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Jul 12, 2008 7:06:58 GMT -5
Post by KG on Jul 12, 2008 7:06:58 GMT -5
Thank you so much for that Kata. I felt maybe my advice on this was out of date. My mom treated me like this too... and she still knows how to run a guilt trip, so I can relate, but getting a job is something I haven't done in many years.
Kim
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Jul 12, 2008 8:48:57 GMT -5
Post by a'Lan Mandragoran on Jul 12, 2008 8:48:57 GMT -5
I woke up this morning after telling my FATHER about several places I applied for last night, and today my mom started crabbing at me before school about how I'm too picky on where I apply. My dad insisted on driving me to school and he starts asking me about computer stuff that would be easier to show than to explain and he said that with my attitude that I'd never get a job... I really REALLY hate to say it but my dad, who usually lets me do my own thing no matter what, is now starting to be like my mom in saying that I'm unable to do shit. He's part of the reason that I "know" I can't do half the things that I'd like to be able to do. He's never helped me with anything other than highschool homework and never shows me how to do jack... I had to learn how to repair my car the hard way once and both my parents said that I had to walk 50 miles to school when it didn't start after I fixed it. Turns out I screwed up a piston and alternator at the same time... Yeah... both my parents are issues but my mom's the wost it seems... meh. About the only good that game from waking up is I have 10 dollars in my pocket.
I have it in mind to eventually start a web development company, as soon as I can get some kinda job that'll give me enough freedom from my parents (this means moving to HOPFULLY New Jersey where I know a few people who'd be happy to help me start up and work with me). The only thing stopping me is the fact that I don't have work right now, so I can't save up to start.
I've been attempting to get on in my field at several places, including Scott Trade, as a data base admin. I know I can do the job, I just don't have the 5-10 years experiance they say I need. I know enough to at least be an assistant. That's what my associates is in. A lot of jobs want certificates that I don't have and I can't get because they're too expencive for me to get with no job. A+ is one that a lot of places want in my field, I've taken the classes for it, just not the test because the test's expencive (about $1000 last I checked). It's really REALLY angering and stupid when McDonnleds won't hire me. Their reason... OVER QUALIFIED! Of course I'll be over qualified to be working there. MOST PEOPLE ARE! They, after I applied for anything they needed people for, they said that I was under qualified to be a manager. After about 10 minutes of hollering at them (not litterally) I just said the hell with it and went on about my misserable eistance. THis was about three weeks ago. I've been applying at AT&T and other places and they won't even call me back half the time. Or they'll call me up saying that they'll keep me on file but they'r enot looking for people at this time. I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT THE F**k TO DO! Well I do... but it'll be exceedingly hard and it calls for a major revamp of the social systems in place in this country...
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Jul 12, 2008 23:58:16 GMT -5
Post by KG on Jul 12, 2008 23:58:16 GMT -5
That's not to unusual as far as your dad goes. My Dad always seemed to be on my side growing up, but after I became an adult, I found out that some of the really screwy things my mom did to control me, were sort of ordered by my Dad. For example he called from work one night at 10:00 PM and asked if I was home. Mom said, "No, but I know exactly where she is. She called and said she was going to Shoneys with some people from church." He replied, "You need to make her come home right now. Call Shoneys and tell her to get home." You can't imagine how embarrassed I was to have a waitress come and get me and tell me my mom said I had to come home. There was no emergency or anything either, and my food hadn't even come yet... It was so annoying, and I was utterly embarrassed. It was well before my cerfew too... and I was about 17 or 18 I guess. There were a lot of little things like that. I gather they thought I was stupid too, or something. I mean I thought I was probably retarded and they just hid it from me till I was in college and took an IQ test. The way they watched over me, made it seem like they thought I didn't have good sense. Later I thought it was because I was a girl, but now I see you guys have the same kinds of trouble and worse. IDK... Anyway parents often grossly underestimate our abilities, or try to tell us what we are good at and what we are not, and what we can do and what we can't. I know it would be nice if they were always behind us, but they never are, and you just have to dig deep and believe in yourself. WE believe in you. As for A+ my husband got his for a lot less than that, I am almost positive... though it was several years ago. Is that just the test or does tutoring/training come with it. Bear just read a book, took some free on line tutorials, and practice tests, and paid something like 150 dollars to take the test. IDK they might not do it that way any more. There were boot camps back then for certifications, but he didn't go to any of those, but come to think of it he worked for a company that did the testing... so they paid for that one. Their employee program was if if you passed the test was free, but if you failed you had to pay for it. We were poor then so he made a point of not failing. He paid for a couple of Microsoft Certifications there before he got the job though. The way he did it was hard though. He took the class in community college, then read the books, exam prep brand is good... and then took practice tests, both in the books, and on line. There were free tutorials and such on line then, but it looks like most of the sites I am checking now, want money. Really people who go in there with just what they learned in community college, and no other studying can't usually pass. He thought A+ was one of the easier certs though. The MCP tests that make up MCSE's are a good bit harder apparently. Anyway what you are trying to do isn't easy, and your dad, has no right to critizise you about it. AT the same time if you want certifications you will need additional study, either from books, websites, or expensive boot camps. Good luck on getting certified. I know you can get it for a lot less than a grand. Did you take the A+ class at your college yet?
