The Optics Talk Forums : ROCK MY WORLD http://www.opticstalk.com/ This is an XML content feed of; The Optics Talk Forums : Almost Anything Goes : ROCK MY WORLD Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:44:32 +0000 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:52 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.69 360 www.opticstalk.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=20153 The Optics Talk Forums http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_images/OPTICSTALK_Logo.png http://www.opticstalk.com/ ROCK MY WORLD : If anybody is interested in more... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252815#252815 Author: budperm
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/04/2009 at 13:00

If anybody is interested in more info without me slanting it, check this out!
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-bz.black04nov04,0,7451586.story?track=rss 
What the article doesn't reveal is that Nolan and the 6 B&D board members stand to make over 500 million dollars from the merger and the rest of B&D management gets laid off!
Capitalism unchecked....don't ya just love it?
]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:52 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252815#252815 ROCK MY WORLD : Hmmmm, Dan I think you just coined... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252654#252654 Author: budperm
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 19:32

Hmmmm,  Dan I think you just coined a new saying! Smoking Bandit]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:32:05 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252654#252654 ROCK MY WORLD : I spent a number of years in construction... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252649#252649 Author: Kickboxer
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 19:26

I spent a number of years in construction business... ironworker, carpenter's helper, bricklayer's helper, pipefitter's helper, heavy equipment operator.  I've been laid off more times than most people have been laid... 



Edited by Kickboxer - November/03/2009 at 19:26]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:26:06 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252649#252649 ROCK MY WORLD : Hi-jack??? I am probably one pf... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252644#252644 Author: budperm
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 19:20

Hi-jack??? I am probably one pf the worst offenders, LOL!  Actually your post put things in their proper perspective and made me feel better.  Not to be rude or callus but at least I still have a job with reasonable security for 6 months or more...
 
Hope you find work Soon Bill!
]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:20:44 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252644#252644 ROCK MY WORLD : APOLOGIES for a hi-jack?! Around... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252622#252622 Author: 300S&W
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 18:12

  APOLOGIES for a hi-jack?!  Around here?!   Roll on Floor Laughing
 
  I know what you mean about construction jobs.  The two brothers I used to work for are going to sell a bunch of their equipment and layoff down to a bare minimum.  Just nothing major out there and no prospects. Mostly privite road rebuilds and maintenance in the winter. 
 
  GOOD LUCK to ya,Bill.
]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:12:49 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252622#252622 ROCK MY WORLD : Severance packages and construction... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252616#252616 Author: billyburl2
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 18:00

Severance packages and construction are not really synonymous. Thanks for the well wishes and my apologies for the hi-jack. But K-B is correct, just got to man-up and get out there again! ]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:00:52 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252616#252616 ROCK MY WORLD : MAN! Now I feel embarassed! Very... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252585#252585 Author: budperm
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 16:53

MAN!  Now I feel embarassed!  Very Sorry to here you got laid-off Bill!  I hope at least they gave you a decent severance package!]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:53:55 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252585#252585 ROCK MY WORLD : Hate to hear your news too Bill.... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252569#252569 Author: BeltFed
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 16:23

Hate to hear your news too Bill. Hope things improve for you.]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:23:46 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252569#252569 ROCK MY WORLD : +1,Bill! http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252564#252564 Author: 300S&W
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 16:15

  +1,Bill! ]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:15:44 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252564#252564 ROCK MY WORLD : Bill, terribly sorry to hear you... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252563#252563 Author: Kickboxer
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 16:15

Bill, terribly sorry to hear you were laid off.  Worst feeling on earth.  However, find the opportunity that comes with such an event.  People tend to get "comfortable" with their positions and forget that they are much more capable than they are currently being allowed to show.  Look for "new, different, better".  Prayers are with you.

Bud, I really hope things turn up for you.  That is not good news.  Sounds like Gordon Gecko type of philosophy in your company.  I agree that you should start looking for options, now.  Don't wait for the "sword" to fall. 

God's speed...

]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:15:37 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252563#252563 ROCK MY WORLD : Sorry to hear that Bill. http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252553#252553 Author: SD Dog
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 15:55

Sorry to hear that Bill.  ]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:55:06 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252553#252553 ROCK MY WORLD : Sorry about your luck, BP. I got... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252551#252551 Author: billyburl2
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 15:52

Sorry about your luck, BP. I got laid-off this morning! So much for the improving economy!]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:52:22 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252551#252551 ROCK MY WORLD : Wow Bud!This sucks like a Hoover.... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252541#252541 Author: BeltFed
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 15:36

Wow Bud!This sucks like a Hoover. Maybe you could show what a great employee you are by stabbing your fellow employees in the back (just kidding). It burns my butt to know that some jerk is getting rich by ruining a good company, it's products, and screwing the people that made the company a success. Start looking for a new job and/or a promotion. I hope things workout in your favor.]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:36:19 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252541#252541 ROCK MY WORLD : Originally posted by 3_tensKwikset... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252534#252534 Author: scooter65
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 15:01

Originally posted by 3_tens

Kwikset locks were located in Bristow Oklahoma. When they were sold a few years ago, all manufacturing was relocated to Mexico laying off all workers here in Oklahoma. I no longer use Kwikset locks for re keying houses. They went the same way as Wrangler Jeans.
 
DON'T GET ME STARTED 3tens... I worked for the company that owned Wrangler along with dozens of other name brand apparel.... right up until the point we were sourced to IBM to which the fastest course of action is to move as many jobs to india - brazil - argentina as fast as they can.  Yes, your Wranglers are all made overseas or mexico.  The defect rate sky rocketed once it went over seas.. I am hanging on by a thread like most.
]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:01:28 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252534#252534 ROCK MY WORLD : Ya know, if done correctly, this... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252491#252491 Author: budperm
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 11:50

Ya know, if done correctly, this can create a very strong new company.  At this point I have NO confidence in either management team.  Nolan had openly voiced his desire to retire within 5 years and it looks like this will seal that deal.  That leaves only Stanley Management in control after 3 years.  They are a complete unknown.
 
