Talk about entitlements for the middle class and poor here's a story about millionaires I know and

[louslobbs]

work with, who have this entitlement thing down pat and they show no signs of ever changing because anyone who speaks up about their theft and gaming of the system, will be blacklisted in the industry and never find work again unless you start your own production company and good luck with that since the blacklist covers that as well, you just won't get work and you will know why and no one will back you up, in fact, people who used to be your best friends will act as if they never knew you, I've seen it and it is not pretty.

These are some of the most self serving, full of themselves people on the planet. One of them whos company I work for, went out one day and purchased a Mercedes Benz SL 500 sport coupe, in gold, the very same day, he ordered the same car, only this one was in Iridium Silver and had the super AMG engine AMG suspension And other AMG custom appointments (of course the engine and power train) being the most important of these.

The total for these two purchases on that day, $225,000.00 dollars for two super German SLs. Since he is super powerful in his industry and buys cars often from this dealer in Beverly Hills CA, he of course gets treated like a king and gets benefits and bonuses you and I could only dream of. Even his banking relationships are special. He has a private banker at City National Bank in Beverly Hills, never pays overdraft fee, or any other fees for that matter because of the balances he keeps. You and I however, not so much special treatment. We pay fees through the teeth for anything and everything, but not rich people. Those who need the least, always seem to get the most.

The preceding paragraphs were just to give you an example of who he is and his care and concern about the economy and those less fortunate. He never has, and just does not have compassion for others who he deems less than he is, it is a ponderous list which includes other millionaires he hates within the industry. Dry cleaners, Valet parking people, wait staff at restaurants, hotel maids, his pool person and landscapers, all get to hear his wrath and sharp tongue, and get stiffed in the tip area because as he whines, no one ever tipped him.

You have probably figured out by now that the industry I'm talking about is the Entertainment Industry here in California. So that I won't out myself, the only other things I'll say is, the big cheese has several Emmy Awards, all for directing. He's one of the best at what he does, he's an angry Republican who wants those tax cuts for himself and he has several homes and many vehicles.

If you should be able to get a position in his production company, financially, you will make more money in one week than most make in a month even in this economy that's the good part.

For these large paychecks a lot is expected. You are never to argue with him or talk back. You may disagree with a very good point, but he will then take what you have said as though he thought it up and later admonish you for disagreeing in front of others, exclaiming make sure you do not let that happen again.

A phone must never ring twice in the office and he will find out, if the phone is allowed to ring more than twice, by asking everyone individually, what they were doing at that exact time the phone rang three times. You wouldn't believe it if you saw it.

Also, each cup of coffee must come from freshly ground specialty beans packaged just for him. Don't even think of bringing him a cup of coffee that has been sitting in a pot, even if it had been brewed just minutes prior.

He owns several homes, and has housing staff that may or may not be citizens. Since he did not hire them, if there are any problems, he is absolved immediately from any potential trouble. There have never been any problems, so the issue has never had to be addressed.

He yells and screams all day about everything and anything he feels like yelling and screaming about. He does not care who hears him or what their position is. There is this very famous lighting director Bob Dickinson, and I watched Bob get berated in front of an entire crew, being called every name in the book for something he either did or didn't do, that never matters, it's all about what the boss believes in mind has happened. Bob is a millionaire in his own right, but to work for this production company even he has to eat the bosses shit. Let me just say that an average person on payroll depending on the production and their position, can earn $3000.00 to $10,000.00 per week for a production of 12 weeks on most productions. Great money and because of that......the boss gets away with murder and no one calls him out on anything.

Having said all that, there is one thing that I have been seeing for years and years and have been keeping my mouth shut about just like everyone else.

The first thing is, sometimes our production company gets work where we do the entire gig meaning producing, directing and budgeting and hiring of crew. Everyone from producers to camera men and production assistants and everything in between. We hire. The boss, hires unqualified friends including his wife and they give kickbacks to the boss from their checks. For instance, while we are all working our asses off day in and day out, his wife is earning $3,500.00 per week as "post production supervisor". We never see her in the office, never see anything with her signature and anytime I go to his house in the hollywood hills, she is out by the pool or, getting her hair and nails done or working out with her personal trainer. This is just one example, we never see this friend of his who's getting $20,000.00per month except every two weeks when he actually comes in to pick up his pay check and gets dirty looks from everyone busting their asses who knows what the deal is. I could tell you things that would make your head spin, but some of the info would out me and I'm sure, since the entertainment business is a very small business here, I'd never work again.