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Jul 13, 2008 0:37:03 GMT -5
Post by a'Lan Mandragoran on Jul 13, 2008 0:37:03 GMT -5
I took the hardware part before they changed the testing. There's now like 7 or 8 different A+ certificates that you can get now. They're all A+ but different sections or something. I heard this from a guy at school who had just tried to get his and got confused as to what exact certificate was what. He looked at the tests the week after they changed stuff, after he took the hardware portion for it. I'm looking around at school for a person who can give me the exam for whatever might get the best results when paired with what I already know.
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Jul 13, 2008 22:17:59 GMT -5
Post by Del on Jul 13, 2008 22:17:59 GMT -5
Alrighty, I'll give, because I still owe Kim a favor for something she did a long ass time ago. (Dammit lol). First my explanation about why I think my experiences are lacking: I'm in the SAME f**kING BOAT as Lan. However, I will share my advice despite this. Lan, hear me out. I am your friend, and I am supportive..in more ways than you think. So, listen. Grow the f**k up. I say this because you have every d**n right to bitch and moan about your mother, and I have gained a lot of respect for you about that. My mother does the same shit to me: guilt trips, leaves me when I'm pissed off AT HER, more guilt trips, excuses and excuses about why this cannot do that. I will stand up for myself and fight her tooth and f**king nail about the most mediocre and USELESS SHIT that should be handled with a calm but quick conversation...not one that lasts for 2 f**king hours and me having to raise my voice to get my point across. I am speaking very specifically here about one situation as an example, but this same shit has happened before and likely will in the future. So why did I say what I said? Because, as unfortunate as I hate to see it and say it, and as much as you really don't want to hear it: you're girl thingy-footing around your mother, and enabling her the control she's desiring. Would you like to know why? "Her little boy, so innocent and loyal to Mommy, is growing up and becoming independent." You're not f**king little. You're not innocent by a long shot (and I know you know exactly what I'm referring to here, good sir). Loyaltly? Ended years ago, and she feels threatened by it. I'm in the same boat as you. Grow the f**k up. While your feelings are not to be ashamed of (and you'd be an idiot to think I even implied it, but you're not), your attitude is something else entirely. Own up to your faults BUT DO NOT HATE THEM. Strengthen up, work on them, and get the f**k OUT of that shell of yours! You're the man who knew this day would come and you're hiding from it, but knowing full well what needs to be done. Accept that, work with it, stand up and do not take her bullshit. Express yourself..and move on. AS FOR THE JOB SITUATIONDress nicely and present yourself in nice and decent attire both for applications and interviews, especially since the latter may be on-the-spot on possible occasion. Khakis, color based on your taste (and what you feel comfortable wearing, color-wise) work good, but nice pants work too (black jeans are acceptable IF and ONLY IF you know it looks acceptable). When in doubt, play it safe. Suits are not good, though, unless you're applying at a proper office setting like cubicles and all that fantastic stuff. Comb your hair (no shit, right) but make sure it looks good. Gel and mouse works, if that's what you feel okay with. Brush teeth, as usual, and when presenting yourself keep a pleasant look about you. Attitude speaks loudly, and so does behavior. Smiling, polite but don't fake it. Know your manners, while not being an ass. Online applications? Here's the thing about the online applications: Not a single one is ignored, BUT they are filtered. Ignore the d**n oxymoron implication. 