Most of us know Mike Rowe as the Dirty Jobs guy, but he also has a program called Returning the Favor featuring people who have made an impact in their communities, and if you've never heard Mike read a letter from his mom then you're missing out.

Well, Mike also gives Scholarships to young people who have demonstrated a good work ethic and want to learn a trade instead of going the college route.

http://profoundlydisconnected.com/scholarship/

Mike is a great American. These are the type of Scholarships that are much needed. I continually tell my kids to learn a skill that they can earn a living with no matter where they live.

Mike's mother's letters are hilarious. The one recently about her gynecologist had me rolling.

He's doing stuff with the boys on This Old House as well.

I like his Adventure's in Voice Over series on the YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4LhdU3a1KM

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bendable,

Thank you for the information! I sent this to my nephew who is graduating highschool and wants to pursue being an automotive technician.

i want my kids to have a skill, or several. Go ahead and get your college degree, if you want to. But learn a skill. You’ll not only have something to fall back on, but you’ll have something for a “side hustle” if necessary.

And here’s another. Like dogs? Care about veterans who need some assistance? Watch this.

Semper K9

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
He's doing stuff with the boys on This Old House as well.

Sweet.

Two great tastes that taste great together!

I guess I could have phrased that better

Funded by the Koch Foundation?

Here is someone with money who wants to help those who are willing to work and learn and grow. What a novel idea.

The libs like to support those who want a free ticket on the gravy train, because the libs get their money from operating the gravy train.

quote:

Originally posted by Budrow:
Thank you for the information! I sent this to my nephew who is graduating highschool and wants to pursue being an automotive technician.

Great! I was hoping someone here would know a person who could apply.

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
I guess I could have phrased that better

Good grief.



Off The Wall

Mr. Rowe - I heard about your "work ethic scholarship program," and suggested my son apply. He wants to be a welder! I was appalled though, when he showed me your “sweat pledge,” and told me that signing it was required of all applicants!! Where did you come up with this nonsense? There are so many things wrong with this document I don’t even know where to begin!! Suffice it to say, we will not be applying!!!

Karyn Segal

------------------------------------------------

Hi there, Karyn! How's it going?

If it’s any consolation, you’re not the only one to object to my S.W.E.A.T Pledge, or do so with an over-reliance on exclamation points!! Over the years, it’s been my sad duty to inform lots of angry parents that this particular pile of free money might not be for them, or for their children.

To be clear, I wish your son every success - sincerely. Opportunities in welding have never been better, and people are hiring certified welders all over the country. But to be clear, I have absolutely no interest in paying for his training if doesn’t share my opinions on the importance of hard ethic, a positive attitude, delayed gratification, and personal responsibility. Sorry - I made a promise to the people who contribute to this fund, and I can't bend the rules. Fortunately, lots of scholarship funds will hand out money with no strings attached, and if you poke around, I’m sure you’ll find one that's more in line with your worldview. Now, on to your actual question:

I came up with this "nonsense" about the same time I launched mikeroweWORKS. Back in 2008. I was looking for a way to encapsulate the qualities I value most in a document that would become part of the application process. What I settled on was the S.W.E.A.T Pledge. It stands for “Skill and Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo." Mostly, it’s a collection of beliefs that I think every worker would benefit from embracing.

Now, you didn’t mention what specific parts of the pledge you find most objectionable, but I’d be curious to know. Usually, I hear complaints about the patriotic undertones of points 1 and 2, the parsimonious vibe of #5, and the paternalistic feel of #8. Many have accused me writing a "conservative manifesto," but honestly, I don’t see anything in this pledge that’s inherently political. In fact, I'd say most of these statements are in line with classic liberal thought.

I’ve also been told my Pledge is “weighted heavily in favor of employers,” who are really just looking for “more and more ways to abuse their workers.” I don’t see it that way, but I can understand why some do. It’s very popular these days to portray all employers as the enemy, and hard work as the reason for individual unhappiness. I reject that out of hand, just as I reject the idea that the ethid of an individual worker has anything to do with race or gender. Personally, most of the successful employers I know started out as employees who would have enthusiastically agreed with every statement in this Pledge. But again, that doesn't mean you're wrong to disagree - it just means your current objections - while welcome - are not very persuasive.

Finally, it might amuse you (but probably not) to learn that I’ve raised tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships by selling S.W.E.A.T Pledges. Thousands now hang in schools, factories, construction sites, and cubicles across the country. If you’d like one for yourself, we sell autographed versions for $12, or $100.00 if you like it personalized. http://ebay.to/2oZg7iz. I’d be happy to send you one for free however, just to prove there are no hard feelings. Let me know!

As for the rest of you, we’re now accepting applications for this round of Work Ethic Scholarships. We've raised $500,000 for this years allotment, and I look forward to giving away every penny to those who wish to master a skill that's in demand, and sign The SWEAT Pledge. Apply here. https://www.scholarsapply.org/mikeroweworks/

Thanks,
Mike

(PS. If this sounds familiar, it's because I posted this same letter a year ago this month. I'm reposting it now, because I'm awash in similar comments. In other words, if history can repeat itself, why can't I?)

quote:

Originally posted by TMats:
And here’s another. Like dogs? Care about veterans who need some assistance? Watch this.

Semper K9

Good Morning. I've compiled a short list of compelling reasons to watch this weeks episode of Returning the Favor.

1. It features Veterans, the finest Americans among us.
2. It features Shelter Dogs, the finest canines among us.
3. It features my own dog, Freddy, whose been angling for air time.
4. It features a service called Semper K9 whose mere existence will cheer you beyond words.

Your mission? Watch. Weep. Laugh. Be grateful.
Repeat as necessary.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
I guess I could have phrased that better

I wasn't making fun of your phrasing. I'm a fan of both Mike Rowe and This Old House. Having them both working together is great.

(That "two great tastes... etc." is from an old Reese's commercial, talking about how peanut butter is good, and chocolate is good, but peanut butter and chocolate together are better.)

my post was fine, as was yours, but the two together....
kinda went sideways a bit , just awkward, not offensive