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Online now: 6 members: CDNSmitty, Golfman, Swany20, TABLE SETTER 11, rogt, softball4b; 96 anonymousDiscussion: Do you guys thank....
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| Dec. 16, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Do you guys thank.... the restaurants that give you the opportunity to eat? Or the malls that give you the opportunity to shop? Or the auto dealers that give you the opportunity to shop? Nothing against SSUSA, not at all, but it is a business just like these others. If they were not turning a profit, or at the very least covering their costs and probably payroll, do you really think you would still be getting this "opportunity"? If they ever stop being able to turn a profit, do you think they will continue to give you this "opportunity"? If you think this is a smart-a$$ post, fine, but seriously what other businesses do you make a point of thanking for the "opportunities" to purchase a good or service? And if none others, why this one? |
| Dec. 16, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | You have really lost track of what we really have here. Most of the world in in true poverty. The International Poverty line is $1.25-------per Day. And our poverty line is $11,344 for one person. That is filthy rich in most of the world, but it is our poverty line. Heck yes, I thank everyone who has gone into business to provide a service that makes life easier for us. I just finished microeconomics and macroeconomics college courses and got a pretty good view of where we do stand in the world. Where would we be, Gary, if people had not gone into business and created everything that makes our life easier. Better houses to live in, better cars to drive, more choices of food-we have so much food here it is amazing. Store sell their products everywhere. Too many people in the world are starving, and we have grocery stores all over stocked to the brim with food. We have opportunity here to get educated and move up. For those of you that do not think so, one fact I stumbled on while studying was that 58% of people in the bottom 'quintile' of income were able to move up to a higher quintile between 1997-2006. Gary, had you been born in a poor country-you would be wondering where your next meal was going to come from for your family, or whether you would have a roof over your head, or clothes on your back. How arrogant of you to question if we thank people that provide the plenty that we have. You should be thankful you live in this country where you have everything you need. Our system created this wealth. We all need to remember how good we really have it. Yes, I do thank everybody--and SSUSA for providing the venue to PLAY A GAME at our age. And we quibble about the rules. Merry Christmas |
| Dec. 16, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | i don't know about the rest of the people,but i do say thank at every establishment i do business with that treats me right/respectable and such,and SSUSA does that,so yes they get a thank you from me....... |
| Dec. 16, 2011 Mario Men's 50 451 posts | I don't know why any of us even converse with him!!!!!! |
| Dec. 17, 2011 steve65 Men's 65 177 posts | Not to be a smart aleck but I thank God every day for giving me another day and for all the things that can only start with Him. Remember we are about to celebrate the birth of His Son. |
| Dec. 17, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Webbie and mad dog, fair enough. But just remember, I am willing to bet no profit = no games. Steve, why the inappropirate sarcasm? I just found it interesting that so many were thanking SSUSA as if they are the Salvation Army or Easter Seals. They are a business that found a niche, does a pretty good job at it, and I am sure makes some amount of money for themselves to boot. Nothing wrong with at at all, but it isn't like they are running a soup kitchen. |
| Dec. 17, 2011 steve65 Men's 65 177 posts | Sarcasm to remember that we all have God to thank ?? gary I even thank the waitress for bringing my food---common decency is all it amounts to---Good can be found in everything as well as bad--I choose to find good wherever I can--I even find good in your negativity--it makes me think of ways to respond with "good" comments to you--have you never realized that as you put your foot on the floor to get out of bed that there are others that will never get up again--have you never thought as you step over the foul line that other would give anything to be able to do the same thing--I for one thank God every time I swing a bat without pain--thank Him every time I run for one of my friends--try it and yo uwill find your life and outlook improving |
| Dec. 17, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Steve, my bad. My apologies. Apparently reading this when I first woke up wasn't such a good idea. When I first read your post I thought you were making sarcastic references to me. Now I can clearly see you were not. Again, my apologies. Honestly, I really don't think of those things. Sure, I know they are true. But I realize the LARGE percentage of people are in my boat, and not the boat of those less fortunate. While I know some cannot, I fully expected to be doing the things I am doing at my age, so while I am glad I can I am not surprised. I have had good fortune, I suppose, but also work hard to stay healthy and in shape. So, frankly, I deserve what I can do. No shame in that at all. Does God give me the opportunity? Yea, I guess. Do I take advantage of it while many I see don't? You bet! |
