#OccupyWallstreet

[Nebor]

I have a demanding job that requires life long learning and expertise. I don't have time to go sit in a forest rubbing sticks together in preparation of the end times.

If freakin' boy scouts have time to do it in between geometry classes, I'm sure you have time. People are terrible at managing time, in general.

I can code in all popular languages from the past 20 years, have written several highly specialized inventory management systems for a fortune 500 company still in use today, gotten an MBA w/ a focus in managerial economics, managed groups of 20 people at aforementioned company... But then, in the past 4 years, I've learned to survive in the wilderness under threat, maneuver an infantry platoon, precisely mark targets, load cannons, do the math to determine how to strike the target, fire the cannons and observe the impact, commanded convoys of 50 people in combat zones... etc.

It's all about getting out of your comfort zone and seeing what you can really do. I could have stayed in my corporate job and kept moving up the ladder, but I can always do that later if I want to.

I guess what I'm saying is, human beings are capable of a lot. The wise thing to do from my perspective is to view those specialized, money making skills as being high on the pyramid: you need all the basics of survival to support it. Because otherwise, your specialized skill isn't atop a pyramid, it's atop a Jenga tower with a bunch of missing pieces.

 

[Jhhnn]

So if everything fell apart you couldn't take care of yourself? No fucking wonder you're such a nanny state guy. Makes complete sense to me now.

Few really could, the ones who think they could being no exception.

 

[Bowfinger]

Spidey slides off into the deep end...

I just enjoy the irony of him shrieking about the "fringe" when he's about as far out on the fringe as one can get.

 

[Bowfinger]

Oh and I totally disagree about specialization. Specialization allows you to command more money in this day because ,few people will have your same abilities. Over specialization in the animal world means death but in the human world being specialized just means being in demand. This doesn't work if your job could be wiped via technology of course but mine can't and won't.

The two are not mutually exclusive. You can be highly specialized in your profession while still developing and maintaining a well-rounded set of general life skills.

 

[Ninjahedge]

And?

If banks/institutions had been allowed to fail then the problem would have resolved itself.

No, it wouldn't have.

You think that the banks are this separate entity, but they have gotten into so much that a failing of the banks would have meant problems for our own systems (SS et all). It would have been a problem if people could not get paid because a companies vested interests got locked away because their bank was no longer in operation.

It is basically like saying "hell, we don't need wheels, the car is just fine" and have them taken off the car while driving 70 down I-95.

Now these banks/institutions know they will be propped up by government which will lead them to take even bigger risks in the future.

The problem is that we did that unequivocally. We did not put them into indentured servitude and enact regulations to stop this happening again. We BAILED them out, did not DEMAND our money back on most of them, and then let them get their cash back by charging the customer more for handling THEIR MONEY.

It keeps going round and round.....

 

[Ninjahedge]

PPS: You appear to have a few Tea Party-esque beliefs... careful there, your OWS friends might find out! lol

You mean I have my own thoughts on a subject and do not subscribe to one political movements platitudes?

Go fig.

 

[Ninjahedge]

I didn't write it, but since some moron is going to link to something an idiot like Jon Stewart says I just thought i'd link a reply.

No, it ain't.

If you can't actually contest the statements made, then don't bother posting political pablum.

Also, keep in mind, even as a COMEDIAN, he actually says more about a news story than the major networks.

Most of the "reporters" today are more concerned with how they look and whose arse they kiss than the actual story.

 

[actuarial]

specialization is not a good thing just because it makes you more money. It holds back human growth and creativity in turn locks them into slavery of the machine. I am not saying you shouldn't learn one thing well, but you should be far more open and varied. You are basically condoning putting all of your eggs into one basket which is the most surefire way to failure.

I think that's a pretty narrow view of specialization.

Learning one thing well doesn't make sense. No matter how specialized your job is you still need 'soft skills' (I hate that phrase, but everyone knows it) to be successful.

But learning an excessive amount of things at a mediocre level won't get you anywhere either.

If you have the ambition/time to learn a lot of things at a usable level, and have the opportunity to apply those things, then more power to you.

Personally, specialization allows me to provide for my family and spend as much time with them as possible. Just because I specialize in a very specific type of math doesn't mean that I can't swing a hammer though.

 

[Ninjahedge]

With a salary paid for by corporate ad revenue on a major American Network run by a major corporation.

And that automatically invalidates what he said?


Again, if Hitler said killing babies was wrong........

 

[Ninjahedge]

Yeah, he wants to be taken as a serious political commentator, but after he says something egregiously stupid he falls back on the "i'm an entertainer, a comedian" excuse to slither out of criticism.

That's why Kings had Fools.

They were the only ones that could call the ruler out on his own idiocy without being killed.

 

[Ninjahedge]

Learning how to pitch a tent is one thing.

Learning how to make a lean-to using existing branches and foliage ala Survivorman...another.

THAT will only land you a short-lived cable network series.

Now, back to the one off topic thread, the whole concept of survivalism is a quaint notion, but the problem become, no matter how many guns you, or your neighbors have, they mean nothing when you get a gang (literally or figuratively) of people coming in to raid your cellar.

This is not a question of the coming of the End of Days, however. All the programs that people keep warning about being eliminated will never be completely removed. You need to keep your stock alive for them to be of any use. But, that still does not mean that our SOL will regress past what we had during more stable times (not just the Bubble eras) to another stable time where you were mainly staffed by the Haves and Have Nots.

A middle class is hard to develop and keep. But it is the most stable demographic to keep in a modern society. Loss of it is never a good thing.

 

[cubby1223]

I just enjoy the irony of him shrieking about the "fringe" when he's about as far out on the fringe as one can get.

Seriously, he's not so much "fringe" rather he enjoys pissing you guys off. Sure you all can say he doesn't piss you off, but it really is funny to read everyone's responses to him.