This is my experience with the wealthy, at least in this business, this is common behavior and the attitudes are common as well. Keep your mouth shut, you will keep your high paying job.....say one word and you will most likely never work again.

[tabatha]

1. Too bad, you cannot write a best selling tell-all book.

[MrModerate]

2. One guy does not necessarily define "the wealthy." And frankly . . .

The entertainment business attracts -- and rewards -- outsized personalities. The guy's clearly a dick, but your story doesn't really help us understand wealth and its (potentially) malign influence on our culture.

Your story is the specific. Where's the general?

[louslobbs]

5. I believe the "general "speaks for itself

I chose to limit my post to my little world. Just think about all the other corporations and industry with attiudes that mimick my world in entertainment and you can really see how the fix is in. They rule, do what they want and we are at their mercy if we wanna keep our positions. Mine was not a post about wealth and its influence on our culture. Just a story for those who might be interested in my world.

[MrModerate]

6. Well, I could argue the rhetorical effectiveness of your story, but . . .

Mostly it makes me want to say "gawd what a sucky job."

[louslobbs]

8. On that I will agree

but it pays the mortgage I've been doing it fo 26yrs starting as a production assistant and now I find myself stuck unitl I retire which will be within 5yrs. I sucked it up and endured and won't have to put up with much more of it.

[hfojvt]

13. what I was thinking that

"If I was Bob Dickinson, I wouldn't take that kind of crap."

[louslobbs]

20. That's my point, even Bob

Has to deal with all the things he knows by keeping his mouth shut and doing his job which he does. He is the best in the business and if he has to deal with someone who yells or screams or steals, he just does his job. He's the best.

[lonestarnot]

3. meh you chose that life, I chose another.

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tabatha]

7. I have to say that I encountered something similar.

Scientific job. CEO had his wife on the payroll, and she did no work. Used a plane for private trips but charged to the company. I left and then a year or so afterward, the guy was indicted by the FBI. This indictment could happen, because the major financing was for the Air Force, and thus there was accountability.

[louslobbs]

11. I know mine is but a microcosm of an explosion

of rich powerful millionaires billionaires who feel they can do what they want and never have to pay a price just like the rich banking executives who helped tank the economy with their secretive derrivatives tradin and other mortgage scams, yet no one has been or will be charged....to big to fail, to big for jail. There is a whole different world out there that most never see and never will.

[tabatha]

12. This was 20 years ago.

[uberblonde]

9. Call it what it is: criminal fraud.

Those "expenses" are the basis for those who hold shares in the profits. The more they can jack up the expenses, the less likely it is that the writers and actors will get a legitimate payout. (Not to mention the income tax evasion!)

This is why I laugh when Hollywood recording and media types whine about illegal downloading. I say when the record and movie industries agree to the same GAAPs (generally accepted accounting principles) as every other business, artists will finally be getting their fair share.

[louslobbs]

16. I totally agree with your comment

I see all those who are being hurt, while fat cats don't blink and eye as they take and take while others suffer. I'm done in five year........it's over.

[alex cross]

10. Ya know if you want to keep your "job" and earn a few brownie points

Tell this wealthy POS that

Even his banking relationships are special. He has a private banker at City National Bank in Beverly Hills, never pays overdraft fee, or any other fees for that matter because of the balances he keeps. You and I however, not so much special treatment. We pay fees through the teeth for anything and everything, but not rich people. Those who need the least, always seem to get the most.

Isn't necessary.

I have a checking account with Wells Fargo that requires that I have a savings account attached for overdraft protection. As long as that savings account has a whopping $200 in it I pay absolutely no fees on it. They even refund ATM fees from foreign machines, like in Mexico or Las Vegas.

I think you should suck up to this guy and advance your career.

[louslobbs]

14. He is a POS and I don't need to suck up

I just need to do my job like I have been for 26yrs...nothing is going to change this person......I will just do my job and retire in five years and live in Palm Springs for the rest of my life in the home I have been able to purchase keeping my mouth shut and doing my job. Hell, better people than me keep their mouths shut everyday to keep their jobs in every industry including our government. Until something changes and we can be honest about certain things in life.......when it comes to a job, most people will do what they have to do short of commit a crime.

[tabatha]

15. Bad advice. Never suck up to a bastard.

They can turn on one in a minute.

[alex cross]

17. Hey, he's been sucking up for 26 years, why stop now?

Plus I don't buy the bouncy tale for a second.