| Dec. 17, 2011 Tater50 Men's 60 336 posts | Gary19: NEED to take a look in the mirror, look at your awesome family; what you all have accomplished; what you have & where we live & take a "thank you, please, you're welcome" pill. You are OFF base & are looking at the world thru obscurity!! I believe you will mellow some!! I have been married 37 years; have 2 children; I do NOT let a chance go by, whether in person or on the phone to let my wife & children know that I love them. Repetitious: yes, but sincere!!! I also tell them thank you, please pass the food or whatever. I also say thanks when I go out to eat cause that waiter/waitress is doing one of the hardest jobs in the world (was in restaurant business for 27 years); putting a product on the tabel that they did not cook, but they are suppose to convince you that you are putting the best food in the world in your stomach, that it is clean & not ruined. Nothing like selling tires or any other product!! If you do not do that at home or wherever, try it for a week & your world will change; soon it will be second nature. IMO: you are OFF base on this one. Tater50 My ID has been on the board for years. |
| Dec. 17, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Tater, I thank my wife for cooking meals and washing my clothes when she brings them upstairs. I understand that, and don't think that is an issue. But my wife and kids are not with me, or providing me services, for a profit. I love my family for being with me thick or thin. Businesses don't do that. The SSUSA is, as is most any other business. So I just think that is a bad analogy, comparing family to for-profit businesses. My wife and kids were with me way back when when there wasn't a lot of profit. Business will not be with you if they are not profiting. Oh, and I know your ID has been, as has mine. =) |
| Dec. 17, 2011 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Gary, which ID, you've had three. This one fits. |
| Dec. 17, 2011 5ToolsinOhio Men's 50 160 posts | G19, I thank....that you don't pitch anymore!!!!! |
| Dec. 17, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Tool, you clearly aren't from this part of Ohio (if any). |
| Dec. 17, 2011 kbl Men's 60 544 posts | THANKS SSUSA AND THANKS ALL WHO STILL PLAY. KEN |
| Dec. 17, 2011 pitcher55 Men's 55 130 posts | yes,i am very thankful for all the good things in my life. ssusa is a business,and they are in it to make a profit.rightfully so. when i go into any business,i expect good customer service and a thank you from them,for me choosing to spend my hard earned money in their store. they spend a portion of their profit on advertisising,to bring the customers in.good customer service doesn't cost anything,and will encourage that customer to come back again and again. when a clerk hands me my change and turns away,i stand there until they ask if i need anything else. i answer, yes, a thank you.i remind them the importance of good customer service.if they cop an attitude,i'll give the manager the opportunity to show me,that he appreciates my business.if they don't,i'll spend my money where they do. |
| Dec. 18, 2011 southernson 280 posts | I agree about giving thanks, and yes it is great to play Senior Softball, and I appreciate that opportunity. But this time guys, with all due respect, Gary has a valid point. Sometimes the choices made, the circumstances provided, the conditions we are given, don't always move our game forward. Anybody here pay $50 a plate at Golden Corral or McDonalds? Of course not most people would react, only a fool would do that. Attendance has greatly been diminished because of things that need to better move the game for the benefit of the players. 4 team brackets, 3 team brackets, 5 team brackets.... $525 for a 4 team bracket where most of those are in your league? Only a....well, you know the rest. Too many days that Big Mac given just doesn't cut it, not at that price. |
| Dec. 18, 2011 Al33 Men's 55 183 posts | Gentlemen, Thanking someone for a goods or service is a two way street. I always say thank you for a goods or service provided if I get what I pay for and will complain if less than satisfactory. I also expect a thank you in return for spending my money where ever it may be at. I very much do feel fortunate to be playing this game at my age, at the level of play and the places we play at. I think there are many out there who would like to be doing the same thing. Southernson, Do you realize the latest census figures show that 1 out of 2 americans are living at or below poverty level? Do you realize that less than 5% of all americans have less than $100K saved in their retirement accounts. Do you realize that more and more peopole are working past retirement age? Good sponsors have been hard to come by for quite awhile due to the changing tax laws. These are just some of the real reasons that attendance is down at many tournaments. It's very expensive to travel and play all over the country. The game is basically just fine the way it is. Your propose changes aren't going to increase attendance. |
