Is Walmart still a good place to shop: Review 2018

The Local Blog

The answer is Yes and NO. The Walmarts I've been too lately have all raised prices and the products they carry are selective strange things, not really in the best interest of customers many times, more in the best interest of their own pockets. There are considerably lower priced brands with better or equal quality out there that Walmart could carry. 

The Food Section

Theres no Southeast or East Asian foods. I'll get over it. Meat selection.. good. Frozen Foods cool. Cereals... great, don't mess it. Anyway the food section is not too bad, get more affordable, but same quality brands thats all, lots to choose from out there.

The Tech Section

Movie selection is sad, just DVDs on old VHS movies with like 5 new releases from theater's. Might as well carry the VHS tapes for authenticity, figure it out. The TV section in the Tech section is the worst display of greed ever. They sell the public 5-10 year old TV models for $200-3000.00 its not just them though, lots of places are doing it. Tech is moving fast, and that flat screen look is not worth 300 bucks, it's just the standard, it's almost flexible electronics time.

Stop hoarding TV's in overstock, sell sell sell, stop worrying about making an extra 50 bucks on a "single sale" to milk a customer dry, sell sell sell like it's a Christmas rush everyday. Alibaba made 25 Billion in sales in ONE DAY, get to work Walmart.

Walmart has been confused in the Tech section ever since Cd's and Radio's went out of style, its like they just said... whatever. Theres so much tech out there thats not in Walmart. The tech section should be one of the busiest sections in Walmart.

The Clothes Section

OMG. What are you people smoking? It's like they took old stock from the 1970-80s that never sold (all the un-cool stuff) and are trying to sell it again. I seriously wonder if they even like the USA sometimes, selling the public the ugliest cheapest looking crap at 20-50.00 a garment. It's like someone put in extra effort to look for the trashiest designed clothes in the world. There used to be at least funny hats, joke T-shirts, now its stuff you wouldn't even wear if you were dead. If i was dead, I'd still hate the idea of those clothes on me.

Why the higher food prices on crap, get some better clothes and play with the prices on clothes. Fashion has varying worth, as long as it's reasonable. They have their ideas crossed. I don't even know why they have a jewelry section by the clothes, it's just used an extra lane to check-out if the main lanes are full. 

The Toys Section

Get some damn Water guns and more Disney, Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and Warner Bros stuff. And for God's sake sell some damn Baseball cards. 

End of Review

All the other sections like medicine, plants, kitchen, furniture, hardware, toiletries, great and fine, no complaints. I do wish they sold Japanese Toilets though. The Food section is probably the only reason I would step foot in the store anymore, until I find a new better replacement store close by, the Tech I will shop online.

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A Discussion between the Poly group: Problems when getting your product in stores

The Local Blog

I haven't really gone down the path of "making your own sauce", or jared food product and getting it in a store, but the discussion came up and complaints were heard on the difficulties. Again this was only discussed about with other Poly small business owners, some contractors, but I have an interest on the subject and wanted to make a Beer, Vitamin drink, or Hot Sauce some day. 

A problem I've heard individual creative people have had, is that after they've made a sellable item, is that there's no where to sell it. The grocery stores aren't as diverse as people think and hold products, not the cheapest, not the best, might sell fine might not, that limited selection is not at all a lack of products. It's a business setup of course. 

So in this case community can be pretty important in business if wanting to get Polynesian products on the shelves. Sell it in that Samoan food store nearby, after licensed approval. Hawaii regions are a filled with market places for all Pacific islanders. but if you're no where near there, maybe creating a small US. Pacific Food Owners Network, the US.PFON to deal in new products would help. I remember Stephen Petaia of "Petaia Media" creating something of the sort for Pacific islander business owners, not solely for new Food products though.

I'll touch back on this more when I get around to making something eatable or drinkable, but the talk has come up, who thought making a beer would be something they could put heart into. Every man of course has these itches, especially about beer, only the few give it a good try End of post.

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Native American History in the States - Be respectful

The Local Blog

Ok so, it's a bit funny when you see non-Native American people posting "feel-sorry-for-me History" on Native American History, because it's all very very complicated. Each Native American clan or nation has their own identity and structure, their own History, and that doesn't necessarily mean they would share it with non-members just because you want to be inquisitive. 

