| Author | Message | ||
     Spike |
I call out wal-mart for being dishonest and I get two votes for 1 star??!? What gives?? | ||
| Brucelee |
Sorry Blake! | ||
| Tramp |
saaaaay- what about my new boots? | ||
| Philip |
nice boots. you know, not everyone can wear a pair of boots like those, but they look good on you. yes sir they do. | ||
| Road_thing |
Trampster, all those boots need is some Texas dirt in the soles. Ya coming down in January? rt | ||
| Bomber |
hey, Tramp -- what are those boots made for, huh? | ||
| Brucelee |
Oh Shucks! Average 'Working Paper' Usually Needs More Work The weekend "Hot Topic: Gauging the Wal-Mart Effect" (editorial page, Dec. 3) said, "An independent study done last month by the National Bureau of Economic Research says Wal-Mart does adversely affect employment and wages. . . . NBER says it is possible that lower wages, which result in decreased earnings, could result in a strain on the tax base if lower-paid workers must seek food stamps and Medicaid." NBER has not "done" this study -- it merely published it as a working paper, which has not undergone peer review. NBER has published nearly 12,000 working papers, none of which were endorsed by the organization. This one was written by three economists from the Public Policy Institute of California, which has also not endorsed it. One of the authors, David Neumark, is a research associate of NBER, but so are nearly a thousand others. To refer to any research as "independent" suggests it wasn't funded, which is rare. Some of Mr. Neumark's research has been bankrolled by the Russell Sage Foundation, for example, which subsidizes projects "concerned with the causes and consequences of the decline in demand for low-skill workers." My November copy of the Neumark paper is prudently marked "Preliminary: Comments welcome," so I offered some unwelcome comments in a column available at cato.org. The study uses regional data from 1981 to 1995 to suggest Wal-Mart may reduce employment only among retail establishments with which it does not compete, such as car dealers and restaurants, but not in the West where "there is no evidence of adverse effects." Overall, the study says, "representative exposure to Wal-Mart stores results in an increase in employment per 1,000 persons of 3.46, or 1.4 percent." Working papers often need more work. Alan Reynolds Senior Fellow Cato Institute Washington | ||
| Court |
Boots, eh? Last night, after the soles fell off my $200+ Red Wing 4481's) I decide to replace them. Not entirely unrelated to this thread, I start going to Red Wing stores in an effort to purchase the best-o-the-best American Made-Union Made boots. Guess what...none of the stores stock them. So the dealer rings the factory....8 weeks to deliver a pair from the factory. But. . . the folks at the factory and the dealer simultaneously say "have him try the WORX boots". Yep, they've gone and done it. I look in the tongue of the nearly identical appearing boots and see all the ANSI and Z ratings, I see they have a steel toe (only part of the boot made "by American craftsmen) and a steel shank. The difference? They bear a MADE IN CHINA label and a $69.00 price tag. I thanked the guy and left. This morning, as curiosity and this thread continued to play in my head, I look online and lo and behold find a pair of brand new boots on e-Bay. But, whilst looking I also find that the very store I was in last night is selling the WORX on e-bay for $39.00. The question now becomes: 1) Would you pay a $160 premium to get "Made in America"? 2) Do you think the American boots will eventually dig-in, clean up their act, get efficient and be able to compete? Court | ||
| Bomber |
court -- having recently been faced with a similar dilema, I have recent data with which to answer your questions 1 yep! just recently did so, tho for the quality issue, not hte country of origin -- it just so happened that the US-made boots were better, in my mind 2 if the boots had a choice in the matter, the answer would be YOUBETCHABYGUM! since, sadly, the boots will likely not have a voice in the debate, the answer defaults to "notachanceinheck" | ||
| Nedwreck |
I won't buy things made in China because of the trade deficit the US has with them. China is KILLING us, peeps. That's why I stay out of Wal*Mart. It hurts my heart to know that there are Chinese made parts on my Buell. I wish the powers that be at BMC would rethink their custom with China. Remember that the Chinese regime that used main battle tanks to roll over political dissenters WHILE THEY SLEPT is still in charge there. I used to buy Chinese made goods only when I couldn't find them having been made anywhere else. Now, I just do without. Bob | ||