| Dec. 18, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | A133-you have fallen into the trap they warned me about in micro and macroeconomics this semester. I learned this and came away very surprised when I got finished and will never watch either again for facts. Never take your figures from FOX news or MSNBC because they spin them politically for their cause. Remember, they are out there to make a buck-nothing else. If FOX offered Rachel Maddow a lot of money to go to work for them, I believe she would be there in a second agreeing with everything Rush says.I did my major paper for macro on the 'poverty line in America' (and got an A from my very liberal professor) and my figures come from the Health and Human Services webpage (hhs). In 2010 the number of Americans at the poverty line or below was 15.1% which is the highest since 1993, but 7.3% BELOW the highest figure of 22.4% in 1959. Our actual poverty level is 25 times the International poverty line of $1.25 a day-and there are just under 2,000,000,000 in the world living at or under that line. From 2004-2007 only 2.2% of the US population was at or under the poverty line for the ENTIRE 48 months, although 31.6% experienced at least 2 months of living at or below the poverty line during that time. Bottom line---the American dream is not dead, as trumpeted by some, because 30.9% were able to move out of the bottom quintile of income up to the next quintile from 2004-2007. 58% moved up from 1997-2006. AND 47% moved DOWN from the top quintile to a lower level from 1997-2005, which means the 1% is always changing. From the'Report of the Department of the Treasury' in Nov. 2007, a direct quote "Among those with the highest incomes in 1996-the top 1/100 of 1 percent--only 25% remained in this group in 2005." Income inequality here is also much less than you would be led to believe. Sorry, ranting, but the more I study outside the political spins and into the actual figures the more I realize BOTH PARTIES are lying through their teeth. I used to believe a lot of that stuff-not any more. |
| Dec. 18, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | PS-Welfare is included in income for the poverty line. NOT INCLUDED WHEN FIGURING INCOME is food stamps, housing assistance, school lunch programs, WIC, SCHIP, and Energy assistance. It also ignores the value of assets like homes. That last is huge. If a well off person or couple lose their job, they are below the poverty line. Is that reality? The whole idea of the poverty line needs to be revisited and redefined. |
| Dec. 18, 2011 Al33 Men's 55 183 posts | Webbie25 - I totally agree that our government is lying through their teeth about a lot more than we really want to know about. I think you would agree with me that the middle class as we knew it in the past is shrinking. Yes we are way ahead of the world in that respect but getting worse. Good paying jobs are harder and harder to come by thanks to our governemnt. If a couple loses their jobs, then owning a home doesn't keep them out of the poverty potential. Why are there so many homes in foreclosure? Your figures are quite impressive but, they are also quite old. I also don't neccessarily trust College Professors either. ottom line is that I think you and I are on the same page, just different lines. |
| Dec. 18, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | A133-They are the most recent figures available and the recession has changed things some, but the overall point is that we are so much better off than the world it is amazing. I didn't trust Professors either and I went in prepared to challenge them, but both of mine came across as honest and informative and gave both sides of the arguments. Yes, without a doubt the home bust is huge, and when you go back to the roots of it, BOTH parties of Congress facilitated it in an effort to look good in the polls, and when it busted on them they portrayed themselves as the cavalry rushing in to save US. A 1999 act signed by Clinton really opened the door for easing borrowing restrictions so "everybody could own a home, whether they could afford it or not." Actual quote. CONGRESS as a whole is the real culprit-BOTH SIDES are too busy trying to get re-elected and line their pockets (60 Minutes-insider trading by Congress) among other things. We need to vote them all out-lock stock and barrel until they go back to work for us. |
| Dec. 18, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | Its common courtesy to thank someone for providing a service to you. If you feel you havent received proper value from said provider tell them and dont do business with them next time, but there is almost never a reason to be rude or not thank someone for something they do for you. |
| Dec. 18, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | E4, are you equating "something they do for you" with something they SELL you? |
| Dec. 18, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | What would you do if NOBODY offered these services, Gary? You make the choice by spending.Successful companies have satisfied customers. When did it become a bad thing to make a profit providing a service or product that fills a need and satisfies the consumer? |