8 out of 10 (not a typo) applications will have specific, hidden, trick questions that qualify to be looked at or maybe..dismissed. Maybe there's one, or two. Consistency is key, and don't freak over the d**n personality questions. Keep honest and RELEVANT to the job. I'll give you an example. I applied to work at my job online, and the application (the online assessment) SPECIFICALLY says not to overdo it and be honest. They want, and need answers relevant to the job you seek and people who're able to carry them out. First impressions, even on those d**n applications, are KEY. The assessment is your first chance at that impression. Where were you two years ago when I was going through my crap? Oi the sh*t hit the fan hard between my mother and I, Kim was there through the whole thing.... and very supportive, though she did a lot of tip toeing, which I hope she doesn't do any more from here on out if it's needed again.... I would love to read what you could have said back then... Oh the horrible memories.... Yes, thank you Kata for posting your advice.
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Jul 14, 2008 16:40:55 GMT -5
Post by a'Lan Mandragoran on Jul 14, 2008 16:40:55 GMT -5
I GOTS SOME GOOD NEWS! This is the first time that my parents ever had to deal with a tech. They started asking me questions about my computer when the tech called today to give them the final price for the repair and everything (after they've screwed around for a week before even opening the case up). Well, my parents coudln't understand the technical speak such as "motherboard", "processor" and "heatsink" and "PSU", and they were all ready to pay $1000 for the repair until I stepped in and said, "I don't need that much crap! Lemme talk to the guy." My parents him-hawed around trying to give me some stupid reason why I couldn't talk to him, finally I got fed up and took the phone and argued the tech down to $700 for the repair by telling him where my parts were from, how much I payed for them and all that. I also told him my needs. My parents were going to get a whole new kit, including video cards. I didn't need new vid cards. My problem was that my motherbord went caflooy, cracking directly under the processor pad. I don't need a new CPU either. All I needed was a new motherboard and heatsink/fat assemly and power supply if the one I have don't work with the new motherboard. Tomorrow I'm going to head to the repair place with a list of parts that I'm interested in and see if they'll order off my list to drive the price down more. To cut this story short, my parents were looking at me funny after I hung up and I know they didn't udnerstand half the stuff I said, but now my dad wants me to not go to school tonight to fix his machine because "I talked like the techy on the phone." While I'd LOVE to be able to skip class tonight, I need to learn statistics. As a side note, any beer drinkers on the board should be aware that Inbev bought Anheuser Bush yesterday or early today. DO NOT BUY ANY ANHEUSER BUSH PRODUCTS FROM NOW ON! AT ALL, EVER AND NEVER! Here is a full list of their products for you to NOT[/b] buy from now on. I am serious folks! www.abwholesaler.com/BellavanceBev/ProductList I don't want Inbev thinking they made a good purchase. I live in St. Louis, as you may or may not know. AB has been a stable business under it's own management forever! I LOST job opprotunities there. I had my resume floating around for a week before this crap.
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Jul 14, 2008 16:58:27 GMT -5
Post by ShutterBug on Jul 14, 2008 16:58:27 GMT -5
As a side note, any beer drinkers on the board should be aware that Inbev bought Anheuser Bush yesterday or early today. DO NOT BUY ANY ANHEUSER BUSH PRODUCTS FROM NOW ON! AT ALL, EVER AND NEVER! Here is a full list of their products for you to NOT[/b] buy from now on. I am serious folks! www.abwholesaler.com/BellavanceBev/ProductList I don't want Inbev thinking they made a good purchase. I live in St. Louis, as you may or may not know. AB has been a stable business under it's own management forever! I LOST job opprotunities there. I had my resume floating around for a week before this crap.They just don't make beer, they make Monster, which is an energy drink. Dude, for real I LOVE Monster. As far as energy drinks go, it's pretty good. What's wrong with it, just so I know?