[tabatha]

22. The place where I worked with the cheating CEO

had some highly-regarded scientists working at the company. They did their jobs well, did not suck up, but did not leave when I left. They left when the company was more or less closed down because of the FBI indicting the CEO. When you have families to feed and jobs are scarce, you stick with what you have until something better comes up. In fact, three (at different times) of the people who worked there later applied for a job at my new company.

[louslobbs]

23. I dont need you to buy anything, this was not for you this was for those

who are interested in this paticular story. Being resigned and cynical, you probably always respond like this regarding things that offend you in some way. As for sucking up, I do my job that is not sucking up, this man is not my friend and I do nothing but what I'm required to do to get my pay. You would do the same, but then again I'm sure you would tell a different tale now wouldn't you. I guess that's just the Cross you bare Alexia.

[louslobbs]

51. How long have you been that resigned and cynical? Your last name suits you

Mr.Cross. As for a bouncy tale, that's just your own tail between your legs where most scared rats keep their tails. Wake up and smell the coffee dear, not everyone on the internet tells bouncy tales except for Alex Cross. I'll just cross you off my christmas list for being so angry and cross.
Lou

[louslobbs]

18. Exactly, I've been there 26 years and I don't suck up to anyone

I'm good a my job and I work long hrs do what is expected of me and get my pay. I see a lot that is ugly and yes in some cases fraud and theft and absolutely no one talks about it ever. I will never kiss his ass and I don't, but I won't jeopardize my future by opening up a can of worms that will surely put me in a positon I refuse to find myself in.

[shugah]

24. yeah, the hell with that. there is no dignity in honest work anymore.

go ahead and kiss whatever ass you have to. dignity is now defined out of the workplace.

[louslobbs]

26. That is sad but not so untrue

I think this entire country is messed up, but all we can do is the best we can do with what we have and can endure. Honest work is what I do, but for most, it does not exist......my boss does not do honest work, yet he has accumulated millions and millions. It really suks to watch him spend like a pig while others don't know where their next meal is coming from.

[shugah]

29. you work for a dishonest guy. many do.

weigh and consider your karma.

on the eightfold path: Right Livelihood

Right livelihood means that one should earn one's living in a righteous way and that wealth should be gained legally and peacefully. The Buddha mentions four specific activities that harm other beings and that one should avoid for this reason: 1. dealing in weapons, 2. dealing in living beings (including raising animals for slaughter as well as slave trade and prostitution), 3. working in meat production and butchery, and 4. selling intoxicants and poisons, such as alcohol and drugs. Furthermore any other occupation that would violate the principles of right speech and right action should be avoided.

http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/eightfoldpath.html

[silverlib]

19. How impressive

Do you know anyone who isn't able to keep a minimum like $200 in the bank? I certainly do, and because it is almost impossible to business in this country without a checking account, they get hammered with high fees while those of us who are able to keep the required minimum slide by. This is an atrocity. And if they don't have a bank account, they get hammered with check cashing fees and then spend money travelling to pay their bills in person.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday and I'm glad that you are blessed.

[louslobbs]

25. Silverlib, I know and I agree and yes I am one of the fortunate ones

I stuck with it no matter how much I despised some of the things I saw. I don't have any children, so I am able to put several young people through college who's families could not afford to do so. We also give to charities that help children who need school supplies, so at least I can help with some who are struggling simply by keeping my job by keeping my mouth shut and doing my job. I feel good about the person I am in the face of a very ugly situation in this country and in my employ. I am blessed and wish the same for all of those who feel that they are suffering.

[xxqqqzme]

55. Get to a credit union.

After being w/ wells fargo for about 25 years, I switched to a credit union 6 years ago. Talk about liberating - no fees at all, no charge for checks. Because of direct deposit, I have over draft protection. I cannot imagine going back to 'too big to fail' banksters.

[SheilaT]

21. This is the microcosm of what's

wrong with a lot of what's going on in this country.

No one should ever tolerate being treated the way this guy treats people. No one. People need to be willing to say, "You know what? I don't need to work here."

Unfortunately, some of those this asshole comes in contact with -- the restaurant wait staff, the hotel maids and the like -- have no choice but to put up with his bullshit. And that's genuinely unfortunate.

[louslobbs]

28. Sheila, thank you for your comment and I agree with every word

I could have told you many other things that would highlight some of the reasons why our country is in such trouble, but we'd have been here all night. I was taught to treat everyone as an equal and I do. Some of those who are around me due to the nature of my work, however were taught differently or learned this ugly way of being and it is ugly make not mistake about it. Even I have no choice to watch and put up with shit I see on a daily basis that is unfair and in some cases ilegal, but I've worked to hard for too many years to see the end coming and do something to destroy what I've accomplished. He gets away with the stuff he does because he has the upper hand and he knows it and he can't be fired or jailed or anything else he really deserves because the game is rigged and we are all expected to play his game. It really does stink.