| Tramp |
If I HAD the cashish to purchase US made boots, belive me, I would. I'd kill for a nice pair of Danners, Chippewas or even Brown's or Georgia Giants right now. I've just come in from 2.5 hours of shoveling over a foot of snow (with the help of the attack tabby), and me feetsesses are toasty in my cheap-a*s Herman Sino-survivors with the 1000g Thinsulate insulation for $59- when I can snatch the pebble from wal-mart's hand, i may leave. | ||
| Court |
In addition, a number of schools (if the program I heard last week is to be believed....this is Badweb and I'm not claiming what I heard on the radio is bullet proof) are teaching Mandarin Chinese. The logic was that, at present, 33% of the world's populace speak Chinese, about 7% English. The spread is expected to widen. I've advised my business savvy son to learn Chinese whilst his hippie guitar playing brother spends his time on French and Latin.  | ||
| Djkaplan |
Might be time for me to go to China and open a Ryan's Family Steakhouse. Our trough food might seem pretty exotic over there. | ||
| Spreadem |
I was recently in the Exchange Car Dealer here in Korea and was lovin' every minute of perusing through brochures, CD's, posters, etc., as well as admiring some of the new autos on the market. I VERY casually brought up the subject of why many popular bike and car brands were not sold though Military Sales (i.e. Honda, Ducati, Hyundai, Toyota) and in no short time was scorned and berated by an angry salesman..."We support U.S. brands, all bikes and cars have to be 90% U.S. made...etc., etc. etc." I reminded him it was just a question and got outta there before I drew to much attention to myself  Long story short, if you look hard enough there are still many ways too support U.S. goods and services, and it is very easy to see the pride people have in their country just by owning something made inside its borders. Being made in the USA doesn't make something the best all the time economically, but patriotically. FB2 | ||
| Tramp |
...and had I more than $60 to spend on keeping my frozen tootsies in one piece, I woulda been real patriotic. Hard to hold that flag when you're tripping on missing toes. | ||
| Spreadem |
Yeah that would suck... I agree it's tough to buy USA sometimes, a lotta times prices may be a little higher....but then again, how many times do you buy a gadget or some clothes and say this MUST be made in China because it looks, feels or smells CHEAP...I know I do all the time, Made in China stickers don't exactly exude confidence in quality when a buyer is shopping. It's a fine line, and you can't always pick one side or the other, especially if you buy gas. It's impossible to buy everything from one source or country, and I would never imply that someone was less an American for going the foreign route. All I'm saying is that it's easy to make contributions to OUR economy, just look for something American, and if the price is right, and the quality is right, go for it...it gives you a good feeling inside FB2 | ||
| Tramp |
whenever I can, which is most of the time, I buy American, and will continue to do so. I could NOT find even a marginally decent pair of American made, insulated boots for under a $150. No way, nowhere, no how. Then, at wal-Mart, a place I avoid, i finally trudged in and found Herman Survivors for $44- for 600g thinsulate camo work-style boots (cordura laminate upper, hardsole), or $59- for 1000g thinsulate hunting boots (leather heel and toe uppers, cordura remainder, soft sole with EVA midsole). NO WAY I could find 100g Thinsulate, US made for double that amount. frankly, $60- was more than I'd planned on spending, so it was a cold-cereal dinner, breakfast and lunch, but hey- warmth is warmth. Thankful they had these boots, after this day of shovelling 14" of snow. I despise the low-quality materials and "craftmanship" of these sino-prodcuts, but what am I gonna do? spend three days' earnings on Danner Ft. Lewises? | ||
| Court |
I'm going for the Red Wings. But....I am aware that I am doing it in spite of the fact:
I **think** I am doing it partially due to patriotism and partially cause I have always had Red Wing or Wesco. Funny how my Italian made Garne motorcycle boots have held up so well. | ||