| Dec. 18, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | Gary in this instance yes, SSUSA or any association is selling us a service. Even if it were a sales person at a store I would thank them for what they have done for me, which is to serve me, show me, sell me, find it for me, fix it for me, ship it to me or for me, someone stop me please...the list goes on and on. It is common courtesy, plain and simple. You dont or cant see that? |
| Dec. 18, 2011 southernson 280 posts | You gotta be kidding me...macroeconomics,microeconomics, poverty level, the economy, Congress...geez, cable makes wizards of some I suppose. Way too much CNN and not enough flow of simple oxygen to the top floor. What would we do if nobody offered these services??? Will somebody allow for a collision of at least two brain cells to occur? If jimmy makes widgets and makes money, then johnny wants to make money so he makes widges, and Fred thinks why don't I make widgets and....well you got it by now. SSUSA, NSA, ASA, USSSA, SSA, ISA, Huntsmen,SPA, should I stop now? That's a lot of widgets, and it ain't for the good of the country you know. It has become profitable, plain and simple. nd if all those associations went away tomorrow, by sundown we'd all have an email in our box about the new league. Sometimes the $$ part clouds the game we love. Need some examples? Well, let's see. We've never seen field switches to give a certain team (who happens to play a lot of tournaments but just can't get off the bubble) an advantage, we've never seen a "temporary" change in the rules at tournaments, we've never seen stacked teams that shouldn't be in the division, reality is sometimes the $$ part clouds good and impartial judgement. With all that said, I have always had excellent support in trying to find out information from most of the associations. And I'm grateful for that. But really, should we put on the blinders and ignore everything else? There's an old saying that's true in every business. If problems persist and go unaddressed, if decisions seem to at times be odd, just follow the money and it will all make sense. Thanks for letting me vent a litte, much appreciated. |
| Dec. 18, 2011 hitt2 353 posts | Everyone except gary. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. Gary I wish you the same but you don't trust others & would consider it a effort provided by technology. I now remember why I don't post here that much any more. There is always one that puts a wrench in the machine to foul it up. Gary put the pipe down go outside get some air. Let go of the bitter hostility and move on...ijs |
| Dec. 19, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | A cursory thanks, perhaps. The effusive praise so far expressed on here, maybe a bit much. Not to mention you are giving examples of thanking grunt, perhaphs minimum wage workers, not the organizaton as a whole that is happening on here. To me, not quite the same. Hostility? That's funny! |
| Dec. 19, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Gary, so now it is beneath you to thank the grunts, or even (gasp) minimum wage workers that do labor work? I realize a person in your apparently high social standing needs to maintain airs. Do you tip your limo driver that you may pay minimum wage (Driving Mr. Gary19)? Might make a good movie. |
| Dec. 19, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | No Mark, just the opposite. I thank them because in many cases they are underpaid and often probably underappreciated. They deserve the thanks, because often despite what their boss might think they are the ones that make the business go. To the owners, usually my money is enough acknowledgement for them. I tip the waiters, waitresses, the girl who cuts my hair, the guy who tied my Christmas tree on the roof of my car yesterday. I do not go into the back and tip the owner. |
| Dec. 19, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | I misunderstood the tone of your post. But you do acknowledge the owner for providing the service and the job to the person you tipped. |
| Dec. 19, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | I know the owner is doing that. I also know the owner will stop doing it the second he/she does not see enough profit in it for them. I also know that is how the American economy works, and fine with me, but 99% of the time they are in it for the money, will get out of it when the money stops, so usualy money is enough acknowledgement to them. You don't tip the owners, do you? |
| Dec. 19, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | Gary are you so naive to think part of your tip doesnt go into the company pocket? Its common practice in all businesses these days. Whats wrong with thanking someone because you want to? Does giving money make you feel even more superior? Many studies have proven a simple thank you or pat on the back makes a person feel better then money does. Common courtesy doesnt care what people get paid, or what they do for a living. I give up, some people will never see the light. |