[SheilaT]

36. I would say that you have a choice.

You choose to continue to work for him. Too many people stay in jobs that are in some way or another terrible, and they put up with stuff they simply shouldn't put up with.

Yes, I understand certain financial realities, but there really are alternatives. Maybe they don't pay as much, but they exist.

I recall in my twenties hearing people say things like: I really hate this job, but in another twenty-three years I'll be able to retire with a pension.

I'd tell them that they'd be better off spending the next thirty years in a job they actually liked.

[louslobbs]

50. You are correct, this has been my choice and I have had to deal with

the realities of this choice, the good and the bad and the ugly. But there are things I've been able to do for the less fortunate among us, that I would not have been able to do if I had not made this choice. All in all, I've been the winner and for all his wealth and power......he and those like him are the real losers. My point in the op was not to complain, but to give an example of the ugly, misguided, vicious rich. One other thing and you've probably already guessed this.......he wants his tax cuts extended. Can you imagine? I won't even try to guess how many millions he has, but he wants those tax cuts. I will never understand that mind set and I won't even try. Thank you for your comment

[tinrobot]

27. Totally different experience with ones I know.

I'm pretty good friends with the owner of the company I work for, I've known her for almost 20 years. I've seen her and her husband build a very successful internet business. As the company grew, I kind of got sucked into their vortex and now I pretty much work for them full time (though I'm officially a consultant)

In terms of personalities, they're some of the nicest people I know, very down to earth, and I never recall either of them raising their voices ever. They talk a lot about giving back, because keeping people happy is what drives their business. They also give back to their employees. I just got back from the company christmas party. They rented out a high end resort and threw a very nice party. They gave everyone in the company Macbook Airs and also gave everyone a paid week off after christmas. We work hard not out of fear but because we love working there.

Having worked in Hollywood, I know the personality types that the OP describes, and it's one reason why I'm pretty happy to be out of that world. I do think the company I work for is not typical by any means, but it does prove that not all millionaires are self-centered entitled assholes.

In fact, actually have nothing against rich people. I have several friends who are doing quite well, and they're good people (of course, they wouldn't be my friends if they were otherwise).

While I don't have a problem with people being rich, I do have a problem with self-centered entitled assholes. Too bad a lot of them become rich, but we have to always remind ourselves that those people are just a subset.

[louslobbs]

30. Thank you for sharing that

I still believe in people like you work for and I'm happy for you that you chose that path and it worked out I wish that had been my life in hindsight I've often fantasized about what you described. I could never be friends with those I work for, I can bearly deal with a 12 week shoot being around them god forbid a social life containing them, plus, I've only been invited to his home once for a cookout and thankfully I could not go. I hope more people have your experience than mine, but I'm gonna guess they don't. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Lou

[tinrobot]

35. My mantra : life is too short to work for assholes

I developed that mantra after working on a very popular show. The showrunners were first class assholes and the amount of stress they created was toxic. I must have aged five years in the one year I worked in that place.

After that, I swore to never work for assholes again. I had to turn down a few gigs, but everything turned out for the best. I didn't starve and my quality of life was a whole lot better.

[louslobbs]

43. That is great and your comment made me smile

especially the word toxic since it's one that is always in my thoughts as I observe my surroundings at the venue. Imagine being in a Denali Truck with all that toxic cloud most people can't imagine the atmosphere in these places at times especially when you go live. Whether it be the Kodak Theater or the Shrine Auditorium or any other venue across America, these types of people pollute the air around you and shock with their lack of compassion and sharp, toxic tongues. I observe, take a deep breath and remember that this too shall pass, and for 26 years, it always has.

[CoffeeCat]

31. Interesting story...

You definitely live in the land of narcissists and sociopaths--and you're working
in an industry that is littered with narcissists and sociopaths.

It sounds like you've found a way to adapt to this malignant person--and just do
your job. That's called being a professional.

I think it's terrific that you've been able to put your responsibilities and your
talent for doing your job--above this very toxic person. I admire that. I had
several narcissistic bosses from hell (I was in PR for high-tech companies), and
I never fared very well. I was too emotional when he would be an asshole, and as
you know--types like that like to play with people and use their power to make
people miserable. In effect, if they know that they can upset you--the relish
the opportunity to upset you in the future.

Thanks for sharing you story.