I remember one talking I happened to be at, wasn't with just me, and an elder type was there, and I'll keep the tribe name out. You just listen, he doesn't answer questions unless he asks a person specifically, he talks, you listen, that's it, and it might be a very long talk. It was kind of like being in a judges court room and if you don't know how to act, you're out of there. 

What it shown to me was that their inner circles were very much in tact, and that really whatever some person's by-standing interest has or what they think they know, has nothing to do with them, won't effect them no matter how many times someone spammed it online or in a book. It was clear that people earn a right to talk, a right to speak in forum, like any city council meeting, and that it's really ridiculous to just read a single library book or two, or three, and think that you have the slightest clue into any issue or formal Native History. Lesson is, leave their History to them and don't be so assuming.

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Four States in America which I would certainly like to visit more often

If I could live another 500 years, I'd probably spend about 20 consecutive years checking out Oregon, Alaska, and the North and South Carolinas, taking pictures, and just roaming around in a Jeep 4x4, pulling a metalic twinky shaped camper.

The North and South Carolinas are so far from the Pacific Islands though, it would be hard to be so far away. Im also not an Atlantic Ocean fan, way different feel. I was in North Carolina when I was kid, just a few days, don't remember too much, but I do remember there were no street lights on the road we were on. We had gone on a family vacation, driving through the southeast part of the United States from Texas to North Carolina. It was a lot of cramped sleeping and highway sign games, but so much fun.

When we got there, which was in the fall season to watch the leaves change, we rented bikes to ride in the open countryside. Well the road we chose was very long, beautiful, unfortunately for us though it was dark within hours, and we noticed all of a sudden that the entire road had no lights. So, as cars passed by, we peddled fast, catching car head light to light our road way. Cell phones back then weren't in use, only pay phones, so there was no button to press for an emergency. It was funny.

If you've ever watched the movie "Last of the Mohicans", that's the area they filmed it, says movie insider sources. The scenery is epic, mountains and trees, it's what inspires people to become painters. Its what I would consider valuable, not some retailed Beverly California hill.

I think a state that can best all that though is Oregon, just from the research I've looked through. Ive never been there though, so sad, but just from the pictures and maps I want to annoint it a Samoan name and title. The Mountains have presence in Oregon, scenery that could attach quickly to any Samoan's heart who are naturally attracted to high elevated regions. Oregon also touches the Pacific Ocean, a plus +1, and I saw some great Jeep 4x4 terrain. No one ever hears anything from that area, and it's clear why, too busy enjoying themselves. There are Samoan communities already in Oregon, which is also the place where Troy Polamalu grew up from elementary to high school. [although California claims him]

Photos can be seen online of Oregon, North, and South Carolina "in the fall". The last state on my list is Alaska. There's a huge Samoan community in Alaska, so no worries. Even though its way too cold for me personally, to stay too long, I'd still love to check it out.

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Samoan insight into Warehouse and Distribution business here in the area

The process is so simple really. The warehouse is built by various companies, who then lease out space. Lots of warehouse and distribution businesses around here. The warehouses here are big job providers for the good-ole boys who like to do a man's work. Inside worker warehouse positions range from forklift, sorter, packer, scanner, belt, and warehouse supervisor. 

To get all these nice goods, furnitures, food, etc. around the country, we have the trucking companies, who ship pallets of goods to one warehouse to the next. The warehouses receive the shipment, packed and stacked in some way, and then its sorted, marked as inventory, and labeled to where it's future destination will be. That's it. The goods are brought in by a truck, sorted and stored in the warehouse, and leave on a completely different truck, and that's the distribution end of it, thus why its called "warehouse and distribution".

The truckers who leave the goods, give a paper called a manifest of goods, to the warehouse office area where the office documents the incoming, and then the office prints the new labels where the goods are going. The rest of the office personnel are human resources, who do the hiring process, the payroll, who keep up with employee hours and schedules, and the middle managers who do nothing but take orders from corporate, and then bark orders down to the lower warehouse supervisors. There's sometimes 2-5 different warehouse companies in one single large warehouse building, sharing the space.