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Jul 14, 2008 18:04:54 GMT -5
Post by a'Lan Mandragoran on Jul 14, 2008 18:04:54 GMT -5
The link has a full list of their products.
Inbev is not an American company and they bought AB. Boycot them because of this. I want them to realize that spending more than than their company itself is worth, was a bad idea.
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Jul 14, 2008 23:37:00 GMT -5
Post by KG on Jul 14, 2008 23:37:00 GMT -5
LOL That is so cool!!! I am glad they finally figured out they have a tech in the house.
I hope you are wrong about Inbev. My husband's biggest client, the one who provides like 85 percent of his work, is an Anheuser Busch destributor. I don't think it will change the over all running of things that much though. Anheuser Busch Distributors have been carrying Monster and other InBev Products for several years now anyway, and visa versa. The two companies have been in bed with each other for a long time, and are are already so intertwined it would be hard to seperate them. The way I see it is like a wedding for a couple who have lived together for so long they are already common law husband and wife.
Both Anheuser Busch, and InBev have been buying up small breweries, and conglomerating for qutie a while, so that now they will be able to sell Beer brands from all over the US and all over the world, to people all over the US and all over the world. Beer exchanging so that you can get more different kinds of beer from the same place. Fruther the Monster Energy drinks, and Java's offers diversity from just Beer, to all kinds of drinks. Thus increasing customer base, and market. That alone is a stabalizing factor for the company.
I don't preticularly like buy outs, and mergers either, but it is what is happening these days, and it is no different than all the banks, department stores, fast food companies, cookie companies, cerial companies, soap companies etc. who start out as little companies, grow into bigger companies, get bought out by even bigger companies... that is just the way things are going right now, and as it is, there are no American companies any more. Most companies either are owned by people in Europe, and the factories are here, or they live here, and own factories in third world countries. At least with InBev, they will still make the beer here, bottle it here, and distribute it here, same as always. It will be no different, and the demand for Bud, Bud light, and other cheep domestic beers has never been higher, so no chance that Becks and other beers InBev imports, will outsell Bud in this country. It is nice to be able to have them once in a while, but overall Bud is the most frequently purchased beer... Becks is for special occasions.
The media is saying that InBev is thrifty, always trying to expand their profit margin, and such, but from what I have seen both companies tend to be thrifty and extravagant in their own ways. InBev owns Monster, and from what I have seen Monster isn't a bit chintzy with their product, promotions, or even their packaging. They aren't chintzy with their employees either, nor are they slave drivers at all. They have a very up beat corporate image that aims to appeal to young people. Their reps are well paid, and get a lot of perks. Their promotions are generous, and they sponsor a lot of things. They might be tight fisted by some people's standards, but for NC they are quiet generous, or at least that is how it looks to me. I know their reps seem happy. Actually there have been a couple of guys who traded jobs one quit from the distributorship, and went to work for Monster, and one of Monster's guys went to work for the distributor. From what I gather the guy who went with Monster got the best deal by far.
The corporate headquarters will still be in St. Louis, and currently the Busch family only owned 5% of the stock anymore anyway. August Busch will continue as a member of InBev board of directors, just as he always was for Anheiser Bush. The way I understood it they will use the same breweries, bottling companies, distributors, and basic office structure they always have had. They plan to produce all the beer the same as always, sell it the same way and everything, just different owners. The only rumor of any changes I heard about was, they might sell Busch Gardens... which I kind of doubt in a way, and that some of the really top management people in the main offices, would be offered early retirement, because InBev thought the corporate structure was a little top heavy, but other than that, I don't think they are going to change anything much, just phase out a few vice presidents... here and there. I gather that will be voluntary early retirement, just offering.
The way they said early retirement though I think they might be self conscious about having too many old people working in visable spots, or spots that determine advertising or project part of the company image. I do know that Monster expects it's reps to be youthful, vibrant, and energetic. I talked to the Monster representitive, and he said Monster was all about young people. That they wanted to project a youthful immage, and appeal to teens and young adults. Their promotionals try to court a young audience, and their sales slant is away from the elderly traditional people that Busch always aimed at, and is going towards youth, the exercise crowd, and the young party crowd. I was very impressed with what he was saying, and I think InBev will do a fine job of continuing the Busch legacy.
