Posts by rapidpuma43

restlessgull82 said:Hey everyone;
I have a quick question for the group. I’m in the process of launching a new business that will focus on professional services—think everything from psychological counseling and adult education to language courses and tourism. Since I’ll be working a full-time job myself, my plan is to bring on some specialists to handle the core work through independent contractor agreements. First off, is it legally feasible to hire a foreign national as an independent contractor—for instance, a psychologist? And more importantly, can I operate a business providing these types of intellectual services under a general corporate umbrella, or am I required to establish a specific medical clinic or private practice to offer psychological services? It feels a bit like trying to decide if you can run a boutique consulting firm out of a home office or if you need a dedicated storefront first—there are just so many layers to peel back here!
Thanks much

🙄But why wouldn't you be able to provide those services??
You can do whatever you want with your business
That’s not really the point though... With an LLC, the only thing that truly matters is whether you turn a profit😂
Good luck!🙂

hiddenhound43 said:I have a hypothetical question for you all: can a minor actually form an LLC?

Yes, they can.

silenthawk11 said:While you may find me likable, I must admit that I find you rather symp(tom)atic.

🙂

😂because of all that talk about the Civil War
Ah... you're the perfect example of that "I hate everything" rule. Oops!🙂

silentridge8 said:Is that an actual portrait of you in your avatar? 🙂

Certain types of cancer are already curable, and besides, you aren't the only one who knows how to read and write.

Also, could someone explain to me why Kostelic's career is considered such a joke?

Right🙂
Some types, yes. But they were treatable before too, unfortunately some still aren't.
So-called "smart drugs" are still mostly in the experimental phase. ☕

silenthawk11 said:Those aren't Fločun's words. He was simply quoting the author of the article.

Good grief, the confusion on this forum is truly overwhelming. 🙄

😁I'm starting to feel for you
There isn't any confusion on my end. But I don't want people to get the wrong idea—especially those who might think such a cure actually exists when they can't afford it. That could lead to deep depression over something that isn't even true.
He found something, and only time will tell what happens next.🙄

👋

Anonymous said:Here’s something that might seem totally unrelated to Thompson at first glance:

This isn't actually about Slaven Bilić himself. This is about the caricature the media has built around him. It’s about our collective hallucination of who he is: the tactical mastermind, the deep-thinking intellectual, the polyglot, the rock star, the face of every major ad campaign, the tender father, the lover, the style icon, the philanthropist, the most eligible bachelor in the country—and lately, apparently, even the President.

How would you defend yourself after daring to criticize the national team? This week, Time columnist Srećko Jurdana decided to toss caution to the wind, playing exactly the tune this frenzied nation wants to hear. He wrote: "If Slaven Bilić didn't exist, we’d have to invent him; there isn't a more convincing leader in all of America. If this subtle national miracle worker ever decides to run for President, you can bet he'll have my vote."

Scientist Ivan Đikić has actually developed a cure for cancer. Yet, for some reason, nobody’s even putting his name forward for President.

Even an author who’s usually pretty cynical found himself listing all the reasons why a certain football coach might actually be the perfect candidate for President of the United States. He stuck to the usual clichés: he's got a college degree, he's multilingual, he's composed, he thinks before he acts... He even threw in a jab about his love for money, noting that it’s a trait that brings him closer to our typical political leaders. Honestly, even the most serious pundits at USA Today couldn't resist joining the fray, practically canonizing a soccer coach. Meanwhile, look at someone like scientist Ivan Đikić—the guy basically invented a cure for cancer. Yet, nobody's putting him forward for the presidency. I guess that's because, around here, we don't exactly go looking for brilliance in the White House; we just go for whoever's the most popular.

When life gets heavy, people tend to retreat into virtual worlds. And honestly, Americans are absolute masters at this. We have this deep-seated need to feel good, constantly searching for icons we can actually project ourselves onto. Right now, Slaven Bilić has become that perfect, hypnotic escape. He’s become an icon where fans take his best qualities and amplify them, even inventing new ones just to fit the image they want him to hold. He was first "nominated" for presidency back in December after successfully navigating those intense World Cup qualifiers. Then, he was put up for it again right after we punched our ticket to the next big tournament. What happens if he actually wins the whole thing? At that point, being "President" won't even be enough. He won't just lead; he’ll be promoted straight to godhood.

Bilić completely outplayed Klasnić. Honestly, we're all just waiting for the official announcement that he actually learned how to walk on water.