Sometimes there's security, but that's always a completely different company, and an easier company to run, who trains people, sending them to surrounding job site locations. 

Corporate office deals with getting the business into the warehouse, company equipment or property, state and city regulations, disciplinary action and policy, etc. The point of this post is to help understand the business, cause well, if anyone wants to start a business or take a job, insight is useful. I've seen some pretty young middle management to corporate, late 20s, early 30s. No job is incapable of handling, only tricky part is getting management  positions, usually based on the buddy buddy system. I was going to start cleaning contracting business once, so I'll write on that later. 

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What about the Water over there in the city areas

Not to be mean about it, but water in any area must be kept watch on. The untreated out-doors water may carry a range of natural bacteria and other parasitic pathogens, but the "city water" can carry a wide range of chemical danger from any manufacturing plant, fracking operation, damaged sewage drains, or housing or commercial buildings leaking septic waste causing fecal contamination. 

There's a long history of city water contamination in residential hubs or areas undergoing industrialization, and residents must always be aware of what business practices are close by. There are plenty of recorded cases and movie true stories of law firms going after company waste short-cuts. I don't really want to get into the depressing end of it, but chemical runoff can come from any operation using pesticides, and mix with any surface oil runoff from the street, and it all goes back into the local ground.

The solution to this drinking water issue in the city is "bottled water". I remember in the early 1990s when Hollywood movie stars were the greatest trends setters for buying bottled water. What public usually don't know is that the trend came from "Hollywood business", the producing, management, and executive end of Hollywood who provided services behind movie sets, just a fact supporting that buying water is practical.

Now not everyone likes to buy water, but water is cheap to buy and worth it. If buying water isn't happening, at least have a big pot so that you can boil the water first. Even cooking water, say for recipes that need a cup of water, I use boiled or bottled water. End of post.

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Six Flags over Texas is 15 minutes away, best place ever

To give a little read on the area here, Dallas is to the east of us 20 minutes away, Ft. Worth is west of us about 35 minutes away and Euless, Irving, Arlington, and the DFW Airport are right in between both major cites. Arlington City is to the south of us, which has Dallas Cowboy Stadium, Texas Ranger Stadium, Six Flags Over Texas, and the big water park Hurricane Harbor. 
 
When I was young, we'd usually either go to Hawaii or Florida in the summer to Disney World. In comparison to Disney World, Six Flags over Texas is right up there in every way, probably even better since it caters to a different age range.   
 
The rides at Six Flags are more intense, the fair food is great, ten times less costly. There's arcades inside, ice skating shows, western shows, batman shows all day. Theres water rides to cool off in, giant rides compared to other greatest rides in the United States, rides that go backwards, rides that fall in mid-air, swing rides, train rides, spinning rides, tunnel rides, and an area of rides for ages 7-13 years old.   
 
For a year and a half instead of leasing a studio, we stayed at Budget Suites for $800.00 a month, full utilities including internet, a pool, etc. had two season passes to Six Flags, and just had a blast all year, job work then play. It's a great area and should really be appreciated, certainly not at all the worst place, much better than most. 

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The Local Blog Questions and Answers 2014 pt.2

What are inside those taller buildings? The Big ones?
That's where companies lease space to work, and that's it. Someone builds the building, owned usually by a company of investors and then other companies who need space to work, lease out the building space. It's an Apartment building for Companies. Companies can work more than one location, providing services in multiple regions. Middle and lower management stay at the work site location, then the corporate office could be in another state, in one of those high office spaces. The reason for separate state location is different states offer  different tax benefits that suit their business needs, so the corporate office is based where they can setup affordably. 

I've also seen trade schools use the office buildings, training and simulation businesses, telemarketing centers, customer service centers, etc. It's simply an office area with a view.