| Rocketsprink |
You must have got a lemon pair of boots Court. I am in the Union construction Trades (Fire Protection) and buy nothing but Red Wings. Sure, the American made part has something to do with it. But, for me, they last the longest. First time I bought one pair cause of the price. They lasted well over one year before the sole started to separate at the toe from kneeling. They were the only boots I wore. Now I buy two pairs at a time and switch them around every once in a while. It's been 2 1/2 years since I've purchased any boots, and I think they have close to a year left in them. I would have spent much more than that on cheaper boots that last maybe three months. Plus my ability to make a living depends on me climbing ladders, standing on concrete floors, climbing up, over and around all kinds of stuff. I want to make sure I get something that is comfortable, will last, and I don't have to duct tape together to finish the day at work, which I had to do with an el-cheapo pair of boots once. May sound goofy, but I want the best for my feet. How many of you use the cheap helmets, or riding boots, or jackets, or pants? Cheaper isn't always the way to go. Now, back to the topic at hand. I don't shop Wal Mart because I choose not to. The place literally makes me sick. (Message edited by rocketsprink on December 10, 2005) | ||
| Tramp |
That's one thing I really like about Europe- all the good, high-quality boot manufacturers.Raichle, Alpina, Bota, Strolz, etc. Even their Mil. boots are excellent. I gave my best bud my Czech paratrooper boots about 12 yrs ago, he wears them on his M2 to this day. | ||
| Court |
>>>>my ability to make a living depends on me climbing ladders, standing on concrete floors, climbing up, over and around all kinds of stuff. You and I both, just add climbing poles to mine. Turns out that many of the folks on this site fear heights, so I make more than my fair share of climbs to the tops of the HRSG's and smokestacks to do inspections. I, literally, demand the best boots I can get and am willing to pay for them. I've got the Red Wings coming and am going to add a pair of Wesco's as well. To me, my boots are the euqivalent of the tires on my motorcycle and I'm unwilling to cut corners. | ||
| Tramp |
I absolutely, 100% agree there. you do NOT cut corners when it comes to that work. when it pays well enough, you simply get the best possible equipment. If I were spiking any trees these days I'd have a pair of decent loggers, but I'm mostly freeclimbing. | ||
| Tramp |
Incidentally, did you know that the red wing logo served as a template for a san francisco artist/m/c member for his club's updated '66-present logo? wild, wacky stuff, i tellya.... | ||
| Brucelee |
Back to WM, I went there yesterday to pick up some oil. I took note of the staff present. All fit into the following categories: Over the age of 55 or Special needs Overall, these folks will find it hard to jobs anywhere at any price. Yet there they were, all working for the WM folks. Another side of the WM issue. | ||
| Tramp |
excellent point. | ||
| Blake |
Offshore come rain or shine, anyone not wearing Red Wings was usually risking their feet and their health. For my first offshore tour working on the SEDCO 471 drill-ship in the Gulf of Mexico, I figured I was a genius saving all that money buying a discount surplus pair of steel toe'd leather army boots instead of those over-priced Red Wings. The surplus army boots barely lasted the tour (3 weeks) and my feet had commenced turning to compost from being wet virtually all-day every-day. I never imagined that skin could peel off like that. Nasty. The Vietnam vets who were my workmates said it was nothing compared to some trench-foot they had seen, that after a few days of dryness, my feet would soon be fine. Thankfully, they were right. I also had tired of having to lace and unlace the darn things so often. On an offshore drilling rig, it is forbidden to wear work boots inside the living quarters, this is to avoid the effects of having 60 men constantly tracking salt and grime into the quarters. So for each of the three breaks and whenever you needed to visit the control room or the pusher's office, you had to shed your boots. I had the distinction of having the only pair of lace-up boots on the entire ship. Stupid college boy! The next tour, I had a nice new pair of water-proof Red Wing slip-on work boots. It was