NEW YORK (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) posted a $10.89 billion first-quarter profit on Thursday, but still managed to disappoint investors as weak production volumes and low refining margins blunted the impact of record-high crude prices.
Earnings rose 17 percent year over year, and were the second-highest in U.S. history, but still fell short of Wall Street expectations, and its shares dropped 3.6 percent.
Exxon's near-record profits brought sharpened scrutiny from politicians and consumer groups, who are upset about sky-high gasoline prices at the pump.
Benchmark U.S. oil prices averaged a record of nearly $98 a barrel during the quarter, up about 70 percent from a year earlier.
Exxon posted record earnings of $40.6 billion in 2007, with revenue higher than the gross domestic product of Turkey, the world's 17th-largest economy. If oil prices stay above or around $100 for the remainder of 2008, the company could beat that mark.
Do Conservatives Smile When They Buy Gas-As it Helps Capitalism's Winners (EXXON $10.9 Billion in Profits)?
Sure, if everybody just tried a little harder, we could all be in the top 10%!
Not. As the dream continues to unfold, all that is happening is that you have to work ever harder to get the same standard of living.
Reply:What you really need to do is find out how much of that they made from producing crude oil and how much of it they made from selling gasoline. What you will find is that a very miniscule amount of that was made selling gasoline. The reason is that the retail fuels business is very difficult because these guys can't recover on the high prices of crude. Either way, exxon does not set the price for gasoline, and even less for crude oil, so you can't blame them.
Reply:Republicans enjoy spending $3.65 for a gallon of gas, because they know that the exorbitant profits earned by Exxon-Mobil will soon lead to more jobs being "created" and that will result in falling unemployment, increased real wages, and an economic boom. Of course, it will be three years into Obama's term, before those benefits kick in, but the Republicans know that prosperity is "just around the corner".
Reply:I smile, to think that we have a free market and that you can choose not to drive and use the product or continue with your gas guzzler and pay for the fuel is fair enough. How come liberals feel that they should share in a business' profits when they have done nothing but consume their product.
Reply:Nice of you to leave out their revenue numbers, which puts their profits in prospective. In Q1, Exxon had $116.9 billion in revenue, making $10.9 billion. Do the math and that's a 9.3% profit.
Sky-high gasoline prices are not the fault of Exxon. They're the fault of the Federal Reserve.
Reply:interesting that you left out the fact that they also payed 18 billion in taxes. so the government made more than the investors that put 14 billion back into the oil infastructure and exploration that you seem to gloss over as well.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...
since you wont read the link.
HOFMEISTER: Well, the profit margin is a very average margin of about 7.5 percent. If you looked at -- let`s say, you used the 9.1 number. We also report a cost of replacement of goods, which is like a $7.8 billion number. And it took us $7.8 million on a revenue stream on $114 million. Nobody would say a word.
But change million to billion, the percentage is the same. Everybody gets upset. Because it is a big number. It`s a big number because we`re selling 3.5 million barrels -- that`s barrels, not gallons -- of oil a day into the open markets. And we`re selling some probably 8 million -- 8 million barrels of retail product.
BECK: But here`s the -- here`s the problem, John, I think people see these numbers, and it`s always coupled with this phrase: record profits. It`s always -- and so it only comes out when, you know, we`re struggling at the gas pump and it shows you having record profits.
HOFMEISTER: Record profits. We`re also spending record amounts on capital investment for new developments around the world. We`re also paying record amounts in taxes.
If we go back to the end of 2007, we made $27 billion in profit. We spent $25 billion on capital expenditures in the year. We paid $18 billion in taxes. Which people, a lot of elected officials don`t want to hear that number, because they don`t want to have to deal with it. We returned $16 billion to shareholders. Actually was quite a good year for everybody.
Reply:Would it make you laugh if somebody is dumb. People are paying for the war and gas. Won't they be laughing, your imagination.
Reply:Probably just as much as liberals, the government made more off of us at the pump than Exxon did.
Reply:Quit being dumb buy stock in Exxon Mobil Corp
Reply:Reactionary thought is the healthiest kind, right?
Would you spend $100 to turn that into $107? For every one hundred you spend you make seven? That's close to what kind of margins Exxon is getting for their investment, it just so happens that the capital required to stay alive in their industry is in the billions.
So the numbers seem huge, when in reality, it's nothing that any regular company or CEO would brag about. Their margins are small. Look into someone like Apple or Microsoft...check out what their margins are.
Stop and think once in awhile, eh?
Reply:Conservatives NEVER smile..They grin and bear it as they have been brainwashed to be independent, rather than interdependent. They are usually sexually frustrated, rather than sexually liberated closet gays rather than openly gay, always correct rather than questioning and exploring, all in all, a pretty sad bunch to have at a gathering.
Here is an Idea.. The other day pundits were explaining high gasoline prices, they said, not a supply problem, not a demand problem, but traders of futures drive the price per barrel, so simply....Get this....GOVERNMENT FORBIDS SPECULATION ON THE FOLLOWING:
ENERGY PRODUCTS,
FOOD
HEALTH PRODUCTS
(FEEL FREE TO EXPAND THIS LIST)
teeth grinding guard
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Questions about Birkenstock (the sandal company)...?