As for your applications just keep applying. You might actually have a better chance now with InBev than with the old management... and again they might be the same people and it won't make much difference if that is the case. I don't think it is anything to worry about so much.
It is an international corporation, but so was Anheuser Busch (They had started marketing all over the world, and were also buying up smaller European breweries,) and so is everything else now days. At least they will keep the old breweries here, and the bottling companies... unlike Ford, Chevy and other car manufacturers who make parts all over the world, and like all our clothing which have tags sewn in with American sounding names, but are cut and sewn by starving third world children.
I heard that the people of St. Louis are worried about this, but from what I have heard and noticed about InBev, I think it will be business as usual as long as no one panics. I don't think the InBev people are going to change anything drastically, and overall I think you will see more revenue, and more jobs in St. Louis from InBev, than before, not less. The Main Corporate office for InBev for all of North America, will be in St. Louis. They will bring in their people, as well as keeping the people who were formerly from Anheiser Busch. They will be producing and selling even more products than ever, and it should work out great. In any case boycotting their products will hurt St. Louis to whatever degree such an effort could succeed. The company is sold, and won't be bought back. We might as well accept it, and hope for the best. St. Louis is dependent to a large degree on the success of that company, whether it is owned by Germans or Belgians seems to make little difference, to me at least. The Busch family is from Germany, but they moved St. Louis and opened a Brewery. The InBev people are Belgians, and Brazilians, but at least some of them will move to St. Louis because they bought a brewery. What is the difference?
Kim
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Jul 15, 2008 0:12:12 GMT -5
Post by a'Lan Mandragoran on Jul 15, 2008 0:12:12 GMT -5
Ofically, they're going to cut several hundred jobs here. AB was going to to begin with, however, they at least were going to move people around within the company. I don't think Inbev will actually move anyone, I think they're just going to let people go. I'm going to be switching to Shaftlys or Rolling Rock for the time being though. If InBev prooves they're interested in the wellfair of St. Louisans, then I'll start buying Budweiser and AmberBock again. They need to proove to me that they're interested in this comunity.
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Jul 15, 2008 16:50:17 GMT -5
Post by Ashira Bloodmoon on Jul 15, 2008 16:50:17 GMT -5
Lan knows how to wheel and deal and might should have been a lawyer instead of a computer nut. The computer repair place called him today, about 10 minutes ago with an update and pretty much said they got his machine running without using the parts they ordered. Lan said "Well, we already had the deal that you'd give me the parts. I'll pay labor, but no more. Give me 2 computers" and it appears as though he's getting it.
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Jul 15, 2008 18:39:51 GMT -5
Post by stonerwolf on Jul 15, 2008 18:39:51 GMT -5
wow... that's nuts!
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Jul 15, 2008 19:27:51 GMT -5
Post by a'Lan Mandragoran on Jul 15, 2008 19:27:51 GMT -5
Yeah hehe It is a little... I'm going to not call the BBB on them if they do this. Also, I'm going probably give one to my nephews, who need a PC to do things with.... IF everything works out. Otherwise, I'll just be happy with the fixed PC for free.
They had it too long for my liking. They said that they'd call last wednesday and didn't. I had to call them when I had a few minutes to spare, then they tried to swindel my parents who obviously knew nothing about computers when the tech called... LOTS of evidence to screw them over with... I think they'll be in my back pocket for a while because of it.