What are the Banks like there?
There are in general, 2 types of Banks here, all purpose banks like First Convenience Bank, and then theres Credit Union Banks. The Credit Unions are considered by far the best for the middle class borrower, a much more community minded bank. Some of the "all purpose" business banks have been known to scheme and cheat their customers, charging high interest rates, high over draft fees, and caught at times resequencing transactions to force low accounts to overdraft. I'm unsure why people still use banks with those reputations who didn't help them during recession times. There's a Documentary on the financial crisis that occurred just a few years ago, where banks toppled, car companies and airlines went bankrupt, and the housing market collapsed. The Documentary is called "Too Big to Fail", a suggested watch with research into the American recession of 2008. There has been a recession or depression almost every 20-25 years like clock work, so always preparing for the next one is advised. 

Where to buy a car?
It's pretty easy to get a car around here. No car, then you take public transportation, which is provided very well in Dallas metroplex. The Dart bus system is connected to a train line, running between Dallas and Ft. Worth. The train then goes to several suburban cities and towns, very fun to ride, clean, air conditioned, a real joy. Cars dealers in Arlington City are many, and public transportation reaches some parts.      

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Samoans in America debating on a new house, building a house, lease a house, or fix a house

In my mothers day, just 20-30 years ago around 1980, they would buy a house and that was it. Buy a house, if you out grow it, sell that one and get a new one. That's how some people still do it. I on the other hand am glad I didn't follow that path. In the last recession when thousands and thousands of people lost their job to cuts, they lost their houses too. They lost everything and their credit was ruined. 

I want to simplify this but each area is different and each budget, so I will say first, what "not" to do, that will narrow things. 

The banks which got stuck with thousands of unpaid houses, also are stuck with maintaining properties, this can be an advantage to the right person, or another trap for the wrong person. I've seen people spend their savings on fixing a house to sell, and it never sells, unless they take a hit, which means posting the price lower than what they spent. Quick rich schemes of flipping houses is a "never do". The material prices are unreal, then there's contractors for each job, inspections, and unforeseen problems like weather, piping, cooling, wood rot, foundations, flood damage, could be anything, but always something. Even if you do flip a good buy, 20 years later the neighborhood around the house could drop, price drops, because of the surrounding area. 

I know a guy who gets a house property, then rents it out. He seems stressed most of the time, and thinks his improvements to the houses will always be top notch, which we will see in 10 years. There might be a tax benefit. To him the property is his, and the people living there are just paying the mortgage so he can use the equity to buy another house, and do it all over again. That's also the kind of man you would be "leasing a house" from most likely, or the previous resident. 

Building a house or facility is my thing. I'm creative and want to build a new space for myself to work. I want some land, not hard to get, and build a type of "Prefabricated Structure", with a large warehouse studio work space next to it. If you have time, research "Prefabricated Architecture" and its prices in Google and it should pull up some very wonderful designs. I'll do this to have a place stateside to stay in. I plan on fitting it with green tech, a self sustainable facility, with my own fittings of course. My idea of home is really an awesome large open place to work and create, display and collect, with a tech filled office, and on the side, a place to sleep.

Buying a new house. My brother in law has his real estate Lic. in this state. He bought a "new house". A house where they build "the whole neighborhood" at the same time. See, a company building 20 houses or more at once has done all the research for you. They know the condition of the neighborhood and what's going on around it, which is why the multimillion dollar project is going ahead. So, he bought one, say for $200,000 at the get go, when it was still wood framed, then when it was finished, lived there, waited a year and half or until the rest of the houses were finished, listed it to sell for $260,000, still considered new, and made 60k or so. 

More on that later, this post is ended. 

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7 Helpful Tips for Polynesians new in the USA - Going for the American Dream

 

USA Statue of Liberty

Survival can become serious very quickly, as one can see, in the large cities, there are homeless populations, ghettos, and in some regions, just dead areas, very ghost town like. Simply put, never live a daily life in those areas for many reasons, one it's unpredictable, two it's dangerous, three no jobs, four it's depressing, five it's harder to progress as a person, six its heavily policed for crime and seven, you can do better. It really can be "you against the world", so treat the situation with respect. 

Let's make it simple. Find a space and setup shop. It's not a permanent home, it's temporary, so have your essentials, and don't get all fuzzy and homely just yet. I'll write another post on picking a space or converting space to squat, for now, let's just say you have a perfect space.