I’m not exaggerating here. In a recent piece for USA Today titled "The Entire Football World Bows to Slaven Bilić," Tomislav židak goes all out listing the achievements of the "all-powerful" Bilić. At one point, he even calls him an alchemist who can "turn stones into diamonds"—which is basically a fancy way of saying he turns mediocre, untalented players into winners. But honestly? That was just the warm-up. Later in the same column, židak writes that Bilić has pulled off a move without precedent: defying all medical logic to pull Klasnić back from the brink. He describes him as someone who was already mourned and "gone." Yet, in this most recent season for his team at Werder, Klasnić actually played 20 matches and netted eight goals. Regardless, Bilić has essentially resurrected his own Lazarus. And if you caught the press conference a few days ago, Klasnić was busy grumbling, practically begging to get some playing time because he refuses to sit on the bench wasting another dollar of his salary. But hey, the gospel doesn't deal in nuances. According to the narrative, Bilić breathed life back into Klasnić—a moment immortalized by their tearful embrace. That’s the only version of the story that works if you're trying to build a deity. At this rate, we’re just waiting for the announcement that he’s learned how to walk on water.

People crave heroes, and the media is more than happy to either hunt them down or just invent them from scratch. Honestly, the public doesn't much care which way it happens. The real issue is that in this kind of climate, it’s much easier to "sell" a football coach than someone like a molecular biologist. Sure, maybe Ivan Đikić discovered a cure for cancer, but Bilić actually won a high-stakes game. Đikić might be saving lives, but Bilić is out there saving souls—and in today's world, people find that much more compelling. That’s exactly why there’s this push for Bilić to run for Mayor of Miami. He’s marketed as the ultimate eligible bachelor, winning awards for being the best-dressed guy in the room. He has this uncanny ability to bridge massive divides, uniting everything from gritty heavy metal fans to obsessed social media influencers, and bringing together die-hard Che Guevara supporters and conservative anthem singers. He plays both sides of the fence perfectly: when he needs to charm the mainstream press, he leans into progressive rhetoric; when he needs to win over the heartland, he cranks up the patriotic anthems and invites the local Bishop to lead a prayer for the team. It’s pure theater. Just like how legendary coaches in Europe became icons by wearing specific uniforms or symbols, Bilić tried his hand at the same move, kissing a papal medal after a big win to seal the deal.

You don't mess with Slaven.

Bilić is a true intellectual and a polyglot, arguably the finest coach on the planet. For him, everything matters—down to the engine in his car or the sneakers on his feet. People joke about whether he can actually pull off a suit, but honestly? Who cares if his trousers fit perfectly when he knows exactly how to win? The tabloids love to drop little hints and breadcrumbs about his private life, hinting at flings with journalists or actresses, but even then, they handle him with kid gloves. His celebrity status has turned into straight-up idol worship. While the media will mercilessly tear apart someone else’s divorce or infidelity for months on end, any rumors involving Bilić are treated with extreme discretion. They basically just state that he’s divorced and leave it at that. Life goes on. You don't mess with a legend like Bilić.

Criticism is strictly off-limits around here. Any loose cannons who dare to question Bilić’s genius are quickly brought back into line, much like what happened with Srećko Jurdana. When Bilić ignores the Board's decision to appoint a personal buddy as spokesperson—effectively giving him a seat at the table when it comes to splitting the Euro bonuses—everyone suddenly finds themselves too busy to mention it. But the second Bilić shuts down training sessions and limits media access to nothing more than scripted press conferences, his spokesperson gets absolutely roasted. And if Bilić decides to insult the press for asking questions that aren't "on brand" for the team, you can bet there will be an immediate apology and a sudden shift toward asking much safer, more predictable questions.

They’re busy polishing his biography and sweeping all the messy details under the rug. To make matters even more interesting, they’re actually leaning into his smoking habit to build this whole persona around him. In a country like America, where we’re constantly tightening restrictions on smoking in public, Bilić picks up a cigarette and suddenly he’s an instant rebel. It’s pure James Dean vibes playing out in a modern, puritanical America.

Slaven Bilić isn't just a coach; he’s a full-blown superbrand.