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Jul 15, 2008 20:06:29 GMT -5
Post by stonerwolf on Jul 15, 2008 20:06:29 GMT -5
geeze that's smooth
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Jul 16, 2008 9:50:51 GMT -5
Post by KG on Jul 16, 2008 9:50:51 GMT -5
That is a great job of handling your computer situation. I know that some people will take advantage if someone doesn't know about what they are paying for. Mechanics have been trying to do that to women since well before I was alive, and now it only makes sense tech people would do it to older people like your parents. It isn't fair, but the temptation seems too much for some very disreputable people. I applaud you for sticking to your guns and making a shrewd deal. (Takes deep breath, and sighs) I am going to have to chime in with Kata on this one, and say that this is one of the areas where you need to grow up, and gain wisdom and insight. Think about what you are trying to accomplish, not that it likely makes much difference what kind of beer you drink. I don't picture you drinking enough to really make a difference to them. That would take a lot of beer. On the other hand stiring a boycott is very counterproductive to St. Louis. It is like cutting off your own nose to spite your face. Not wise. I will explain why it is unwise. OK you say AB was going to cut a few hundered jobs? InBev is "probably" going to do the same? AB was "probably" going to move people around to make it fewer job losses, but InBev "probably won't." You don't know anything for sure in this sentence except that "some" people might get laid off or fired. This bothers you? What if your boycott really worked? What if no one bought anything made by AB or InBev? Of course this is unlikely, but just imagine what would happen if you succeeded in your gesture of annoyance. How many people in St. Lewis would be out of work then? How many people in all 50 states would be out of work then? Think about it. Not only would the biggest business in St. Louis officially close its doors, but all the other businesses which AB employees frequent would loose a huge share of their market. Distributors would loose their jobs also. Various people who actually farm the hops, rice, and other ingredients for beer would also feel the impact. You are talking about utter devistation, expecially of ST. Louis, but also of the whole country. I have seen this before, and our area is going through it right now. Enough businesses are closing as it is. Several years ago Cannon Mills went under, and closed completely. We have two cities, and one sprawled out town in our area which center around these two industries. One of the Cities was actually founded by Charlie Cannon, over 100 years ago, and the main street there, was litterally owned by the mill. The result was utter devistation. Not only was the mill closed, but at least 70 percent of small businesses in that area faultered, and about half of them closed. Everyone in business felt the pinch. Several other blue collar industires also closed their doors, in unrelated situations. Most others have had massive lay offs. These lay offs, and closings effect much more than just the people who directly work there. They impact the entire city, and surrounding cities. I own a snack stand in a flea market in the area, and from the first week that the closing was announced, it was like someone shut off a lightswitch. My sales were cut to about a fourth of what we were doing before. The rest of the flea market dwindled. Some people were there, but they weren't buying. They walked around, and looked sad. It has been a few years, but they don't look much happier now, either. Sales haven't recovered much, maybe a little, and it seems pointless to even open on some days. We still try, but it is not profitable anymore. Small businesses have closed in mass, and it is hard to find an individually owned and operated business, other than in the flea market, and a few in the downtown area. The biggest chains have of course survived. But even among them, Hardees closed a lot of it's locations in the area, and we lost a few other smaller franchises. It is a ghost town compared to what it was before Cannon Closed. It is like this all over the country because Textiles have utterly failed in the US. Automotive companies are barely making it because of the lost sales because of losses of textiles, and small business. No one can afford a new car. Beer is safe. No matter what happens in the world people will buy beer. It was true in europe, during the darkest days, and it was true of the US. Beer seems more of an essential to a large number of people than anything else. Even so AB was feeling a pinch from somewhere, or the Busch family wouldn't have sold so much of its stock, and they wouldn't be cutting jobs. IT is inevitable that the rest of the country colapsing on it's ear would not impact them at all. They did the only sensible thing in allying themselves with InBev, an international company so they could market their Beer overseas. In time if we all hang in perhaps the company will hire even more people though. In any case, living in St. Louis the only sensible thing you can do is support your local huge industry to the best of your ability, not fight them. The future of St. Louis depends on the success of InBev. The future of millions of smaller companies who have contracts with InBev and AB, is dependent on their survival as a company. Most of those companies are American Based local distributors, who only handle AB and InBev. Not only they but the compainies they and their employees do business with will suffer if InBev goes under. It isn't wise to boycott a company that your future is intertwined with. It isn't wise at all. In general I have found you to be a very wise person, but this knee jerk reaction to the situation isn't in your best interest, or the interest of your home town at all. Fruther you really haven't given these guys a chance. There is nothing you can do but wait and see what they do, long term. In any case we have to hope they manage this well.
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