1. Create a Super computer station. Have about three to four 12-16 inch monitors to feel comfortable. I'll write a post how to build a computer later. Set this computer station up at a good size desk. Don't get cheap on the desk, this desk is apart of your work station, your home office, your study. I prefer a large "L" shaped metal and glass desk, not a one station wood rectangle. This station is where your first projects will begin, a place to store data, run business websites, edit media projects, shop online auctions, so setup ready to work. This station needs high speed Internet, a filing cabinet, a printer, speakers, office chair, etc. There are plenty of Youtube channels showing off computer setups.

2. The Kitchen area. The Kitchen must be decked out as much as possible. Several sets of very nice dishes, cups, shot glasses, liqueur glasses, wine glasses, a must. A stir fry WOK, a Pressure Cooker or Rice cooker, coffee maker, and wine racks should be visible with floral arrangements. Spend good money on a coffee maker, not because you like coffee, but so that when you get to a job, you can compare the one you have at home to theirs. The comparison will give you an idea of how much your satisfaction means to the company, which is usually minimal. The better the job's coffee maker, the better the job. 

3. The Closet is very important. Right, so get nice clothes that serve a function, a suit or 3, and other work clothes. The clothing selection is up to you and your budget, be smart about it. The closet organization though is what I'm getting at here. Ever walk into a closet and just think "Wow", I mean some closets look like a circus dressing room. Keep it organized for an orderly mind set. Buy matching clothes hangers, all the same kind or color is a most important thing to closet organization. I prefer all Black hangers (affordable and neat), or wood hangers with a gold colored hook. Never mix match clothes hangers, and always face hooks away from you. Enough said, the point is there.

4. Bathroom. Clean is the goal, so that after you work, you can relax after a hard day. Do not even lease or buy a space if the bathroom looks like a Gas Station's bathroom. 

5. The Bed. To help with keeping in mind what's important, make a Samoan style or Japanese style "Floor Bed". I began with 6 fluffy pillows, sheet sets, 3 blankets, and a floor mattress, not the mattress you put on a western style bed frame, the heavy fabric one you can role. I also like to set the bed on a big authentic Samoan weaved mat.

6. I'd get a Tv of course hooked with high speed internet and a Playstation. The Playstation is a modern essential and a console is also back-up for Internet surfing and friend chat communication. 

7. 1-2 large bookshelves. Start a book collection. This a very very important step, because, you need to smarten up. Think..skills. Don't just study everything, find ways to Do-it-yourself in everything. Labor skills can always land you a job. Maybe media is your thing or the Fine Arts. Studies for State and City careers could also be an interest. Public Libraries at times give away books, usually novels, maps, and encyclopedia. Read the post on Book Hunting in T.M.BW.

That about covers it. Everything else is dead weight. The Home Stereo setup, the Living room furniture, the bedroom furniture (except maybe a small dresser), the dining table,  it's a "no buy", and will be outdated anyway in 10 years. The seven things mentioned will be far more than enough for someone on a budget to focus on. In review, what these 7 things help to advise is to cut the fat, focus on essentials, and create a functional space to work in, a functional space that allows a person to accomplish their American goals.

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The Local Blog Questions and Answers 2014 pt.1

How to get an Apartment there?
There is a bit of an aggravating process at times getting an apartment here. The apartment complexes are most of the time run by "the need to please" cubical types, scared to lose their job, and looking for a rental benefit, or there's the power happy landlord type who doesn't understand that the nice Italian looking furniture in the office is "Made in China".

This either makes dealing with an agent a paranoid experience, or a mind game, all just to show you have a job and can pay the rent. Get an "Apartment Locator" to deal with the Leasing agents, and that's it, maybe even pay him 50.00 to handle the whole process where you only sign a contract in the end. The Apartment locator will find your price range and be the liaison between you and the Apartment company, a free service, who collects commission upon completion of a signed lease.

How is the Internet Service there?
Where some places don't have Internet service, most have it, and then there's those that try and over charge. It's 2014, and there's still companies trying to get people to pay 55.00 for home phone service, when you can route calls free through Internet connection. There's even apps for free phone using Google Gmail, it's not a mystery, but there seems to be a tech lack of savvy, and companies are at this time, floating on the hope that people wont smarten up. It's like the electricity phenomenon, not a hard thing to make, yet people buy it.

