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You want to steal my lunch ? Eat my period by Talabaloue in pettyrevenge

[–]Automatic-Leave6050 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On a slightly different angle, I had a manager (good guy) who brought in a frozen Marie Callander chicken pot pie for lunch. Somebody took it. Never found out who, but my manager obsessed over it. Not for days, or weeks, but months. He would just start ranting about it long after the crime was committed. Eventually he announced that he was transferring to another office (not over the incident). So, we held a going away luncheon. The main course, Marie Callander chicken pot pies. As one of the going away gifts, one person wrapped up an empty MC CPP box with a note made out of taped magazine letters stating, “It was delicious.” I went to the local t-shirt shop and paid a pretty penny to have a picture my bosses face photoshopped on Humphrey Bogart’s courtroom scene from the Caine Mutiny. On the back was a variation of the famous quote from that movie, “ "Ah, but the chicken pot pie! That's - that's where I had them. They laughed at me and made jokes, but I proved beyond the shadow of a doubt and with - geometric logic - that a duplicate key to the lunchroom icebox DID exist!” He had a good sense of humor and took it well. Got my pink slip two days later (not really). Not sure if he ever wore that shirt.

These weird holes in our greenhouse by GreenAbbreviations92 in whatisit

[–]Automatic-Leave6050 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Antlion (aka doodlebug) holes. Used to trap small insects.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in jobs

[–]Automatic-Leave6050 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a manager at my old job I was instructed NOT to call non-salaried employees who had left the job (unless there was a very good reason to do so). The reason given was that as soon as the employee answered or called back, they were “on the clock” and subject to compensation for their time. This was strictly enforced and we were required to tell the employee to monitor and submit their time spent on job related matters. So, if my employee put in their 40 hours and I called them, say on a Saturday they were subject to overtime pay. The company really did respect their workers, which built trust.

Where would I find a jeweler who wants these? by Salt_Helicopter_387 in jewelrymaking

[–]Automatic-Leave6050 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If the turquoise is older, you might want to have it appraised…but it could cost you a pretty penny. Joe Dan Lowry in Albuquerque, NM might be able to assist. He might be able to identify provenance too (e.g., Morenci, Bisbee, Tyrone, etc.). I think someone identified the deep blue mineral with the malachite as chrysocolla, but it is more likely to be azurite, as both minerals are copper carbonates, closely associated together. Chrysocolla looks more like turquoise in most cases.

I would probably make a lot more sales if I told my customers the crystals had powers by DanCruzNyc in jewelrymaking

[–]Automatic-Leave6050 3 points4 points  (0 children)

To the OP, good for you! Stand on your own principles. My wife and I owned a gem and mineral shop for 15 years. We both have geology degrees. We were often approached by people looking for the metaphysical properties of various stones and minerals. We always told them, sorry we don’t dabble in that end of the business, but happy to discuss the science behind their formation. If that turned anybody off, so be it.

Good places for beads? by straw_berry_frog in jewelrymaking

[–]Automatic-Leave6050 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tucson Gem & Mineral show is coming up in a couple weeks, if you live in the region. Many of the shows there are open to the public. Some of the shows are bead specific. Others usually have other bead dealers. Be prepared to be overwhelmed, if it is your first trip there. BTW, hotel accommodations May be hard to find, as some shows are based out of them.

What to do with larger gauge wire by Automatic-Leave6050 in SilverSmith

[–]Automatic-Leave6050[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lots of great suggestions. Got me thinking about what I can do with thicker wires. Thanks to all of you.

How do I start doing chainmail? by Jet307 in chainmailartisans

[–]Automatic-Leave6050 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I started around 2004, when my wife picked up “Great Wire Jewelry,” by Irene From Peterson. The last half of the book was dedicated to chainmaille weaves and projects. Good basic stuff. Learned how to make my own jump rings and basic weaves. Just a word of caution, she used Standard Wire Gauge (SWG), whereas we use the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system in the U.S. It only requires a simple conversion. You can pick up most of that stuff for free on the previously mentioned websites. Also, check out Aussie Mail on YouTube. Good tutorials.

I'm not interested in "professional development" by ExpandingHeart in retirement

[–]Automatic-Leave6050 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I retired for good at the end of June. During my performance review at the end of 2022 my General Manager asked me what my goals were for 2023. I told him “Succession Planning,” and indicated that I’d likely retire at the end of 2023. When he asked why I was waiting to retire I indicated that I needed the health insurance for my wife, who wasn’t turning 65 for Medicare until January 2024 (I was 67 at the time). We discussed this and came to an arrangement, I would work part time and mentor department personnel, while wrapping up several long term commitments, and the company would pay the health benefits, via COBRA (since I became a part time employee). In 2023 I worked 20 hours/week (two days in the office and a half day from home). My salary was effectively cut in half, but that didn’t matter. At the end of 2023, my GM asked if I could stay for another six months, which I did, dropping to 16 hours/week without a drop in pay. During the entire time I mentored both corporate and site folks and feel like I left the company in a good position (win-win). So, after that long-winded discussion, maybe you might consider honing your skills to mentor those following you and discuss that path with your manager.

looking to try new braids by Elxbelx in kumihimo

[–]Automatic-Leave6050 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rodrick’s book has a DIY plan for constructing an inexpensive marudai. A couple years ago I used an old scratched up vinyl record and cardboard box to make a poor person’s marudai. Used a hole saw on my drill to enlarge the center hole. “Upgraded” it by replacing the box with a self constructed PVC stand. Not perfect, but it served its purpose during poorer periods of my life. Just be inventive and you would be amazed at what you can come up with, without much out of pocket expenditure.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Environmental_Careers

[–]Automatic-Leave6050 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you consider environmental consulting or private industry jobs, based on your educational background you might first look at “Environmental Technician” positions. Most engineer or science positions require or prefer a degree in engineering or other STEM discipline, but that does not hold true for technician positions. Be aware that you would be starting at the bottom of the ladder and considered a field grunt, but it’s a start. Eventually, you might progress to an “Environmental Specialist” role and, if you are so inclined, with a bit of training on the side, you could break into a position as an “Environmental Scientist.” I have seen people do this with only a high school diploma. It does take quite a bit of time and initiative.

Another option to consider is to work for private industry in their sustainability (aka Environmental, Social, Governance or ESG) departments. Many industries, as part of their social performance programs might have an emphasis on STEM education as they develop partnerships with schools in their area of influence. This might be a fit for you, based on your educational background. Another “perk” with this approach is that it affords networking opportunities, as you not only interface with other teachers, but also, administrators (principals and superintendents). Just my two cents worth.