| Dec. 19, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Common? I don't think so. Does it happen ever? Sure, I suppose. Thanking is fine, nothing at all wrong with it, but I don't think some perspective ever hurts. So now tipping is some sign of superiority? That is all I said, that I tip to acknowledge service. Now that is wrong??????????? Wow! =( So now tipping where appropriate, and recognizing that businesses are in business to make money, and not seeing the light? Wow again! |
| Dec. 19, 2011 stick8 1991 posts | E4/E6 I'm curious about something You wrote that a simple thank you or pat on the back makes a person feel better than money does and that common courtesy doesn't care what people get paid dor what they do for a living. OK, that sounds good. Are you saying that if I take my better half to a nice restaurant and the server does an excellent job serving us just thanking her or giving her a pat on the back is all that's necessary as opposed to giving her a tip? |
| Dec. 19, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | That sounds about right, stick. Didn't you read his comment about the "many studies"? |
| Dec. 19, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | Stick, not at all, what I'm saying is its a common courtesy to thank your server for their service or their help. Of course tipping is appropriate in many service oriented businesses. We all do it and we should. My point was about the courtesy that should be extended to the server, busboy, cashier, etc. Ever go to Home Depot and have one of their employees help you? No tip expected, but I can guarantee you a thank you and a pat on the back will go along way with them. Maybe a better example is with our children, do we give them money to let them know they are doing something good? Or do we give them praise. Ever notice their eyes when you gave them praise or a hug for something good they did? |
| Dec. 19, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | E4, live where I do. You would be sadly surprised by how many barely-there parents use money as a reward. Or a reason to go away. |
| Dec. 19, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | Gary, maybe you should do some research on human nature. |
| Dec. 19, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | No Gary I wouldnt be surprised. I am sure there are many families like you are pointing out, its just not the norm or human nature. |
| Dec. 19, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Yep, because 55 years of anecdotal evidence has taught me nothing. No, of course it isn't the norm, but surprisingly prevalent in my fair suburb. |
| Dec. 20, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Sadly, Gary you are right on the money about our kids. Spoiled, attitudes, too many parents don't have time for them or feel they have to bribe them to get them to behave. That is one of the root problems we face. |
| Dec. 20, 2011 stick8 1991 posts | E4 I understand what your pointing out. Everyone likes a pat on the back and likes to know their doing a good job. I always make it a point to personally thank the sponsor(s) for providing the means for me to play ball. Buying him a beer or a meal is also something I do from time to time. They do appreciate the gesture. Getting back to tipping for a moment did you know that in Japan it's considered a major insult if you try to tip the wait staff at a restaurant? Here in the US it's an insult if you don't tip the wait staff. Interesting contrast between two cultures. |
| Dec. 20, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | Or that the origin of Tipping in the 17th century, was a tap or hit on the arm or shoulder. Like a pat on the back?? =) |
| Dec. 20, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Fast forward to the 21st century. Entitlement is a better word to describe the way most kids feel today. That the older generations owe them something. |
| Dec. 20, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | The sad part is I think it was my generation, with the working mothers and overly-working fathers, who created what we see now. More money, and not nearly as much time. |
| Dec. 21, 2011 5ToolsinOhio Men's 50 160 posts | Grinch19 and "Max" Pricer, you two need a Tv show like the 4am to 430am slot. |
| Dec. 22, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | So you can watch us on your break at the all-night gas station? |
| Dec. 22, 2011 neck10 714 posts | 5toolsinohio I agree with you that would be interesting they could take turns each week listening to the other one talk |
| Dec. 22, 2011 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Tool, I see you have a co-worker. |
| Dec. 22, 2011 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | More like a conglomerate. |
| Dec. 22, 2011 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Tool, great name. Indicating what your not? You can't even make a good sandwich let alone bring something constructive to a big boy conversation. Also, anytime during the season, your more than welcome to bring your 5toolintheshed a** and introduce yourself to me. That way I'll least be able to put a face with that no common sense brain of yours. Neck, let's not try and be a keyboard hero. If you got something to bring to the table, bring it or grab a seat in the bleachers! |