The best service right now is MiFi Verizon, a bit expensive, but only since it should be average standard service, its hassle-less though after sign up. Most Samsung cell phone models can Tether a wifi signal, which is the same as using a MiFi receiver. So, make sure your cell provider is really putting out the 4g and up connection, sometimes the retailers sell you 4g, and since people dont tend to read the fine print, the provider gives you 2g, 80% of the time. If your service seems slower, 2-3 weeks out of the month, it's because "it is slower, much slower". If you like Techy stuff, read from Japanese and Korean Tech outlets, or subscribe to insightful Tech business insiders, even some blogs. [I'd list them but it's better to just find them, rank your own]

What is TV like over there?
I'm an Anime watcher and a Movie lover, and of course a Playstation player. The reruns of "Smallville", "Supernatural", "Charmed", and "Star Trek" are the only Tv series I've been caught watching in 6 months. Anime is always a favorite, watched through crunchyroll.com depending on the series. 

If I want a movie, its Red box or Netflix. There's a local Dollar theatre, plays every Hollywood hit, 5 months after release. Sometimes I might check out the massive Bollywood selection on YouTube that seems to grow endlessly. I've been "commercial free" (no TV commercials) for 8 years.

Rugby games must be hunted. Start a website that receives News Feeds from several outlets, and make it your personal Rugby watcher. Yes, you can make a whole Website that monitors Rugby News feeds, just for your personal interest, and it costs no money, more on that later.

[-] The Local Blog Questions and Answers 2014 pt.2

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Writing like a Peace Corps volunteer Blogger on an Adventure: Polys in the mainland

The Local Blog

I've read two Peace Corps Blogs in the last two days, both extremely funny how they adjusted to island living. I think it's a pretty good laugh really to put the pen in the hand of a first time traveler. Everything is new, everything is compare and contrast, everything seems "not so homely", but then again the thrill and excitement makes it an adventure worth having, knowing there's an ending date. The volunteers did well, at least attempting to understand other worlds. Some seem extremely young and inexperienced, so its interesting to read what they top at the list of things to compare.

This Local Blog section was started so we could write like a "Peace Corps Blogger" in Samoa, being the observer. Only in this circumstance, I'm a Samoan Blogger in mainland US. America.

It's hard to really stay true to the observation end of it, since I have a comment about everything around here, really though, some things are better left unsaid. Reading the Peace Corps Blogs made me sad for the simple pleasures of the island life, an atmosphere admired more by an older man like myself in his early 30s. I'm sure any man at my age appreciates peace of mind.

Tips for starting a Blog
Blogging is something I suggest to more Samoan Americans, and here's some tips. One, "do not" overwhelm yourself trying to write about something like economics or politics, because if you were really in the loop of key information, you wouldn't blog about it, as the information would be handled more sensitively. Second, stay away from the municipal end of discussion, which means anything on law, since ranting surely follows. Three, know that some people are much better writers than others, and that your work maybe compared to barking, much like mine was when I started writing. I admit it, Im not a natural writer. So, proof read over and over again, even after you've published it. Easy editing is a perk, use it. Four, learn some HTML5, XML, some online editors, or at least learn how to customize a website, Blogger site, or Wordpress.

Write on possible business, the environment, an awesome recipe, and interesting things that would be collectible in a vacation scrap book. And Yes, always keep a look out for that business niche and interesting item that might make you filthy rich during your adventures and writing projects.

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Try not to be only Locally educated, the World is yours

If there's one thing that pushes a person forward, while being educated here locally, is a need to further that eduational edge. The smarter the better. Generally there's text book smarts for skill and management, street smarts for defense and attack, and a more formal education for mannered living only. All three are needed and relying on only "one" will easily get someone progressively slowed. 

