, there is no possible way a person with 1 to 2 years experience can know these things to the degree the position would require. Actually knowing and applying GD&T principles alone takes more than two years. Analyzing force systems in equilibrium involving...? How can 2 years of experience give you that knowledge.

I have no doubt that there is a definite disconnect between hiring managers and HR. Or, the other possibility is that company's are now trying to get the most they can for as little money as possible, and I point to the experience required factor in that regard.

I am at a loss to understand how these companies work. The adage that "you get what you pay for" seems to so true here.

Is Social Media Making Us Anti-Social? | TalentZoo.com#comment_anchor#comment_anchor

2010-02-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

Is Social Media Making Us Anti-Social? TalentZoo.com#comment_anchor#comment_anchor

This article brings out some good points about how some people become so involved with social media that they forget about actual face-to-face connections. What do you think?

Job postings requiring minimum experience yet be an expert in the software.

2010-02-22T10:41:00.001-08:00

I am having difficulty understanding some of the job board ads/company ads that state qualifications as shown:

"Entry-level position (zero to two years of professional drafting experience). Strong analytical and problem solving skills. Excellent written & verbal communication skills. Previous internship and/or related consulting experience preferred. Mastered basic commands of at least one type of CAD system (ability to occasionally use higher-level commands, timesaving programs and routines). Must be expert in Microstation and AutoCad..."

As a Manager/Drafter with almost 20 years experience, my question is how, with zero to 2 years experience, can a person be an "expert" in any software? In these ads, they state "must have High School diploma and a design/drafting degree desirable" yet you must have strong skills that only come with a great amount of time in the profession. If you look at the statement, there seems to be a big disconnect between each of the qualifications asked for.

Am I wrong in that this type of ad is misleading or at best very poorly thought out?

Terry S. Resume for Manager / Supervisor / Team Leader / Engineering Services

2010-02-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

Terry S. Resume for Manager / Supervisor / Team Leader / Engineering Services

FACEBOOK TROJAN

2010-02-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I clicked on a link that a trusted friend had sent, or at least I thought he sent, to a video on YouTube. Turns out it was a false link and put 2 trojans on my computer. Bare in mind that I use System Mechanic Pro for my virus and system protection.

They were Koobface and freddy101. In the process it also put the oko6.dll and oko6.sys trojans in. What happened was out of no where these pages would start popping up on my desktop and it was hard to get rid of them. Secondly, it infected all my search engines so when I would pick on a link from a search query, it would redirect all over the place. It took me most of the day to find these but I couldn't get rid of them. Eventually I downloaded two programs, Prevx 3.0 (free version) and Malwarebytes (free at malwarebytes.org). Malwarebytes did a better job of finding all the trojans and got rid of all of them. After running the program, everything was back to normal.

So...be vewy vewy careful about links showing up in Facebook.

NO RETURN

2010-02-17T11:54:00.000-08:00

Here's something that is getting under my skin. Companies that don't get back to you about your result as a candidate. I spent time communicating with a certain company about their position. The President of that group actually took the time to call me two or three times to do a phone interview. Finally had the phone interview and was asked to send references and work examples. I did as requested. A little over a week later I sent an email asking as to my standing in the process and was told that I was being considered along with a few others. Well, that's fine and I expected that. Two weeks later I sent an email thanking him for taking the time to interview me and asked what the status was of my application. A week and a half later, I still don't have a reply. Can someone tell me why these large companies will play these games? I just don't understand. I think it is rude beyond measure. At least give me the courtesy of a "thanks but no thanks" so I know where I stand.

How many others have had this happen to them?

2010-02-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

Ok, just started this blog so just want to check out how it works. Just beginning to really get the hang of social media and the more articles I read, the more it is becoming obvious that it is a very viable communication process.