Yes, this is for a project.
But I've done my research, and still have a few questions I can't quite put my finger on (I'm a dude who cares nothing about fashion, and doesn't really have foot problems...)
1. What/who would you say is Birkenstock's Target Market? I'm assuming it's rather wealthy people more concerned with comfort than price...but I'm unsure of age, gender,socio-class status, etc, or other classifications
2. What are some competitors of Birkenstock? Basically, other footwear companies that focus on comfort, and/or quality sandals...
3. What type of competitive structure would you say Birkenstock is in? (not sure what this question asks, so feel free to answer how you see fit.) I think it's asking how Birkenstock has to market itself to get consumer attention and gain marketshare over other similar companies. But also maybe refers to distribution and/or other factors.
*Please be as thorough as possible in answers!
THANK YOU ALL FOR HELPING!!! BIG THANKS!
Questions about Birkenstock (the sandal company)...?
Cetainly target towards the young(18-30), both genders and white. I'm not sure about the wealthy thing (hippie's or yippie's), but defintely people who are concerned about quality, comfort and durability. Competitors would be Teva, Keen, Born or Clarks.
Reply:1. teenagers- im 15 n i dnt thnk i have one friend that doesnt have birkenstocks or rainbows.
2. Rainbows or any companies that make generic birkenstocks, i have the generic ones cause im lyke broke rite now
3.um i thnk birkenstock is doin ok. the thing is ppl, or atleast the ppl i kno buy the generic brands but jus call them birkenstocks cause they r just that much cheaper so i dnt really kno how much they r selling, but they r known.
Reply:I think that the target market would be middle aged people of both sexes that look for comfort rather than style and are willing to pay the price. As for the competitiors, I would say Born Shoes who make similar in style comfortable shoes that are priced within $50-$100 depending on style. Hope that helps you somewhat.
Reply:GUCCI LV FENCI prada handbag ,5A+ quality, super cheap price, 3-4days delivery, accept paypal payment ,welcome to order http://www.ReplicaTycoon.com
But I've done my research, and still have a few questions I can't quite put my finger on (I'm a dude who cares nothing about fashion, and doesn't really have foot problems...)
1. What/who would you say is Birkenstock's Target Market? I'm assuming it's rather wealthy people more concerned with comfort than price...but I'm unsure of age, gender,socio-class status, etc, or other classifications
2. What are some competitors of Birkenstock? Basically, other footwear companies that focus on comfort, and/or quality sandals...
3. What type of competitive structure would you say Birkenstock is in? (not sure what this question asks, so feel free to answer how you see fit.) I think it's asking how Birkenstock has to market itself to get consumer attention and gain marketshare over other similar companies. But also maybe refers to distribution and/or other factors.
*Please be as thorough as possible in answers!
THANK YOU ALL FOR HELPING!!! BIG THANKS!
Questions about Birkenstock (the sandal company)...?
Cetainly target towards the young(18-30), both genders and white. I'm not sure about the wealthy thing (hippie's or yippie's), but defintely people who are concerned about quality, comfort and durability. Competitors would be Teva, Keen, Born or Clarks.
Reply:1. teenagers- im 15 n i dnt thnk i have one friend that doesnt have birkenstocks or rainbows.
2. Rainbows or any companies that make generic birkenstocks, i have the generic ones cause im lyke broke rite now
3.um i thnk birkenstock is doin ok. the thing is ppl, or atleast the ppl i kno buy the generic brands but jus call them birkenstocks cause they r just that much cheaper so i dnt really kno how much they r selling, but they r known.
Reply:I think that the target market would be middle aged people of both sexes that look for comfort rather than style and are willing to pay the price. As for the competitiors, I would say Born Shoes who make similar in style comfortable shoes that are priced within $50-$100 depending on style. Hope that helps you somewhat.
Reply:GUCCI LV FENCI prada handbag ,5A+ quality, super cheap price, 3-4days delivery, accept paypal payment ,welcome to order http://www.ReplicaTycoon.com
Do Conservatives Smile When They Buy Gas-As it Helps Capitalism's Winners (EXXON $10.9 Billion in Profits)?
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) posted a $10.89 billion first-quarter profit on Thursday, but still managed to disappoint investors as weak production volumes and low refining margins blunted the impact of record-high crude prices.
Earnings rose 17 percent year over year, and were the second-highest in U.S. history, but still fell short of Wall Street expectations, and its shares dropped 3.6 percent.
Exxon's near-record profits brought sharpened scrutiny from politicians and consumer groups, who are upset about sky-high gasoline prices at the pump.
Benchmark U.S. oil prices averaged a record of nearly $98 a barrel during the quarter, up about 70 percent from a year earlier.
Exxon posted record earnings of $40.6 billion in 2007, with revenue higher than the gross domestic product of Turkey, the world's 17th-largest economy. If oil prices stay above or around $100 for the remainder of 2008, the company could beat that mark.
Do Conservatives Smile When They Buy Gas-As it Helps Capitalism's Winners (EXXON $10.9 Billion in Profits)?