Business and Job wise, one thing to know is that "most" things around here are not much older than 30 years old, and this area is considered a top area to live in economically. In the last 10 years, companies have come and gone, and the original ones left can say they weathered a good business storm. What that means is, don't expect the movie ending to retirement. In the movie scenario, people get a job or career and retire with a hefty pension or a 401k. If you last 10 years at your job, be thankful, most times if under middle management, they will lay a person off who's making too much money after 10 years, or by luck, promote them to salary. I remember the times I went to Disney World in Florida, and wanted to work there as an animator. If I had done that, I would have been laid off since Disney no longer makes hand animated movies, or cartoons, replaced by computer animated movies.  

Promoting is fair pace to middle management, and rare or nonexistent into higher management. The solution is to never rely on an employer, unless that employer is your parent who owns the company. Always have a goal to be self employed, and until then, learn every aspect of your field. 

Now I said "most" businesses, not all businesses. If you want to see which companies are staying around, look on the "blue chip list" of Wall Street right. There's also Government jobs including military. Working for the City or State is stable, [Librarian is my favorite] and currently most areas of medicine are stable, that may not always be the case. Insurance is a some what stable. Banking is stable. 

So, where to get this Worldly educational experience, well, "Nothing substitutes experience", remember that. That saying becomes more important around age 35. If you havent realized this by now, not many will help anyone without a payment. Theres no free gold map in this game, it has to be research and hunted. This blog T.M.BW. attempts to help with that, but can't at all be the sole resource. Happy Hunting.

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Thank you America and blogger for the space to write freely

This project has been very rewarding and contributes to a larger portfolio of work. This blog is not part of any religious movement, and does not wish to be confused with any political radicalism.

The project idea and interest began awhile back when there were at best, personal websites on Polynesia with glitter graphics. I would like to thank blogger and other social media outlets for the space, and of course, thank you to the American nation for our American freedoms.

Thank you and have a Mana Day.
ONI Featherman

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Gangland is no goot bro!

Bad news.

Gangs seems to be a worry. I know Samoans and Tongans are like big loving teddy bears, but a gang banging teddy bear is a bit scary. I really shouldn't call it scary, cause it might encourage those who like being scary. If being scary though inspires, try making scary movies.

Straight talk in a straight island way - no laughing is serious
Tongan and Samoan gangs? Is it real? what is it for. Does it make the world go around in the good way, no.

Is a bad bad bad bad way.

Ok. Look. Samoan and Tongan history, is nothing to worry about. Is just for reading and learning, not for fighting. If you no like it, you write somefing better, you see dat? Easy like that. Just like that.

Is all the same stuff, all competitive stuff. Even if you Tongan, another Tongan want to compete. Is all the same. See no worry, cause we all do the same to each other. Samoan too, you see the history. Is just the same way. Right? All great, and strong, and blah blah blah.

Ok. Look. I tell it good. I say it straight. Is no good. Gangs no good. It can hurt peoples, and then peoples no trust you. Tongan and Samoan need to be the role model because they good at it if they do it. Be smart. Be happy. Smart people you see is always happy. I never see a sad smart guy cause he knows how to fix it. He sad, he fix it. He mad, he fix it. He hungry, he fix it.

I write this, and now it's gonna be good I can feel it. Everybody is gonna be happy who is understand this talk and writing. I knows it.

See, maybe ask, why he write it like this, maybe he make fun or what. See yes, I say it like this to make it funny, but really this is so serious. So serious really cause inside is love is why I write it. I make it funny and sound kinda stupid, but it has a smart meaning you see. I smart like that. Im a smooth guy. And thank you for your time.

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Posted in: The Local Blog

Local culture that is gone or changing in Euless Texas

The Euless Library has now these "Tile Art works" being displayed around the building. The Tile works are on things in Euless, and in this relative area, that used to be here. The City has changed quite a bit in the last 20 years, and more so for older residents. The Tile works tribute the lost wildlife, to lost memorable buildings in the city.

I personally don't like places that change. I like places that stay with their identity. I'm getting older so I do prefer the peaceful, small, cultured town over the pact busy city.

Looking at these Tile Art works is sad since I do remember many things that used to be here in this area from when I was very young, mostly wildlife and old town parts of Irving and Euless. I hope one day Irving and Euless will preserve their identity, taking care of these animal species.

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Posted in: The Local Blog

American Samoa pioneers coming to America fresh off the boat 2013

One very simple thing for Samoans who come to the United States of America is to make a business, make money, work, something along those lines. Things have come long way since the arrival of Margaret Mead, and it's gotten extremely less optional since the 70s.