[louslobbs]

33. Bravo, Thank you Coffeecat I have been the ultimate professional

I left my emotions at the stage door and walked in every day a professional. I tried not to create stories about what was happening around me, instead faced the reality of what it was and did what I was trained to do to get the production from beginning to end. The narcissists and sociopaths are too everywhere in this business and if you started fighting to change things you would find yourself out of a job and very frustrated. I use what little power I have in my position to simply tell people what we will expect of them and not let some of the tensions and outbursts they see effect them. Just do your jobs, you will get a pay check and it seems to work. If my boss should have something negative to say to me, I simply listen and acknowledge his complaint and tell him that "I will make sure I remember that" end or story. thank you for commenting on the post, you sound like someone I'd hire in a minute and I'd help you through the emotional times.

[closeupready]

46. If I get screamed at, I scream back. It seems to be effective.

They either stop screaming or else ask for someone else, lol.

[louslobbs]

49. There's only one problem with that unfortunately,

you only get to scream back once, but if that's enough for you go for it. I've seen others do it and security rushes in and you never ever see them again. Sad, but true. How pathetic huh?

[Kalyke]

32. I laugh. They'll break down, repeadedly, and cost him as much

as all German cars do.

Hubs has a German POS.

I have an American car.

His car: in the shop 17 times in 3 years.

My car: never in the shop in 4 years.

The joke is on this asshole.

Anyone wanna buy a 2001 Beemer?

On edit:

P.S. ShittyBank took out my mortgage twice in one month. My banker, whom I'd never met, refunded my overdraft charges and then the fraud investigators refunded it again, along with my second taken-out mortgage. The key here is to COMPLAIN and LOUDLY on the phone, but go TO a branch of your bank and ask to speak to the highest-ranking person on staff and in charge and BE NICE. BINGO

[louslobbs]

34. From your mouth out to the universe

May his German machinery do what German machinery does. Thank you for sharing lol

[AngryAmish]

37. A buddy of mine has one of those SL 500 AMG jobbers

Convertible. It is an absolute rocket. You gotta try it.

[louslobbs]

40. I agree that they're beautiful machines, but for me I would rather see

someone have food on the table, shoes on their feet and a roof over their heads. That's just me. There is nothing wrong with being wealthy (I am not poor) and having beautiful expensive things, but my conscience will not allow me to have a car worth $130,000.00 let alone two, when I know that regular average people, especially children are suffering everyday without a home, food health care and all the other necessities of life. That's just me. Thanks for your comment my friend.

[AngryAmish]

45. It's a really cool car, tho.

[louslobbs]

48. Yes, I totally agree, but it won't feed an empty stomach or put a roof over someone's head

Next he'll be buying the new Mercedes AMG SLS if I know him and I think I do. He has to have everything first and the most up to date of everything before anyone else. He's a pig. Just think of a latter day Ebeneezer Scrooge but to the tenth degree. A real pathetic excuse for a human being, but just look at the Republican party and GOP FOX Network.......how ugly are they? At least I don't work for Rush or Ailes. My boss divides and conquers in a small arena, these pigs do it nationally dividing our nation. I tell myself this, because I can see, it could be worse. I can just see asking him for a donation for the poor during the holidays as he's signing the deal on his new SLS purchase at $250,000.00 for one car........Are there no work houses are there no prisons? But most would rather die than go there........Then let them die and reduce the surplus population would be his kind reply.

[mainer]

38. So you make your choice. If the money's that important

I guess it must make up for the fact you have to work with a jerk.

"If you should be able to get a position in his production company, financially, you will make more money in one week than most make in a month even in this economy that's the good part."

[louslobbs]

39. That's what I've done, I won't say that I don't have some regrets

but the earning capacity has allowed me to help more people than I otherwise would have been able to do with a lesser income. I'm happy at work for only one reason, what I do allows me great fulfillment in making a production from pre to post. I focus, do my work and get a paycheck......all of the other stuff is noise that I block out so I can fulfill my obligation to each contract I sign for each production. Yes, some of it can get to most as I have seen, but a few years back, I did this program, it was a technology for living so to speak called the Landmark Forum. It allowed me to find peace even in a storm of upset and possibility when some think all hope is lost. Let's just say, I don't create stories about things that don't exist, rather I deal with the reality of what is. It has helped me to be stable and employed for 26yrs, even in the face of some pathetic, ugly, narcissistic, sociopathic wackos. Thank you for your comment.

[closeupready]

41. Well, I'll never work in the entertainment "industry".

n/t

[louslobbs]

44. Can't say that I blame you for feeling that way. It's not for everyone that's

for sure.