Sure, if everybody just tried a little harder, we could all be in the top 10%!
Not. As the dream continues to unfold, all that is happening is that you have to work ever harder to get the same standard of living.
Reply:What you really need to do is find out how much of that they made from producing crude oil and how much of it they made from selling gasoline. What you will find is that a very miniscule amount of that was made selling gasoline. The reason is that the retail fuels business is very difficult because these guys can't recover on the high prices of crude. Either way, exxon does not set the price for gasoline, and even less for crude oil, so you can't blame them.
Reply:Republicans enjoy spending $3.65 for a gallon of gas, because they know that the exorbitant profits earned by Exxon-Mobil will soon lead to more jobs being "created" and that will result in falling unemployment, increased real wages, and an economic boom. Of course, it will be three years into Obama's term, before those benefits kick in, but the Republicans know that prosperity is "just around the corner".
Reply:I smile, to think that we have a free market and that you can choose not to drive and use the product or continue with your gas guzzler and pay for the fuel is fair enough. How come liberals feel that they should share in a business' profits when they have done nothing but consume their product.
Reply:Nice of you to leave out their revenue numbers, which puts their profits in prospective. In Q1, Exxon had $116.9 billion in revenue, making $10.9 billion. Do the math and that's a 9.3% profit.
Sky-high gasoline prices are not the fault of Exxon. They're the fault of the Federal Reserve.
Reply:interesting that you left out the fact that they also payed 18 billion in taxes. so the government made more than the investors that put 14 billion back into the oil infastructure and exploration that you seem to gloss over as well.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...
since you wont read the link.
HOFMEISTER: Well, the profit margin is a very average margin of about 7.5 percent. If you looked at -- let`s say, you used the 9.1 number. We also report a cost of replacement of goods, which is like a $7.8 billion number. And it took us $7.8 million on a revenue stream on $114 million. Nobody would say a word.
But change million to billion, the percentage is the same. Everybody gets upset. Because it is a big number. It`s a big number because we`re selling 3.5 million barrels -- that`s barrels, not gallons -- of oil a day into the open markets. And we`re selling some probably 8 million -- 8 million barrels of retail product.
BECK: But here`s the -- here`s the problem, John, I think people see these numbers, and it`s always coupled with this phrase: record profits. It`s always -- and so it only comes out when, you know, we`re struggling at the gas pump and it shows you having record profits.
HOFMEISTER: Record profits. We`re also spending record amounts on capital investment for new developments around the world. We`re also paying record amounts in taxes.
If we go back to the end of 2007, we made $27 billion in profit. We spent $25 billion on capital expenditures in the year. We paid $18 billion in taxes. Which people, a lot of elected officials don`t want to hear that number, because they don`t want to have to deal with it. We returned $16 billion to shareholders. Actually was quite a good year for everybody.
Reply:Would it make you laugh if somebody is dumb. People are paying for the war and gas. Won't they be laughing, your imagination.
Reply:Probably just as much as liberals, the government made more off of us at the pump than Exxon did.
Reply:Quit being dumb buy stock in Exxon Mobil Corp
Reply:Reactionary thought is the healthiest kind, right?
Would you spend $100 to turn that into $107? For every one hundred you spend you make seven? That's close to what kind of margins Exxon is getting for their investment, it just so happens that the capital required to stay alive in their industry is in the billions.
So the numbers seem huge, when in reality, it's nothing that any regular company or CEO would brag about. Their margins are small. Look into someone like Apple or Microsoft...check out what their margins are.
Stop and think once in awhile, eh?
Reply:Conservatives NEVER smile..They grin and bear it as they have been brainwashed to be independent, rather than interdependent. They are usually sexually frustrated, rather than sexually liberated closet gays rather than openly gay, always correct rather than questioning and exploring, all in all, a pretty sad bunch to have at a gathering.
Here is an Idea.. The other day pundits were explaining high gasoline prices, they said, not a supply problem, not a demand problem, but traders of futures drive the price per barrel, so simply....Get this....GOVERNMENT FORBIDS SPECULATION ON THE FOLLOWING:
ENERGY PRODUCTS,
FOOD
HEALTH PRODUCTS
(FEEL FREE TO EXPAND THIS LIST)
Earnings rose 17 percent year over year, and were the second-highest in U.S. history, but still fell short of Wall Street expectations, and its shares dropped 3.6 percent.
Exxon's near-record profits brought sharpened scrutiny from politicians and consumer groups, who are upset about sky-high gasoline prices at the pump.
Benchmark U.S. oil prices averaged a record of nearly $98 a barrel during the quarter, up about 70 percent from a year earlier.
Exxon posted record earnings of $40.6 billion in 2007, with revenue higher than the gross domestic product of Turkey, the world's 17th-largest economy. If oil prices stay above or around $100 for the remainder of 2008, the company could beat that mark.
Do Conservatives Smile When They Buy Gas-As it Helps Capitalism's Winners (EXXON $10.9 Billion in Profits)?
Sure, if everybody just tried a little harder, we could all be in the top 10%!
Not. As the dream continues to unfold, all that is happening is that you have to work ever harder to get the same standard of living.