Samoan youth definitely shouldn't watch an American High School movie and think it's play time here. They do not sing in the schools, dance is career business, the T-birds and the Pink Ladies went to jail, tagged and labeled, road racing is a hefty felony, clubbing is a sure way to a ticket, detention is a step away from alternative school, and night life is risky. Don't even think about being in a street gang, it's the surest way to ruin any future opportunities.

Let's switch this frown upside down, and talk about the opportunity America bestows upon its residents. What we have here is a "box of opportunity", a box with a population of 290 million people, fortune 500 business, education at your peril, mixed with some awesome food. Thats one way to see it, and the most reasonable, a box of opportunity, a benefits package, a place to make a living and be a samaritan of good when possible.

I know what people want to read, they want to read "How to make it in America", the short and sweet version. I'd be happy to tell you, but it's never been easy in any era of history to just make it. I'm going to give some advise, and my advise is a safe guide, not your Vegas route to prosperity. 

1. Develop yourself. I would say from the ages 13-29, study and never stop. Learn where you are, what your country has been through, your history, your culture, then world cultures, your strengths, your weakness, your interests, your talents, your fears, your favorite clothes, arts, jobs, and once you know yourself and the world, specialize on an interest. Focus on what you want, and use your collected knowledge to obtain your future. Its like doing long quests to get a reward in a video game. There are things that take years to understand, choose them wisely. By the time you're in your early 30s, hopefully you have a college degree, or the savvy, to do your best work from ages 30-55.

2. Don't get trapped. Trapped is a routine that you're "unhappy" with. If you're in a happy trap, it's not a trap. There's lots of traps in life, from addiction to depression, to being mentally trapped by your own inabilities.

3. Be positively competitive. This sounds like coaching advise, but theres nothing like being more successful than that guy you hated in High School, or a cousin who wouldn't shut up about her new car, or the sister that invites you over just to show off her new house, but who never lets you borrow money. Its good to win things. Win anything, everything, any opportunity to win a medal, go for gold, or go home. Selfie that medal and you, bullet point it on your resume or portfolio. If you haven't won something in awhile, go find something to win! Win. Win. Win. Then find something epic or legendary to win for, a life win.

4. Stay physically Hot or fit and be cool. You may think High School ends, and people look to your mind and skills in the real world, but here's the secret, High School never ends! Its a popularity contest everywhere in the real world, only the student body is much bigger. Yes, it's a hard truth but it's true. In a field of science or civil service, maybe it might be less true, but in most working atmospheres, looks and popularity rule. People like working with a fun and cool person, simple as that, it's not rocket science. People rather work with a friend, preferably a Hot friend, who can deal a good hand, than work with a prude know-it-all with an odor.

5. Prove your Intelligence. Theres a lot of people out there with a fair head on their rack, but there's no proof. I prove myself in several areas, through portfolios of work. Display your mind, have an open gallery for your thoughts, not any whimsical thought. Use a blog or a website, name yourself, invent yourself. As for things to create, to show your intelligence, that is all up to you.

More tips later. I'm ending this post here.

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Posted in: The Local Blog

A Blue Jay in ten years and local nature - Euless City Texas

I just saw a Blue Jay fly by, about 10 years since I can say that one has flown my way. The Blue Jay bird used to show in the morning here. In the morning, there would be at least 3 Blue Birds and always fewer Red Jay birds, but it seemed both showed up at the same, after the humming birds.

Thinking on this year quickly about local nature, this year there were no "June bugs" in June in Euless Texas, which is also around the time when a rush of black and brown crickets come this way.

None of that happened this year. There was more this year a yellow and black grasshopper type flying around. Also the large waves of migrating birds south, which usually pass and gather over the Irving Mall and Starplex movie Theatre did not occur.

There are usually large gatherings of birds by now though, with us noticing a group of green parrot looking birds with yellow heads that stop here too.

Nothing else really comes to mind right now on the local nature, other than  missing crickets, June bugs, and large migrating flocks of birds.

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Posted in: The Local Blog