[closeupready]

42. Question - why do people put up with this?

If he harasses people, or creates a hostile work environment, this is litigously actionable behavior, isn't it? Or does the two-tier justice system in California frown on little people filing lawsuits, or complaints with the DOL/EEOC?

[louslobbs]

47. To be honest with you, there's an unwritten rule.

They own this town, an if you try to bring action against them....remember these are the rich and powerful here in Hollywood.........they have all the right people in their pockets to oust you from the industry and dismiss you and or your complaints. Try to get someone to testify for you that he or she saw something actionable. It's amazing that everyone who wants to work in this industry seems to know the rule exists and tolerates the behavior to eventually make the big money. I hear this is not true over at Ron Howard's company Imagine, the atmosphere is more like a family, but I couldn't get in years ago and kinda got stuck in this mad house that has always provided stable employment and income even in today's horrible economy. I always feared poverty, and as I see today, I was right to fear it. Look at all our poor fellow citizens suffering as the rich get richer and more powerful. The tax cut I'm getting, that I did not want and I do not need has already been allocated to provide food for those down in Palm Springs who are suffering and can't get food stamps. Fighting these people in Hollywood, is futile to say the least. You either manage your own attitude and find a way to deal with it, or you do something more suited to your personality. This profession is definitely not for everyone. In the case of the entertainment industry, the corporations usually always win in a battle with the people, but then again, didn't the Supreme Court recently rule that corporations are people. Oh, well, just another day in these Americas.

[louslobbs]

52. Hey Friends, I've gotta run and take care of some business

I'll be happy to answer more questions and read your comments later. Thanks everyone, you're all very cool.
Lou

[closeupready]

53. I will say this about Hollywood and LA: I know many, many people who have moved out West

and of all of them, about half hated it and moved back. The ones who didn't ... well one moved there in 1975, now owns property so is up there in age but also materially set, and the other one just likes the California way of life, the sunshine, etc. and who doesn't, but his mindset is that he's a social climber, ambitious, so he would likely be someone who - once hired at your company - would go very, very far, without complaint - though if a certain situation called for a prima donna, that would be something he could do quite well. LOL

Anyway, hang in there! I'm glad that you share your good fortune with those who have fallen on hard times. :hi: Peace.

[louslobbs]

59. Peace to you to my friend. I think those who come here with

honest visions of hard work leading to success, come here with the reality based way of thinking. Those who come here to Hollywood with the "make it big" way of thinking, can quickly become disillusioned and find themselves being used and abused in any number of ways. I can't tell you how many young, homeless people, walk Hollywood Blvd at night with no place to stay and no food in their stomachs, that came hear with their dreams. Some of them end up using drugs, become sex workers and do anything else they can do to survive what has now become their nightmare. A few are smart and go back to reality where they came from or snap to reality here and see this place for what it is. Just like anywhere else today, there are very few if any jobs to be had and just like anywhere else, there are some low wage jobs without benefits available but even those are hard to get unless you know someone or someone passes along your resume. These are not "normal" times for most people and they are stressful times for most. I can't bare the thought of people not having food, it actually causes me physical pain. Especially where children are involved or the elderly who have to choose between food or medications. Who wouldn't that cause pain for, who could in good conscience, forget or ignore what is going on in this country. 1 in 7 on food stamps if they can get them, food bank shelves emptying of food with little replenishment for the need. Anyway, not me I care too much. So, I'll work, earn a good living use what I need and give the rest to those who in some cases have close to nothing. Would I like a Mercedes SL AMG no, it's not practical for my needs, can I afford one, yes, but I would rather see that kind of money used to provide for those who have no where near what I have. In fact I have too much, so we do not purchase gifts we donate to the sheriffs dept, food banks and humane societies to help those struggling with cuts and downsizing so the rich can get their not needed and in some cases not wanted tax cut phony baloney bonuses pushed by the Republicans as others have no food. I will continue to do my small part till the day I die right in the face of the Republican, GOP FOX Network, tea bagging, the fix is in 2% pathetic pigs who will take until there is nothing left to take........then what? In the final analysis, then what?