Reply:What you really need to do is find out how much of that they made from producing crude oil and how much of it they made from selling gasoline. What you will find is that a very miniscule amount of that was made selling gasoline. The reason is that the retail fuels business is very difficult because these guys can't recover on the high prices of crude. Either way, exxon does not set the price for gasoline, and even less for crude oil, so you can't blame them.
Reply:Republicans enjoy spending $3.65 for a gallon of gas, because they know that the exorbitant profits earned by Exxon-Mobil will soon lead to more jobs being "created" and that will result in falling unemployment, increased real wages, and an economic boom. Of course, it will be three years into Obama's term, before those benefits kick in, but the Republicans know that prosperity is "just around the corner".
Reply:I smile, to think that we have a free market and that you can choose not to drive and use the product or continue with your gas guzzler and pay for the fuel is fair enough. How come liberals feel that they should share in a business' profits when they have done nothing but consume their product.
Reply:Nice of you to leave out their revenue numbers, which puts their profits in prospective. In Q1, Exxon had $116.9 billion in revenue, making $10.9 billion. Do the math and that's a 9.3% profit.
Sky-high gasoline prices are not the fault of Exxon. They're the fault of the Federal Reserve.
Reply:interesting that you left out the fact that they also payed 18 billion in taxes. so the government made more than the investors that put 14 billion back into the oil infastructure and exploration that you seem to gloss over as well.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0...
since you wont read the link.
HOFMEISTER: Well, the profit margin is a very average margin of about 7.5 percent. If you looked at -- let`s say, you used the 9.1 number. We also report a cost of replacement of goods, which is like a $7.8 billion number. And it took us $7.8 million on a revenue stream on $114 million. Nobody would say a word.
But change million to billion, the percentage is the same. Everybody gets upset. Because it is a big number. It`s a big number because we`re selling 3.5 million barrels -- that`s barrels, not gallons -- of oil a day into the open markets. And we`re selling some probably 8 million -- 8 million barrels of retail product.
BECK: But here`s the -- here`s the problem, John, I think people see these numbers, and it`s always coupled with this phrase: record profits. It`s always -- and so it only comes out when, you know, we`re struggling at the gas pump and it shows you having record profits.
HOFMEISTER: Record profits. We`re also spending record amounts on capital investment for new developments around the world. We`re also paying record amounts in taxes.
If we go back to the end of 2007, we made $27 billion in profit. We spent $25 billion on capital expenditures in the year. We paid $18 billion in taxes. Which people, a lot of elected officials don`t want to hear that number, because they don`t want to have to deal with it. We returned $16 billion to shareholders. Actually was quite a good year for everybody.
Reply:Would it make you laugh if somebody is dumb. People are paying for the war and gas. Won't they be laughing, your imagination.
Reply:Probably just as much as liberals, the government made more off of us at the pump than Exxon did.
Reply:Quit being dumb buy stock in Exxon Mobil Corp
Reply:Reactionary thought is the healthiest kind, right?
Would you spend $100 to turn that into $107? For every one hundred you spend you make seven? That's close to what kind of margins Exxon is getting for their investment, it just so happens that the capital required to stay alive in their industry is in the billions.
So the numbers seem huge, when in reality, it's nothing that any regular company or CEO would brag about. Their margins are small. Look into someone like Apple or Microsoft...check out what their margins are.
Stop and think once in awhile, eh?
Reply:Conservatives NEVER smile..They grin and bear it as they have been brainwashed to be independent, rather than interdependent. They are usually sexually frustrated, rather than sexually liberated closet gays rather than openly gay, always correct rather than questioning and exploring, all in all, a pretty sad bunch to have at a gathering.
Here is an Idea.. The other day pundits were explaining high gasoline prices, they said, not a supply problem, not a demand problem, but traders of futures drive the price per barrel, so simply....Get this....GOVERNMENT FORBIDS SPECULATION ON THE FOLLOWING:
ENERGY PRODUCTS,
FOOD
HEALTH PRODUCTS
(FEEL FREE TO EXPAND THIS LIST)
Questions about Birkenstock (the sandal company)...?
Yes, this is for a project.
But I've done my research, and still have a few questions I can't quite put my finger on (I'm a dude who cares nothing about fashion, and doesn't really have foot problems...)
1. What/who would you say is Birkenstock's Target Market? I'm assuming it's rather wealthy people more concerned with comfort than price...but I'm unsure of age, gender,socio-class status, etc, or other classifications
2. What are some competitors of Birkenstock? Basically, other footwear companies that focus on comfort, and/or quality sandals...
3. What type of competitive structure would you say Birkenstock is in? (not sure what this question asks, so feel free to answer how you see fit.) I think it's asking how Birkenstock has to market itself to get consumer attention and gain marketshare over other similar companies. But also maybe refers to distribution and/or other factors.
*Please be as thorough as possible in answers!
THANK YOU ALL FOR HELPING!!! BIG THANKS!
Questions about Birkenstock (the sandal company)...?