I guess what makes this so bad is that the Decker family when still running B&D was 100% employee was family oriented!  Mulitple annual raises, turkeys, Xmas bonuses, excellent pay and benefits.  In the last 10 years of Noan's 24 year tenure (12 years since Decker retired) All bonsuses and multiple raises stopped, except for upper management.  Health benefits drastically deminished, again except for executive management.  Pension plan stopped but replaced by 401K then 401K match stopped.  Its very apparent where the average B&D emplyee now stands.
]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:50:48 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252491#252491 ROCK MY WORLD : Hang in there, Bud! I hope everything... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252488#252488 Author: RifleDude
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 11:26

Hang in there, Bud!  I hope everything turns out o.k. for you!]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:26:54 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252488#252488 ROCK MY WORLD : Definitely, THINK POSITIVE. No... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252485#252485 Author: bugsNbows
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 11:24

Definitely, THINK POSITIVE. No need in generating the worry emotion till absolutely necessary. Maybe you will even end up better off. Good luck. Shocked]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:24:12 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252485#252485 ROCK MY WORLD : CEO of B&D Nolan Arhibald's... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252481#252481 Author: budperm
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 11:07

CEO of B&D Nolan Arhibald's published base salary is 1.5 Million.  Over the last five years he has averaged over 20 million a year after perks and stock options.  The man owns his own personal 18 hole golf Course on ONE of his estates.  When the enconomy tanked 1st thing corporate did was dock everybody 5% of the salary.  For most of us that cut deep.  For upper management it only applied to their base.  All money saved from the salary cut from the employees amounted to less than 25% of the perks and stock options paid out to the upper management.  They got bonuses for hitting their numbers!  Gee, I am happy I could help do MY part for the company.]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:07:09 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252481#252481 ROCK MY WORLD : Yep thats the only way companies... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252479#252479 Author: budperm
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 10:56

Yep thats the only way companies can afford all that multi-million dollar top management is to out-source everything overseas or at least out of country.  The only things still actually manufactured in the USA for or by B&D are Gaspowered generators and the new TOP of the line Delta Unisaw with one piece trunion.  They tried for a couple of years to have these built overseas but the quality levels could not be maintained.  it wasn't easy convincing upper management that we couldn't aford to sacrifice quality to keep it overseas!  Return rates and warranty costs won the battle.  Thats powertools, I can't speak for the rest of the companies B&D owns and controls.
]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:56:09 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252479#252479 ROCK MY WORLD : Kwikset locks were located in... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252475#252475 Author: 3_tens
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 10:28

Kwikset locks were located in Bristow Oklahoma. When they were sold a few years ago, all manufacturing was relocated to Mexico laying off all workers here in Oklahoma. I no longer use Kwikset locks for re keying houses. They went the same way as Wrangler Jeans. ]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:28:36 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252475#252475 ROCK MY WORLD : http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252472#252472 Author: mike650
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 09:55

Ditto
]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:55:17 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252472#252472 ROCK MY WORLD : http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252463#252463 Author: SD Dog
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 08:43

Cencored
]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:43:45 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252463#252463 ROCK MY WORLD : I am going to try and remain positive... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252457#252457 Author: budperm
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 07:45

I am going  to try and remain positive about this but I sure don't get the warm fuzzies over it!

I just spent some time looking at Stanleys structure.  they have a least 8 different companies all doing door lock and hardware, including Best and Sargent.  Talk about redundant management!   B&D owns Quickset and Baldwin so now we will be competing against ourselves.  Hmm can you say price fixing??
 
Yep, I don't feel warm and fuzzy at all!
]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:45:15 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252457#252457 ROCK MY WORLD : D*MN Bud,if you didn't have... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252453#252453 Author: 300S&W
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 07:28

  D*MN Bud,if you didn't have bad luck you'd have no luck at all. 
 
  Seems companies are getting rid of their most experienced employees to save money at the expense of quality (can you say Remington?).  At least you've got time to be checking out job options and didn't get to work this morning only to find locks on the doors.
 
  Keep the FAITH!
]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:28:38 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252453#252453 ROCK MY WORLD : Just when things were starting... http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252450#252450 Author: budperm
Subject: 20153
Posted: November/03/2009 at 07:16

Just when things were starting t o settle down and I was beginning to feel comfortible in my job security this happens!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWW CRAP!!!!!!
 
Last night Black & Decker and Stanley Tool Works announced that they are merging to create a new company "Stanley,Black & Decker"  Corporate headquarters is to be in New Britain CT. the current headquarters for Stanley.  B&D Corparte headquarters based in Towson, MD will become the Powertool R&D headquarters.  Since there is very little overlap between companies the transition process is expected to be completed by mid 2010.
 
Everybody I have talked to at work this morning is in a state of SHOCK!  There were no rumors about this at all but this evidentally was in hte works for several months.
 
Internally It appears B&D CEO Nolan Archibald sold out all his croanies.  He will become Excutive Chairman of the new company with a 3 year employment guarantee and Stanley's management will fill out the rest of the management positions.  How nice of him considering he only worked 2 days a week, if that, and B&D bought him a new 40 million dollar Jet 2 years ago.
 
Well, now everything is again up in the air!  I can only hope to still have a job here this time next year!  I have no desire to re-locate to CT if it is even offered.  I hope the do indeed decide to keep Powertool R&D here in Towson!
 
Only time will tell!  And my stress levels just doubled probably my BP too! Cencored Light It Up
]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:16:25 +0000 http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=20153&PID=252450#252450