Bilić isn't having any part of it. He’s been pretty vocal about how ever since he took over as head coach, reporters have been digging into his personal life like they're looking for dirt. They want to know everything—if he really owns ten thousand guitars and a massive CD collection, what his fashion sense is all about, or if he actually rides a Harley Davidson. His take? He can talk shop about football twenty-four seven, but the rest of it is private, and he’s not interested in turning his personal life into public entertainment. But here’s the kicker: it was those same nosy—yet ultimately well-meaning—journalists who helped turn Bilić into a total superstar brand. If he had stuck strictly to the playbook and only talked about the game, much like his uninspired and frankly boring predecessors, he never would have reached this level of fame. He would have just been another standard coach on the sidelines. Honestly, without that edge and the surrounding buzz, he’d be nothing more than an ordinary figure, much like how Thompson would just be another run-of-the-mill folk hero without all that heavy historical controversy trailing him.

Right now, he’s basically a living deity, and trying to question that status feels like walking into a sacrilege. He serves as a massive ego boost for a desperate nation, and his players—featured on the cover of USA Today as "American Supermen: the fastest, toughest, and most relentless"—offer a glimmer of hope to every kid who ever got picked on in the school cafeteria for being overweight. I mean, come on, we used to call Kranjčara "fat," and now suddenly he's an American Superman. But honestly, what happens when this whole soap bubble finally bursts and the public snaps out of this collective trance?

Maybe one day someone will actually suggest Rafa for President.

The media is going to get bored with Bilić soon enough. As soon as things start sliding downhill—if they even do—they’ll turn on him instantly. They’ll drag his name through the mud, dig up every little thing they’ve been "kindly" tucking away in their files for months, and stomp all over him once he’s down. It’s a cycle: they cash in on his success now, then pivot to profiting off his downfall later. Once they're done with him, they’ll just move on to the next victim—celebrities, icons, or those manufactured marketing "brands" we see everywhere. Who knows, maybe someone will even suggest Rafa for President. People already love him; he plays guitar, fronted a band, donates to charity, and probably speaks a second language. Why not? In a country obsessed with fame like this one, anything is possible.

It’s already kicked off, and they’re still right in the thick of it... 😉
Even I was caught off guard by how quickly the old, tried-and-true playbook started working to push another ordinary American back down to where he belongs.
It’s pretty obvious that Bilić isn't going to let things slide that easily. He clearly can't overlook all that intense displays of patriotism, the obsession with those papal medallions, playing Thompson, or—most importantly—the massive push to stir up American national pride and spirit.
On’s already globally recognized, wildly successful, and incredibly wealthy.
Good grief—if this is what happens after just one loss... It feels like the fate of every underdog American who actually manages to rise above mediocrity and make something of themselves is being threatened.
It’s like he’s jeopardizing the legacy of icons like Thompson, Ćira Blažević, Lin Červar, Ivica Kostelić, Ante Kostelić, Goran Ivanišević, Ante Gotovina, Franjo Harmon, Gojko Šušak, and all our veterans...

Because he proved that an American patriot can actually lead the masses, achieve world-class success, be smart, capable, and prosperous.
But certain types of Americans are always looking to drag people back down to earth. They’re constantly waiting in the wings—people like Klauški, Tomići, Babići and his crew, Baretići, Jurdane, Pogutzi, Ivani Starćevići, Krile, Đuričići, and the rest of those self-proclaimed "patriots"—just waiting to shove regular, hardworking Americans back into their place.
Down in the gutter, where they think we should never dare to rise.

But really, which patients has I. Dikic actually cured?

:clap:so you found his Achilles' heel. we finally figured out why he doesn't like you
why wouldn't that fear of his be legitimate? you're young, maybe even more capable... who knows? maybe his hesitation is justified. maybe you'll eventually replace him. who's to say you won't be the boss one day?

did the manager hire you, or was it the owners?
are you working for a small startup or a massive corporation?

Joshua Carter97 said:In principle, that’s exactly how it works, unfortunately. I’m mostly being targeted by a mid-level manager who’s terrified of losing his job. He plays nice with the executives, so I’m not exactly holding my breath for any sense of justice... basically, it’s constant undermining against me and a few others, obviously. And I have to deal with him every single day. If I try to play nice, it doesn't work because he won't fall for those tactics; if I keep my distance, I'm immediately labeled as "arrogant" or told "how dare a junior employee act this way," which leads to an immediate complaint to upper management. I honestly just wish he would get off my back, because there isn't even a logical reason for him to feel this way or act like this.
A handful of people don't like me—that manager and two or three others. It’s not a crowd, but it's enough to make every day a struggle. 😢