Cetainly target towards the young(18-30), both genders and white. I'm not sure about the wealthy thing (hippie's or yippie's), but defintely people who are concerned about quality, comfort and durability. Competitors would be Teva, Keen, Born or Clarks.
Reply:1. teenagers- im 15 n i dnt thnk i have one friend that doesnt have birkenstocks or rainbows.
2. Rainbows or any companies that make generic birkenstocks, i have the generic ones cause im lyke broke rite now
3.um i thnk birkenstock is doin ok. the thing is ppl, or atleast the ppl i kno buy the generic brands but jus call them birkenstocks cause they r just that much cheaper so i dnt really kno how much they r selling, but they r known.
Reply:I think that the target market would be middle aged people of both sexes that look for comfort rather than style and are willing to pay the price. As for the competitiors, I would say Born Shoes who make similar in style comfortable shoes that are priced within $50-$100 depending on style. Hope that helps you somewhat.
Reply:GUCCI LV FENCI prada handbag ,5A+ quality, super cheap price, 3-4days delivery, accept paypal payment ,welcome to order http://www.ReplicaTycoon.com
But I've done my research, and still have a few questions I can't quite put my finger on (I'm a dude who cares nothing about fashion, and doesn't really have foot problems...)
1. What/who would you say is Birkenstock's Target Market? I'm assuming it's rather wealthy people more concerned with comfort than price...but I'm unsure of age, gender,socio-class status, etc, or other classifications
2. What are some competitors of Birkenstock? Basically, other footwear companies that focus on comfort, and/or quality sandals...
3. What type of competitive structure would you say Birkenstock is in? (not sure what this question asks, so feel free to answer how you see fit.) I think it's asking how Birkenstock has to market itself to get consumer attention and gain marketshare over other similar companies. But also maybe refers to distribution and/or other factors.
*Please be as thorough as possible in answers!
THANK YOU ALL FOR HELPING!!! BIG THANKS!
Questions about Birkenstock (the sandal company)...?
Cetainly target towards the young(18-30), both genders and white. I'm not sure about the wealthy thing (hippie's or yippie's), but defintely people who are concerned about quality, comfort and durability. Competitors would be Teva, Keen, Born or Clarks.
Reply:1. teenagers- im 15 n i dnt thnk i have one friend that doesnt have birkenstocks or rainbows.
2. Rainbows or any companies that make generic birkenstocks, i have the generic ones cause im lyke broke rite now
3.um i thnk birkenstock is doin ok. the thing is ppl, or atleast the ppl i kno buy the generic brands but jus call them birkenstocks cause they r just that much cheaper so i dnt really kno how much they r selling, but they r known.
Reply:I think that the target market would be middle aged people of both sexes that look for comfort rather than style and are willing to pay the price. As for the competitiors, I would say Born Shoes who make similar in style comfortable shoes that are priced within $50-$100 depending on style. Hope that helps you somewhat.
Reply:GUCCI LV FENCI prada handbag ,5A+ quality, super cheap price, 3-4days delivery, accept paypal payment ,welcome to order http://www.ReplicaTycoon.com
Gary Spatz BBB Ripoff?
I know from experience. I have been there done it. Let me save everyone some time, money and most importantly your child’s hart!
The scam starts like this. You and your family are out shopping and you are contacted by a woman. She tells you how cute your child is and asks “have you ever thought about getting in commercials or TV?” She chats on and you are convinced you should attend the big “tryout” or should I say the big set-up. Well, after an hour or more of driving you arrive and there are many other children waiting for their “big break” also. After two hours and a dog and pony show were they try and get your child all excited. This is helpful in the big picture of trying to sale you an expensive acting class.
You now drive home and wait for the “Callback”. Everyone gets called back. The next day after a brief conversation on the phone you take another drive to their office and this is were the big hustle starts. We saw a man named Mike and his office looked like a move set. What a joke. All the phony photos on the wall and phony props, a real cheese ball this guy was.
After 10 minutes of b.s. he gets to the real reason for all the deception.
You need to spend $3000 on classes and then you will be invited to attend “performance” night. I then asked, what about all the negative things people are saying online? His reply was “don’t pay any attention to what people are saying online. “It’s just some crackpot” I then asked why they have an F with the BBB? He said they have only one complaint and that was the reason. NOT TRUE! They have an F because of their deceptive business practices. Well, I thought long and hard and decided to give it a try for my child. (I also new if I put it on a credit card I could dispute it later if need be)
We attend the first class and I start talking to some of the other parents that have been there for awhile. A LOT of them are NOT that happy with the whole operation, contrary to what “the Playground” wants you to believe.” The complaints were numerous including the fact that Gary dose not even teach! We attend two more classes that I sit in on and I talk to more upset parents.
My family finally decides to cancel this whole thing and get a refund. Boy that was not easy. Once they get your money they do not want to give it back. I guess the “cheese ball” had already spent the commission.
Here is the long and short of it. I have nothing to gain and my only goal is to share
my experience and offer some advise.
DO NOT DO BUSSINESS WITH THIS SCAM COMPANY
Go online and look up acting schools in Los Angeles. Call and talk with them. Go see a few places. I know this will take a little time but, your child is worth it. Make a decision after you have all the facts. Don’t let your child’s dream be ruined by Gary Spatz and his group of scammers. Just make sure you do a little research and then proceed. It can be a lot of fun and great for your child.