like heaven for my feet, and I wasn't always the last one in line for lunchtime chow anymore. That was some of the best money I ever spent! Those boots lasted through all my ensuing offshore stints. It was kinda sad finally throwing them away long after the end of my offshore days, like closing a significant and adventure-filled chapter in my life. So prior to taking on the task of cleaning up 7 plus acres of timber outside of Kilgore, I never even thought twice. I simply purchased a new pair of lace-up Red Wing work boots. I figured the lace-ups would provide some added ankle support that might come in handy when negotiating chainsaw in hand through the underbrush and tangles of felled branches. I wish I had another pair of slip-ons. Stupid college boy!  | ||
| Blake |
Oh yeah, WalMart... I visited our local superstore in Kilgore, Texas last night. Started the evening with some great Bison Burger and beer with beans and hush puppies at the Back Porch, extra tobasco on the beans. That Michelob Amber Bock sure is good on tap. After that humble yet supremely satisfying dinner with wife and parents, dad headed off to minister a funeral and the ladies and I saddled up and drove to the dreaded WalMart; yeah we got one of them heinous mongo giant super-WalMart mega-stores right here in little ol' Kilgore now.  The parking lot was about 3/4 full, lots of folks coming and going, kids helping moms loading stuff into the back of minivans, moms trying to herd their little ones into minivans or in one group into the store, past the cool red pot and Salvation Army bell ringer. Nope, didn't make it, had to stop and let each kiddo put a quarter in the pot. Ever notice how eagerly young children will give money away. Not much value to them. There's some kind of ironic truth in their innocence. God love the little children! Once inside, we were greeted warmly by an elderly lady. She smiled and with great efficiency offered my wife a sticker for the picture frame that she was returning. The sticker apparently helps prove that she wasn't a scammer seeking to return an non-purchased item. Hey! They were playing Christmas music, actual hymns even! Cool! "Hymns" pronounced 'hims'... is that a weird friggin' word or what? Anyway, I was diggin' it. Am already bigtime into the Christmas spirit. As I was just a tag-along, more like a willing hostage, I was free to roam and people-watch, we had no strict schedule and simply agreed to meet up in Sporting Goods, where I would be window shopping. I like sporting goods. I like fishing, I like hunting, I like most all sports, I like knives, and guns and most all the cool stuff in the sporting goods area. I like hardware too, but Home Depot and Lowes has spoiled the tool browsing experience for any other store. But I digress... WalMart, or Super-WalMart to be accurate, the place is so huge. How can human-kind actually need such a massive variety of stuff. ... fade into George Carlin's "stuff" routine... ...fade back... All the WalMart associates were smiling and seemed to be doing well. I tried to find one that looked oppressed and abused, but darn it they were all upbeat, cheerful and enjoying life. The girl at the sporting goods checkout even laughed at one of my lame jokes. They must put something in the water there. She really wanted me to buy a gun too. I had no idea! WalMart selling Weatherby high power rifles! I love Texas! Found an awesome pair of black Thinsulated deer-hide gloves in sporting goods, really soft and supple. Only $16! SOLD!... WHAT! Friggin MADE IN CHINA?!!! The tag said however that the deer-hide was genuine American. Good enough for me. So I bought 'em for my "guy gift" contribution to the massive in-laws Christmas gathering with a bunch of fun loving Czech-American Catholics. A better group of in-laws you won't find. Digressing again... ![: ]](http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/clipart/proud.gif) Remind me to tell you some time... I had left my phone at home and got separated from the ladies. Then Michele found me as planned in the sporting goods area. Told me she was still in mid-mission now heading to the "Christmas area" to get some packaging materials, bags, bows and such. She gave me her phone so I could call mom and get her rounded up for the trip home and meet her there in the Christmas area. Quickly found mom and so we headed out to gather in Michele. But our quick recon of the major isles and in-depth around the "Christmas" area