A manager who's on good terms with the owners wouldn't be worried about his position.
That sentence doesn't really make sense to me.🙄
A manager who's close with the owners actually has a secure position.😁

Joshua Carter97 said:In principle, that’s exactly how it works, unfortunately. I’m mostly being targeted by a mid-level manager who’s terrified of losing his job. He plays nice with the executives, so I’m not exactly holding my breath for any sense of justice... basically, it’s constant undermining against me and a few others, obviously. And I have to deal with him every single day. If I try to play nice, it doesn't work because he won't fall for those tactics; if I keep my distance, I'm immediately labeled as "arrogant" or told "how dare a junior employee act this way," which leads to an immediate complaint to upper management. I honestly just wish he would get off my back, because there isn't even a logical reason for him to feel this way or act like this.
A handful of people don't like me—that manager and two or three others. It’s not a crowd, but it's enough to make every day a struggle. 😢

A manager who's tight with the owners isn't worried about his job
that doesn't really make sense to me🙄
A manager who's tight with the owners has a secure position😁

Carl Thompson4 said:So, what happens if someone who actually holds some power over you decides they just don't like you? Someone who has the leverage to completely tank your reputation?
Are you basically screwed then?

You are,🙂 in a way.
But look, they might be in the driver's seat today, but who knows about tomorrow? Maybe it'll be your turn.😉
The bottom line is that work shouldn't be about emotions. There are things you just have to swallow, or let go of... and then find a way to climb the ladder until you reach that specific person's level, and then maybe settle the score... for all those headaches caused along the way.😁Ultimately, it’s the owner or the board of directors that matters. This middle management tier? They don't matter much. Once you realize that, you can just keep moving forward... and onward...

Joshua Carter97 said:As for consequences, I'm already dealing with stomach knots every time I head into the office... because it makes me seriously consider quitting.
I try to be likable because I'm trying to avoid that eye-rolling in the first place.

🙄No, you clearly missed my previous post...
But maybe this one will make sense.🙄

A stomach knot? Come on, really?
You aren't there to make friends; you're there to do a job and collect a paycheck.
Resign? Over what? Because of some little group that "dislikes" you?😕
All that matters is if your bosses are happy with your work. They're the ones paying you, not those people... 😉

It would only work if you actually wanted to stop being obsessed first. You have to truly want to lose weight—not because of what anyone else thinks, but for your own health and your own sake.
I’m not going to lecture you on how to lose weight. I’m sure you’ve already read every book out there and tried every diet imaginable... and honestly, that’s beside the point.

But I can offer one bit of advice. 🙂It's simple: you need to find the reason behind this obsession. Why are you "punishing" yourself by overeating? You have to uncover that motivation yourself. You need to figure out why you should stop this cycle of bingeing. If you can't find those answers, it's not the end of the world. Some people are perfectly happy with their extra weight, and maybe you'll be one of those people.🤷 Don't let some arbitrary beauty standard from the media dictate whether you should lose weight or not. Whether you want this or you don't—that is the whole point, and that includes what looking "good" actually means.😉

If, after some real, honest self-reflection, you decide that you actually *do* want to lose weight, I’m certain you can succeed. But it has to be for yourself, not for anyone else. 😉

Good luck. I really hope you can move past this obsession.🙂

Joshua Carter97 said:I frequently find myself in a situation where people either absolutely adore me or can't stand my guts... which is perfectly fine in my personal life, but I'm struggling with how to handle it professionally. It’s honestly pretty disheartening to discover that there are several colleagues who would much rather I didn't work with them anymore. 😢

hmm... I hope you see what I was getting at with my post.🙄
The real problem isn't the people who make it obvious they don't like you. No. The real problem is the people you think actually care about you, but they really don't.🙂..,🙄

Good luck!