Want to complain? contact the Department of Consumer Affairs. They are already aware of Gary Spatz and this Eric Rottman guy.
Gary Spatz BBB Ripoff?
YES, we went through the exact same thing. We even had an appointment with the same guy. After reading this we did not bother to show up. I'm calling the BBB and the City Attorneys Office and file complaints. It may take some time but they will reap what they sew! Here is more on Eric Rottman.
Disappearing Act
Best: O’Brien Rottman Talent Agency vacated its premises and skipped town after D Magazine exposed its highly advertised model search as a “glam scam” in our March issue.
Reply:This is the SAME LIES you guys keep posting. Don't you have a life???
There's nothing wrong with Gary's school. His school is NOT a scam. I have a kid that goes there. Everyone is kind and honest there... unlike you guys. Report Abuse
hotels
The scam starts like this. You and your family are out shopping and you are contacted by a woman. She tells you how cute your child is and asks “have you ever thought about getting in commercials or TV?” She chats on and you are convinced you should attend the big “tryout” or should I say the big set-up. Well, after an hour or more of driving you arrive and there are many other children waiting for their “big break” also. After two hours and a dog and pony show were they try and get your child all excited. This is helpful in the big picture of trying to sale you an expensive acting class.
You now drive home and wait for the “Callback”. Everyone gets called back. The next day after a brief conversation on the phone you take another drive to their office and this is were the big hustle starts. We saw a man named Mike and his office looked like a move set. What a joke. All the phony photos on the wall and phony props, a real cheese ball this guy was.
After 10 minutes of b.s. he gets to the real reason for all the deception.
You need to spend $3000 on classes and then you will be invited to attend “performance” night. I then asked, what about all the negative things people are saying online? His reply was “don’t pay any attention to what people are saying online. “It’s just some crackpot” I then asked why they have an F with the BBB? He said they have only one complaint and that was the reason. NOT TRUE! They have an F because of their deceptive business practices. Well, I thought long and hard and decided to give it a try for my child. (I also new if I put it on a credit card I could dispute it later if need be)
We attend the first class and I start talking to some of the other parents that have been there for awhile. A LOT of them are NOT that happy with the whole operation, contrary to what “the Playground” wants you to believe.” The complaints were numerous including the fact that Gary dose not even teach! We attend two more classes that I sit in on and I talk to more upset parents.
My family finally decides to cancel this whole thing and get a refund. Boy that was not easy. Once they get your money they do not want to give it back. I guess the “cheese ball” had already spent the commission.
Here is the long and short of it. I have nothing to gain and my only goal is to share
my experience and offer some advise.
DO NOT DO BUSSINESS WITH THIS SCAM COMPANY
Go online and look up acting schools in Los Angeles. Call and talk with them. Go see a few places. I know this will take a little time but, your child is worth it. Make a decision after you have all the facts. Don’t let your child’s dream be ruined by Gary Spatz and his group of scammers. Just make sure you do a little research and then proceed. It can be a lot of fun and great for your child.
Want to complain? contact the Department of Consumer Affairs. They are already aware of Gary Spatz and this Eric Rottman guy.
Gary Spatz BBB Ripoff?
YES, we went through the exact same thing. We even had an appointment with the same guy. After reading this we did not bother to show up. I'm calling the BBB and the City Attorneys Office and file complaints. It may take some time but they will reap what they sew! Here is more on Eric Rottman.
Disappearing Act
Best: O’Brien Rottman Talent Agency vacated its premises and skipped town after D Magazine exposed its highly advertised model search as a “glam scam” in our March issue.
Reply:This is the SAME LIES you guys keep posting. Don't you have a life???
There's nothing wrong with Gary's school. His school is NOT a scam. I have a kid that goes there. Everyone is kind and honest there... unlike you guys. Report Abuse
hotels
Why don't Americans know the following myth about immigration?
Myths About Immigration (http://www.justiceforimmigrants.org/myth...
Immigrants send all their money back to their home countries
• In addition to the consumer spending of immigrant households, immigrants and their businesses contribute $162 billion in tax revenue to U.S. federal, state, and local governments. While it is true that immigrants remit billions of dollars a year to their home countries, this is one of the most targeted and effective forms of direct foreign investment.
(Source: http://www.cato.org/research/articles/gr...
Why don't Americans know the following myth about immigration?
You are right. The fact that they contribute to the US economy more than they take out of it IS a myth.
And this question has already been posted and answered:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...
Reply:There NO AMNESTY there leaving%26gt;
Reply:While they do pay some taxes, the truth is that they generally COST more than they pay. If an indigent illegal shows up in an emergency room the hospital is required to provide treatment regardless of their ability to pay. Three hours hooked up to an ECG and an X-Ray can cost over $3,000 or more and the illegal certainly isn't going to pay the bill!
We recently had a major wreck on the Interstate caused by an illegal (uninsured of course) who couldn't read the signs. The costs of that, largely borne locally, will run into millions.