where Michele had said she'd be failed to turn up the 5'-6" woman on a mission. I thought that maybe she had already checked out. Nope. Not there either. Not at the entrance either. Maybe she was waiting outside at/in the car. Mom stays put, I go check. No Michele at the car either. But since I was out there at the car, way out in the parking lot, devious me - ever the jokester - never one to miss such an opportunity, decides to move the car and play a joke on my poor unsuspecting mother and dear gullible wife. Hey, did you know that the word "gullible" isn't in the dictionary? I digress... So devious jokester me moves the car a couple hundred feet south to a spot ensconced among a bunch of minivans and other SUVs, safe refuge and near impenetrable anonymity amongst the herd. I run back inside, oops! Nice cheerful WalMart greeter asks if she can put a sticker on my bag with the gloves in it. You bet! Merry Christmas! Mom is standing on the other side of a large column at the checkout exitway. She has her back to the foyer. I'm careful to avoid her view and call her on the phone. During the ensuing conversation, I make my way to withing a few feet but on the other side of the column. I hold the phone away from me and say, "I can't hear you, can you speak up?" Mom obliges. I say again, with phone in my pocket now, "Can't hear you very well, can you speak up?" Mom obliges. I then step into her view and say again, "Please speak up." I like silly funning around like that. Mom thought that was a riot. Hey! There's Michele in that checkout line! We were like a wolfpack reunited back at the den after the hunt... all happy and laughing and saying "where were you... I was in the Christmans area... Where were you?... We looked there twice and didn't see you. Me too, I was there, then went to Sporting Goods and came back to the Christmas area. I didn't see you... we didn't see you either..." LOL. Sure makes you appreciate the job of command, control, and coordination that our military must execute on the battle field. We finally all meet up. Out in the parking lot, my rouse went perfectly as planned. Mom even exclaimed "why would anyone steal that!" LOL, implying apparently that our 1994 Ford Exploder with near 200,000 miles might not be a popular target for thieves. Hey, it still seems new to me, but I drive a 1986 Nissan pick-up truck. After some significant length of time circling repeatedly all around where the ladies just knew we had parked and with confident agreement from me, they finally concluded that the old Exploder was apparently just too tempting a target for some forlorn thief; mom began dialing the police; I finally had to fess up. The ladies being in very good humor were very much amused, chasing me around the parking lot threatening revenge. We laughed good and hard about my successful rouse. For five minutes or more, the ladies had experienced having a car stolen from the WalMart parking lot in Kilgore, Texas. LOL. Then we stopped by our local booze shop, Thrifty Liquor, on account of I wanted to restock the wine rack and the fridge, and the bar (actually the top shelf in our pantry-cupboard). MaryAnne, the owner, was there and we shared some small talk and jokes. She gave us each a sample size bottle of the new Starbucks Cream Liquor. If you like good coffee and Bailey's Irish Cream, you will totally relish this stuff. WOW, was it good! I was sold. They were out of it though. Gotta go back on Wednesday. I love this time of year. And I guess WalMart ain't so bad. It's a good place to waste time window-shopping and people-watching and playing jokes on unsuspecting family members. Y'all be excellent to each other. Blake PS: Merry Christmas! (Message edited by blake on December 10, 2005) | ||
| Spike |
Until you try to get an apology from anyone within the company. I've sent emails as high as the Buyer and his boss, nothing but snide replies. I really don't even dislike the place that much, mostly I just find it overcrowded. I just thought someone within the company could at least acknowledge the laptop SNAFU on black Friday. No such luck. | ||
| Blake |
I'm trying to turn this thread positive, and you ain't helping. I must therefore have you assassinated.  Does WalMart sell poison tipped ninja stars? | ||
| Tramp |
That was kicka*s writing, Blake  In-laws sound cool, too. see- we have something else in common. Czech inlaws. (welll...mine are sorta ex-inlaws, but we're still real tight) |