[KimFongToy]

54. I think that it is very honorable of you to put up with such hostile

working conditions, to earn good income to help others. What you are doing with the tax cut that you do not need and do not want is a wonderful and beautiful thing for those who are less fortunate. You have my respect.
Kim

[louslobbs]

61. Kim, you totally humble me with your words of praise, I am just

doing in life what I was taught to do, treat others as I would like to be treated. So everyone shares equal footing in my mind from the houskeeper to the CEO. If both are wonderful people than what the hell do their titles have to do with me respecting either. I don't respect cars people drive, house people live in, jewelry people wear or stories people tell me, I respect those who respect others. In my world, if you put people before profit and material things, you have won my respect and friendship. Kim,thank you so much for your comment, you seem like a very unique and extraordinary human being. Thank you my friend.
Lou

[snot]

56. What exactly is your boss so good at that he can get away with this?

You say he's good at what he does; but I'm curious whether he's really so much more intelligent, or creative, or just a good bull-shitter, or connected, or what?

[louslobbs]

57. Hey Snot, this person is one of the few people on the planet who

can direct a very specific type of show. He is absolutely amazing to watch when he is in the Denali (a large truck with lots of little tv screens from which to direct a live production or live to tape production) It's a very busy cramped place on show night it is unreal to watch him calling all of the shots that he has scripted. It is an amazing orchestration he is conducting and there are few who can do what he does. Such a great talent and ability for such a pariah of a human being.

One other thing, he owns the production company that he signs his contracts through, so he really is the boss. He is well known in this community and anyone who recognized the part of the op where he buys 2 Mercedes Benzes, one gold and one silver, knows who this tyrant is and is probably laughing as they read this. He is universally despised by everyone from production assistants, assistant directors, production supervisors, camera men and women, stand-ins, production designers, lighting directors and others some with equal or more power in the industry.

Let me just finally tell you this, when Steven Spielberg needs someone to direct something in this specific genre, this is the person he calls. My boss can't stand him, but in this business,just because you can't stand someone, doesn't mean you won't sign a fat contract and take their money. So, he's not particularly good looking, he's absolutely loathsome to most and he has an equally nasty spouse, but he's one of the few who can do what he does, make it happen and the heads of certain Networks know he will not drop the ball. He may steal them blind where he can, but the show will come off and everyone will make their money.

Sometimes I just sit and think, how can a man who has every material thing be so angry and unhappy. That's an easy one I tell myself, money and power does not bring you happiness. Loving one another and caring for each other and sharing with those less fortunate, that brings me happiness. He loves money and power, a typical Republican I'm afraid.

There are a few I do know who have money and power, and are happy, and put people first like Ron Howard and the people at Imagine and also, Adam Sandler to name a couple. Rons people love him, because he puts people first in his productions and low and behold, without yelling, screaming and berating of people, his productions get done, they are great and people love him.

Also, Adam Sandler, what a wonderful guy, this year, as he does every year, he throws a party for the people who work for his production company. I attend each year and this year he out did himself. It was held in Burbank CA last Friday and there was an ice skating rink, bowling, all types of food, bars everywhere you looked and nice people everywhere. He does this because he is a decent human being who puts people first. I Have never heard a bad word against him and he is one of the sweetest men I've ever met. So, you can be rich and powerful and not become a raving lunatic dictator who everyone hates but does not necessarily fear.

It's losing their positions that they fear and that's what keeps them in line, truth be told, he's a pathetic little 60 something year old grey haired, pudgy Red Bull addicted punk with many on his payroll to help him back up his big ugly mouth and attitude.

It's hard to get positions in this business and I got mine when I was 23 years old starting as a production assistant for this man.

At first I was shell shocked, but then I fell into a rhythm, did my job, did it well, got promotions and have been in the storm since surviving and using my accumulation of wealth to take care of myself and help those less fortunate, and so my life is truly fulfilled.

It's not what this man does or says that defines me, or the fact that i've stayed all these years and tolerated some very trying times, it's how I react to his games that define me and I play the game on his terms as far as he knows and believes, most of the time.

He believes that what he does is like a game of war, and all of us are there to protect the General, never talk about anything outside the business, never talk behind his back and never do anything that can even in the slightest way be construed as siding with the enemy by sharing confidential information or strategy lol.

I remember one year, he was up for an Emmy for directing and he didn't get it. He would not come out of his house and would not come in to the office for 3days. Everything was done by email because he wouldn't answer any of his phones, and about a hundred drives on my part up to his Hollywood Hills Cave. I would have to let myself in and place what he requested on a table in the entry way and then leave and lock the door. One day I let myself in to drop off some documents from his CPA and I heard him crying and screaming about how he should have won, and everyone was against him yada yada yada. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, one of the best, most prolific and powerful directors of live tv crying like a baby. I simply put down the packet, quietly closed the door and drove back down to Beverly Blvd where our production offices are located. I felt sorry for him believe it or not, because at that point I began to believe, he suffered some form of mental illness. I still feel that way today. I know this was a long drawn out answer, but I think the information will give more insight into the person I have described in the original op.