I have NO issue with legal immigrants whatsoever. I'm flattered that they chose my beloved country as their adopted home; they can offer no higher homage. But I have a MAJOR issue with the illegals AND the employers who employ them at sub-mimimum wages.
If our government would just start enforcing the laws currently on the books the problem would largely solve itself. If employers were hit with the maximum penalty of $10,000 per day per undocumented worker (legal or otherwise) it would be more expensive to hire illegals that it would be to pay legal workers a living wage.
We have poultry processing plants in my area that are staffed almost exclusively by illegals making about $3.50 per hour, all under the table. They are raided a couple times a year and usually are hit with a measly $25,000 fine. In 2 or 3 weeks, 90% of the illegals who were rounded up are back on the production line! One of the production managers publicly admitted in an interview that the fine was just a cost of doing business but was still much cheaper than paying legal workers the $15 or more per hour that they demanded for such nasty work. When they get raided they do bring in legal local workers and pay them $15 to $18 per hour as "temps" but let them go as the illegals return. This has to stop NOW!
Reply:No myth, just reality.
Reply:Americans should also know those illegals already here in this country WIRE MONEY to pay off the coyote in the border regions to pay for their friends and family waiting to be ''turned loose''
The Govt. should tap in and confiscate this money being paid to Western Union and all those taco stores that wire money to the border regions.
THAT WOULD STOP A LOT OF THIS CRAP.
Immigrants send all their money back to their home countries
• In addition to the consumer spending of immigrant households, immigrants and their businesses contribute $162 billion in tax revenue to U.S. federal, state, and local governments. While it is true that immigrants remit billions of dollars a year to their home countries, this is one of the most targeted and effective forms of direct foreign investment.
(Source: http://www.cato.org/research/articles/gr...
Why don't Americans know the following myth about immigration?
You are right. The fact that they contribute to the US economy more than they take out of it IS a myth.
And this question has already been posted and answered:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...
Reply:There NO AMNESTY there leaving%26gt;
Reply:While they do pay some taxes, the truth is that they generally COST more than they pay. If an indigent illegal shows up in an emergency room the hospital is required to provide treatment regardless of their ability to pay. Three hours hooked up to an ECG and an X-Ray can cost over $3,000 or more and the illegal certainly isn't going to pay the bill!
We recently had a major wreck on the Interstate caused by an illegal (uninsured of course) who couldn't read the signs. The costs of that, largely borne locally, will run into millions.
I have NO issue with legal immigrants whatsoever. I'm flattered that they chose my beloved country as their adopted home; they can offer no higher homage. But I have a MAJOR issue with the illegals AND the employers who employ them at sub-mimimum wages.
If our government would just start enforcing the laws currently on the books the problem would largely solve itself. If employers were hit with the maximum penalty of $10,000 per day per undocumented worker (legal or otherwise) it would be more expensive to hire illegals that it would be to pay legal workers a living wage.
We have poultry processing plants in my area that are staffed almost exclusively by illegals making about $3.50 per hour, all under the table. They are raided a couple times a year and usually are hit with a measly $25,000 fine. In 2 or 3 weeks, 90% of the illegals who were rounded up are back on the production line! One of the production managers publicly admitted in an interview that the fine was just a cost of doing business but was still much cheaper than paying legal workers the $15 or more per hour that they demanded for such nasty work. When they get raided they do bring in legal local workers and pay them $15 to $18 per hour as "temps" but let them go as the illegals return. This has to stop NOW!
Reply:No myth, just reality.
Reply:Americans should also know those illegals already here in this country WIRE MONEY to pay off the coyote in the border regions to pay for their friends and family waiting to be ''turned loose''
The Govt. should tap in and confiscate this money being paid to Western Union and all those taco stores that wire money to the border regions.
THAT WOULD STOP A LOT OF THIS CRAP.
Why can't i be like a normal teenager?
i am 16yo. i feel so secluded from everyone my age. first off, i don't like to spend much time at all with people. i love studying philosophy, history, current events, literature, statistics..and i spend a lot of my free time doing research and reading on my own about these topics. i am totally out-of-touch with teen culture and though i have a few friends, i have a really hard time making conversation. i could care less about what celebrity did this or what this person at school said. i don't know how to use a cell-phone, text, not into sports, etc. my peers don't like to talk about the meaning of truth, consumer globalization and pluto's cave. i know people who think my parents must have influenced me to be like this. but it is all my choice. i live to learn and love to think and question everything. if someone talks about their computer breaking my automatic response is to marvel how all the little parts work together-mostly in considerably amazing accuracy. why am i like this?
Why can't i be like a normal teenager?
Who is to say whats normal?
That being said no one can tell you why you are who you are, it just sort off happens.
I guess im what you would refer to as a 'normal' teenager and i think you should still be who you are, but you should probably try to socialize more. Try and get into teen culture, im sure you will find something you like about it.
Dont stop being interested or researching these things you like, just dont devote so much of your time to doing it, get out, makes some more friends and try and share an interest in what they like and you can share your interests.
Hope this helped :)
Reply:Do what you enjoy, do what you love, do what you feel passionate about.