 

[Ninjahedge]

You mean he is a Rabble Rouser???!?


*rabble*rabble*

 

[palehorse]

You mean I have my own thoughts on a subject and do not subscribe to one political movements platitudes?

Go fig.

I'm cool with that, as I don't affiliate myself with any one party either. I was just ribbin' ya!

 

[palehorse]

I have a demanding job that requires life long learning and expertise. I don't have time to go sit in a forest rubbing sticks together in preparation of the end times.

I don't pursue or enjoy additional skillsets "in preparation of the end times." In my case, they're simply a by-product of multiple parallel careers and hobbies that keep me sane.

From 9-5 on Monday through Friday, I'm considered a SME in a very bleeding-edge field; however, when weekends or leave come around, I go on adventures, or complete projects, that have nothing to do with my 9-5 job. I also take off for parts unknown with the Army every two years -- which usually requires a few weeks or months of new/unique training each time.

My goal with all of that, quite simply, is to achieve mastery or expertise in many different skills before I die. (ie. "living life to its fullest").

If it weren't for each of these extracurricular activities, I think I really would go insane, or die of boredom.

To each their own...

 

[nixium]

I don't pursue or enjoy additional skillsets "in preparation of the end times." In my case, they're simply a by-product of multiple parallel careers and hobbies that keep me sane.

From 9-5 on Monday through Friday, I'm considered a SME in a very bleeding-edge field; however, when weekends or leave come around, I go on adventures, or complete projects, that have nothing to do with my 9-5 job. I also take off for parts unknown with the Army every two years -- which usually requires a few weeks or months of new/unique training each time.

My goal with all of that, quite simply, is to achieve mastery or expertise in many different skills before I die. (ie. "living life to its fullest").

If it weren't for each of these extracurricular activities, I think I really would go insane, or die of boredom.

To each their own...

Many thumbs up.

Google renaissance humanism. Back in the day, to be a Gentleman meant you acquired proficiency in multiple areas - dancing, socializing, fighting, scholarship, music and art. It's quite hard to pull of in today's world, but that's what I'm actively trying to do. Sure, not everyone can be a Da Vinci, but there's no excuse for not trying to maximize your skills.

 

[palehorse]

The two are not mutually exclusive. You can be highly specialized in your profession while still developing and maintaining a well-rounded set of general life skills.

This.

Hell, my "profession" has benefited tremendously from the convergence of previously unrelated skill-sets. Thanks to my having multiple specialized skills -- and a very small handful of others who possess the same unique combo -- we created a whole new specialized field in recent years... one that has possibly benefited the entire country, even!

This diverse set of general and specialized skills also ensures that my options are wide open in the never-ending quest to be successful.

The term "well-rounded" is one of biggest compliments you can use to describe someone, young or old -- which is the reason parents, guidance counselors, teachers, and colleges harped on it so much when we were all young.

I get the sense that many (most, if not all?) of our nation's unemployed are not very well-rounded...

 

[Ninjahedge]

Yeah, just me knowing good words and stuff has helped me with, you know, like Engineering reports and shit.

 

[JSt0rm]

i really dont have time. I havent been on vacation in 3 years and I sometimes work 3 months without a day off. Aside from trolling p&n and playing some videogames my life is totally focused on my work. I realized this when last night at 1am I was reading trade material and I do that every night.

The end of days is so far off my radar I lol when I see people discuss it like its right around the corner. Civilization is an amazing invention and I dont see it going away anytime ever as long as humans exist.

 

[HendrixFan]

Don't you think it funny that Jon Stewart is linked by a big supporter of OWS in a thread about OWS when he's an employee of a major media corporation and makes $15,000,000 a year? Not even a little funny?

He supports the OWS's cause. He has been very consistent in mentioning on his show that he is a beneficiary of these top heavy policies. How is that funny? Have you actually heard him speak before? He is well spoken and well educated. Yes, he uses humor to push his points, but they always have the kernel of truth.

 

[Fern]

I wish I could go see the OWS in NYC for myself. I keep hearing from sources there's only about 200-300 people, not counting the press and gawkers/tourists.

If so, I don't see the big deal.

Fern

 

[Ninjahedge]

You have not been in the city much, have you?

This ain't central park. For 200-300 people to be in a park that size is pretty significant. It is also notable for its duration (as pointed out in other areas where rain is enough to drive away "devoted" protesters)

 

[Fern]

You have not been in the city much, have you?

This ain't central park. For 200-300 people to be in a park that size is pretty significant. It is also notable for its duration (as pointed out in other areas where rain is enough to drive away "devoted" protesters)

I've lived in Manhattan.

I don't consider a gathering of 200-300 in a city of that size very significant.

Fern

 

[monovillage]

He supports the OWS's cause. He has been very consistent in mentioning on his show that he is a beneficiary of these top heavy policies. How is that funny? Have you actually heard him speak before? He is well spoken and well educated. Yes, he uses humor to push his points, but they always have the kernel of truth.

So some of the 1% are OK as long as they admit they're the 1% and benefit enormously from the idiots that watch them, as long as they're articulate, as long as they're educated, as long as they're kinda funny and as long as they have a least a little, itty, bitty, tiny kernel of truth in what they say. How cool is that ! I bet that 99% of the 1% are breathing much easier now. Don't you feel like the least bit of a hypocrite that you so staunchly defend some of the members of the 1%? As long as they're PC of course.

 

[monovillage]

You have not been in the city much, have you?

This ain't central park. For 200-300 people to be in a park that size is pretty significant. It is also notable for its duration (as pointed out in other areas where rain is enough to drive away "devoted" protesters)

Just think, you can put 8 people in a phone both and they'd be really, really significant.