I hope that answers your question. This has been so cathartic you have no idea. I'm glad I did this.
Lou

[Tsiyu]

58. Can't ever vouche for veracity on the intertubes

but you do describe the sort of person many of us have encountered- or still encounter - all over the planet.

Sometimes you just have to stop pondering why they're so self-involved because there could be a million answers...as you said, their lives don't make them happy, yet they keep living them.

If your tale is true, hope you stay out of trouble. DU has seen more than a few posters "stalked" and outed.

This OP makes me laugh at the irony because I worked for a very kind wealthy person today who provided the money so I can go see my son graduate from film school in another state tomorrow.

Life's funny.... and welcome to DU louslobbs :hi:

[louslobbs]

60. what you suggest is true, but I share with you my real life. I am not

fearful of being outed or stalked, because I could be one of a about 300 people writing this lol........so good luck pin pointing me as the truth teller here. Also, maybe I'm emboldened by the fact that he's getting older and I'm much younger and people like me while they really do despise him. Also, no one would dare bring this to his attention so unless he found it himself which I doubt he will, he will never hear of it. Thank you for your genuine concern however for me. I'll be ok no matter what, probably another reason for not fearing what could, but probably will never happen. I
know where a lot of the dead bodies are so to speak lol, but my lips are sealed, for now. As for the wonderful person who helped you out so that you can go to see your son graduate, what an extraordinary human being. Have a safe trip, congratulations to you and your son, and I'm sure we will speak again.
Lou

[louslobbs]

64. I just had to share this one other thing. This is probably one of the most

pathetic things my boss did about 5 years ago. He called the production office and asked for me, when I got on the phone he berated me for taking too long to get to the phone, he sounded anxious and hurried as usual and commanded me up to his Hollywood Hills home immediately, "get here now"! he exclaimed. My heart started to race and I ran down to my car and drove up Doheny, across Sunset and up the hills to his home. I let myself in, called out his name and he called me up to his home office. There, surrounded by folders, files, network memos and Emmy Awards he looked up at me, took a sip of his Red Bull, handed me an envelope and said to me these urgent words......"take this, put some postage on it and mail it. I said ok, anything else? His reply, "if there was anything else, I'd tell you now wouldn't I"? I agreed and said that I would take care of this task right away, and I did. When I got back down to the production offices on Beverly Blvd, everyone was asking me what the emergency was if everything was alright. I said, yeah, every things fine, it was just a personal matter he needed handled. That's just one of many things that I've experienced and have watched others experience these many years. What a waist of gas that was lol. What a piece of work he is.
Lou

[Tsiyu]

65. When the pay's been good I've put up with pieces of work like that

The pay hasn't been good enough for it lately; I recently walked away from a job with a boss who threw stuff and lost his cool under pressure in really destructive ways. Had he paid a decent wage I might have stuck around. My friend who is still there called last night to say she can't deal with it much longer either.

Hey, the graduation went great, right across from CNN as a matter of fact - at the Georgia World Congress Center. We ate at Taco Mac right there (yum for me - a 420 and some boneless wings) so we didn't have to drive to celebrate a new Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production in the family. :)

Better say g'night to DU; duty beckons in the morning.... :snoozesmiley:

[Buddyblazon]

62. That's LA.

I've been in concert production for 15 years now (I know...you guys look at us as Carny Folk). I did a stint in LA. And that town is just full of assholes like that.

We have a few here (promoters who do shows from here to Cali) that are just like you said. Shriekers and screamers.

As a Production Manager, I only yell at assholes on tours that are rude to my crew. Rarely do I yell at my hands/techs.

And part of the reason I spent years learning my craft....was so that I could become a Production Manager...and NOT be an asshole like the people you and I are speaking of.

[louslobbs]

63. You guys work as hard as anyone I've ever seen in entertainment

those who would label you anything other than hard working are probably sitting on their brains. I've worked with many Production Managers and you guys are everything from executive, psychologist, mother and orchestra leader. I have nothing but respect for what you do. I know what you continuously listen to through your head set from those who need everything and they need it done now! You need to be in 4 places at the same time, delegate to others and then micro manage everything so you don't get chewed out because someone dropped the ball and it's our asses that get the chewing. I get you completely. Happy Holidays my friend and all the best to you in all of your future productions. Opinions are like assholes, everyone's got one and most of them stink lol. And there's nothing wrong with Carny Folk except for the story some idiot could make up about them in his delusional mind.....take care
Lou