As to why you're like that... you have been blessed with an insatiable curiosity, and a desire to learn, and learn about subjects that matter, that mean something, and can make a difference. You're not swayed by the junk-food infotainment, celebrity BS, and mindless consumerism that drives 99% of your peers. Revel in your curiosity! Celebrate it! You are so much more mature than your peers, and probably so much more intelligent. Good for you! Keep it up!
Reply:You are who you are. There is no "normal"........not really. I never felt I fit in with anyone, and still feel that way. As long as you're happy with yourself, then that's all you need to be. I also think a lot, and wonder how things are made. You're just an intelligent, curious person.....not a bad thing! Find people whose interests mirror yours, and I'll bet you'll have tons to talk about. You may end up changing the world. You're not alone, believe it.
Reply:It's your destiny. Enjoy it.
Reply:There is so such thing as a normal teenager.
Reply:there is no such thing as a normal teenager....
You are just the way you are suppose to be..
Reply:I wouldn't worry about it. For the most part, I'm the exact same way and wouldn't want to be any different. You'll find your niche when you get out of high school and away from all the clicks and drama that goes with it. Don't sacrifice what you enjoy doing just to appear "normal" to a bunch of kids who still have a lot of growing up to do. Your intelligent and seem to have found yourself, while the majority of everyone else is still trying to figure it out.
Reply:Do you really want to be like a normal teenager? Sucked into the void of materialism and prancing about discussing the best ways to get laid, get drunk and get high? I know I'm generalizing, but I see the teens of today and despair.. If you've got a love for learning, hang on to it, if you've got a mind for philosophy, keep it. However, if you feel like connecting to people your age, start by listening. Try and find out what they're interested in, and just talk about that with them. If it happens to be rumours, gossip and celebrity crazyness, you dont have to be super interested...just listen and comment once in while. Truth, consumer globalization, pluto's cave. It's all interesting stuff, but it gets a bit heavy for people who just want to make silly conversation.
Reply:did i write this question? some parts sounded a lot like me. what is normal? normal doesn't exists. there are things that i consider to be normal but i don't think there is a universal "normal". and even if there was wants wrong with being different. if you like doing those things that's great. just be yourself. why change? i would only recommend you to try and be more social. you never know who your going to meet. keep on reading and never stop questioning everything. just accept yourself as you are.
Why can't i be like a normal teenager?
Who is to say whats normal?
That being said no one can tell you why you are who you are, it just sort off happens.
I guess im what you would refer to as a 'normal' teenager and i think you should still be who you are, but you should probably try to socialize more. Try and get into teen culture, im sure you will find something you like about it.
Dont stop being interested or researching these things you like, just dont devote so much of your time to doing it, get out, makes some more friends and try and share an interest in what they like and you can share your interests.
Hope this helped :)
Reply:Do what you enjoy, do what you love, do what you feel passionate about.
As to why you're like that... you have been blessed with an insatiable curiosity, and a desire to learn, and learn about subjects that matter, that mean something, and can make a difference. You're not swayed by the junk-food infotainment, celebrity BS, and mindless consumerism that drives 99% of your peers. Revel in your curiosity! Celebrate it! You are so much more mature than your peers, and probably so much more intelligent. Good for you! Keep it up!
Reply:You are who you are. There is no "normal"........not really. I never felt I fit in with anyone, and still feel that way. As long as you're happy with yourself, then that's all you need to be. I also think a lot, and wonder how things are made. You're just an intelligent, curious person.....not a bad thing! Find people whose interests mirror yours, and I'll bet you'll have tons to talk about. You may end up changing the world. You're not alone, believe it.
Reply:It's your destiny. Enjoy it.
Reply:There is so such thing as a normal teenager.
Reply:there is no such thing as a normal teenager....
You are just the way you are suppose to be..
Reply:I wouldn't worry about it. For the most part, I'm the exact same way and wouldn't want to be any different. You'll find your niche when you get out of high school and away from all the clicks and drama that goes with it. Don't sacrifice what you enjoy doing just to appear "normal" to a bunch of kids who still have a lot of growing up to do. Your intelligent and seem to have found yourself, while the majority of everyone else is still trying to figure it out.
Reply:Do you really want to be like a normal teenager? Sucked into the void of materialism and prancing about discussing the best ways to get laid, get drunk and get high? I know I'm generalizing, but I see the teens of today and despair.. If you've got a love for learning, hang on to it, if you've got a mind for philosophy, keep it. However, if you feel like connecting to people your age, start by listening. Try and find out what they're interested in, and just talk about that with them. If it happens to be rumours, gossip and celebrity crazyness, you dont have to be super interested...just listen and comment once in while. Truth, consumer globalization, pluto's cave. It's all interesting stuff, but it gets a bit heavy for people who just want to make silly conversation.
Reply:did i write this question? some parts sounded a lot like me. what is normal? normal doesn't exists. there are things that i consider to be normal but i don't think there is a universal "normal". and even if there was wants wrong with being different. if you like doing those things that's great. just be yourself. why change? i would only recommend you to try and be more social. you never know who your going to meet. keep on reading and never stop questioning everything. just accept yourself as you are.
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