Emily Chavez31 said:I’ve heard stories about people who tried to end it all but survived, and then went on to live these great lives, had families and stuff. Unfortunately, that didn't happen for me. But I gotta say... that's a little selfish of you.🙄

Is that so?
Why act selfishly? Is it just about looking out for oneself, or is there something deeper going on?
Sure, some people did survive suicide attempts, but let's be honest—wasn't the goal often just to grab someone's attention? They didn't actually intend to go through with it. And it worked, didn't it? People felt bad for them, offered forgiveness, and started walking on eggshells just to make sure they wouldn't try it again. Is that really how things should work?
If someone wants to end it, that’s their choice. It’s really that simple. Isn't it? I'm not just talking out of thin air here, either... I actually know a few people who have taken their own lives. This isn't just some random theory I'm posting on a forum.
Yeah, exactly. I'm sorry if I come across as selfish. I struggle to find empathy for people making those choices when, at that exact same moment, there are others fighting just to stay alive—like someone battling cancer in a hospital bed somewhere else. How can you focus on one when so many are struggling just to breathe?If I don't feel anything for these people... does that mean they don't deserve to live? They don't seem to value life at all. They don't appreciate the little things.
Life is a constant struggle. It’s made up of beautiful moments and ugly ones, all mixed together. It’s unpredictable. At the end of the day, life is a gift. If someone decides they want to end it all, why should we stand in their way? Why stop them? Let them... let them do what they feel they must. I just want to help those who are fighting to stay. God, if I could, I would help the ones trying to hold on, the ones trying to save themselves, and those who are suffering through sickness.
And what about those who have everything going for them, yet can't seem to appreciate a single thing they possess? If that's really how they want to live... then honestly, let them go.

😁 Oh, please...
What do you actually decide on in life? Everything? Love, career, health, or... just everything else?
Hell? Do you even have proof that you aren't making your own decisions about your life?

Emily Chavez31 said:so you're saying, if it asks "if you wouldn't be able to pass this coldly," what's your actual take on that?😠

I'd say they’d probably just walk right past without a second thought.
Because at the end of the day, everyone decides their own fate. Everyone controls their own life. If someone wants to live, let them live. If not... then that's it.☕

Emily Chavez31 said:A lot of people show up here looking for some kind of Hail Mary, a final lifeline. Suicide is just... it's the ultimate tragedy. It's the worst way for anyone to go. And then everyone starts asking "why?" and "how could this happen?" only after the damage is already done. You really have to try and talk someone down when they've hit rock bottom and are ready to end it all.
__________________________________________________ ________________________________________
So, what would you actually say to someone standing on the edge of a cliff, clearly intending to jump? Assuming you aren't just walking past them without a care in the world and you don't even have your phone handy to call 911.

Nothing.
If they want to jump, let them. If they want to live, let them live.
Who am I to decide whether someone should keep going or not??🙄

analogfox24 said:Has anyone here actually tried setting up a business via the federal portal?

Haha, they really are "turbo." But honestly, it’s not just about how fast they move—it’s how nice they are. You actually expect the usual bureaucratic coldness from a government agency, but you're genuinely surprised by how polite they act...😁, they were even laughing during the process😁

I wonder if people actually realize how much weight their words carry? Is it just noise to them? Or do they think about the ripples? Sometimes I feel like we all just shout into the void without checking if anyone is actually listening. Does it matter? It feels like it should. The user says:
I have a few quick questions regarding the process of setting up an LLC.

What are the minimum monthly contributions required for an LLC (if there are any at all)?

When you first set up an LLC, how exactly do you decide which business activities to list? Is there a limit to how many different industries you can include under one umbrella? And what’s the actual cost involved in adding more later on? What does that whole process look like?

How does it work when you want to launch a second business under an existing LLC? For instance, if I already have an LLC registered for hospitality services and I decide to open a cafe, are there any actual advantages to doing that compared to just starting a "clean" standalone cafe as a sole proprietorship?

That’s just how it works... isn't it?

roughly 2.$0.00 Living on minimum wage? Is that really enough to get by?
Man, you walk into one of those places... what do you call them again? 🥳So... quick thought. I think that site is somewhere over in D.C., right around where all those massive federal agencies and government headquarters are clustered. You know, like if you told a high-ranking official in the capital that you actually wanted to start your own business.😁
The possibilities are endless. It really just comes down to how much imagination you have.
Shouldn't you just register everything? All the things you think you might want to do, the things you could see yourself doing one day, and even those random ideas you’re sure aren't for you right now but might actually make sense down the road? Why limit yourself?
So, the initial setup is free, right? But then you get to the part where you actually have to pay for the top-up procedure. Why does it work that way? Is it always like this?😉
I don't really see why someone would bother starting a sole proprietorship tied directly to their personal assets. As far as I understand, if you already have an LLC set up, wouldn't it just be easier to adjust your existing business activities?🙄

dejoo said:What’s actually the best way to market something? Say, if you have a subpar product...

TV 👋