89 replies to this topic

[Lou]

Lou, on 06 March 2010 - 05:54 PM, said:

This shot shows the full impact of Mark's hard work.
What an impression they make!!

Mark, you are a true soldier in the fight.

In case you didn't know, all those great colorful signs are Mark's work.

Attached Images

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[markthesignguy]

Federal Farmer, on 14 January 2011 - 11:13 PM, said:

markthesignguy, on 14 January 2011 - 11:33 AM, said:

BUMP, for IGOLD 2011!!!       a little update for everyone...

As you know, at SAFR 2010   about 50 signs or so went home with our participants.

And I received cardboard for and cut 480 new sign bases. Have enough 11x17 paper for 250 signs right now.

Now that the holidays are over, it's time to GET GOING.... (here we go again!!   )

Hopefully by the last week in January...  
gotta start getting in bundles of lath, 50 in a bundle yields about 40 handles.
Time to start the sawdust battles!! Keeping it IN the basement!

BTW - Who lives near O'Hare airport???

I'm close enough.  What do you need?

Thanks, uhhhh.....

Small indeterminate errands, Staples store - paper, elmer's rubber cement, Crafty Beaver - lath, duck tape(montrose or central ave store) was hoping to find somebody that was passing close by on a regular basis, I could have stuff paid for and arranged for pickup. My Dad is 80+ and I'm starting to feel a bit guilty about his running around for me.

I tend to save stuff up to get, since I don't get out much - especially during winter - snow is my ultimate fall risk....

IIRC you are almost on top of my Dad at 6 corners.

[Pete]

markthesignguy, on 15 January 2011 - 12:07 AM, said:

Federal Farmer, on 14 January 2011 - 11:13 PM, said:

markthesignguy, on 14 January 2011 - 11:33 AM, said:

BUMP, for IGOLD 2011!!!       a little update for everyone...

As you know, at SAFR 2010   about 50 signs or so went home with our participants.

And I received cardboard for and cut 480 new sign bases. Have enough 11x17 paper for 250 signs right now.

Now that the holidays are over, it's time to GET GOING.... (here we go again!!   )

Hopefully by the last week in January...  
gotta start getting in bundles of lath, 50 in a bundle yields about 40 handles.
Time to start the sawdust battles!! Keeping it IN the basement!

BTW - Who lives near O'Hare airport???

I'm close enough.  What do you need?

Thanks, uhhhh.....

Small indeterminate errands, Staples store - paper, elmer's rubber cement, Crafty Beaver - lath, duck tape(montrose or central ave store) was hoping to find somebody that was passing close by on a regular basis, I could have stuff paid for and arranged for pickup. My Dad is 80+ and I'm starting to feel a bit guilty about his running around for me.

I tend to save stuff up to get, since I don't get out much - especially during winter - snow is my ultimate fall risk....

IIRC you are almost on top of my Dad at 6 corners.

Hey,I'm also in the area. Live in Des Plaines and the in-laws live by the 6 corners area.

[Jeffrey]

Is there still time to create any new signs?  I'd love to see something that says something along the lines of:  Gov Quinn and staff, lay down your arms like the rest of your state?  It may not be directly what we want the state to see but the irony seems bold to me.

[templar223]

I'd like to see some more Oleg Volk signs, blown up.  Used them to great effect many years ago around here.

Also, "handwritten" slogans - especially well thought out ones - work very well, so it doesn't look like you had a sign shop (no offense, Mark) do all your protest's signs.  (Just taking a page from those who like tyrants and big government.)

John

[markthesignguy]

Ok, here's the situation:

Until we (Jeffery) print them, anything's possible. The problem is whether or not anyone reading the sign understands just what's up. Also whether or not the sign reads quickly - almost like a flash card

The sign: "48 other states cant be wrong " is almost too wordy. Remember - the other guys are TRYING to READ this thing that's BOUNCING around... Too busy or hard to read, the eye skips on  to something easier.

There are a few more signs in the works already, and anybody is welcome to work on one or more and post them here as PDF's with the finished artwork that I can download.
WHY PDF's?
The pdf loads the details of how to draw the letter, so that when it is blown up HUGE, it doesn't get a case of sawtooth edges...

And

Doing the "artwork" setup and layout takes    TIME

Time right now is my most precious commodity. Even though IGOLD has moved up to my number one priority, there still ain't enough of it to go around.

Having a pdf means I just do a print on my computer for an 8 1/2 x 11 that gets blown up to 11 x 17. Then it's just copier work...

As for me and my problems:

Luckily I bought and got in 5 bundles of lath ($50, plus 8 rolls of duct tape), which should yield 200 to 250 more sign handles. I can work on making the handles in my basement. I have enough cardboard for 480 additional  signs. I have 500 sheets of paper (250 signs on both sides) that I eventually need to schlepp over for photocopying.

I have 6 bundles (minimum)of about 25 signs each that need to be "crowdsourced" to IGOLD. Even if one person takes a bundle apiece and goes on the bus, it will be a help. They can be PICKED UP at ANY TIME!! They are READY to GO. Now...

My car IF running will hold 7 in the trunk and 4 in the back seat. That's the 200 to 250 more signs in the form of 8 to 10 additional bundles. Then it goes on the Rosemont bus.

UNLESS I connect with someone with a van heading down to IGOLD that passes near O'Hare airport (York road and Irving Park Road) on the way. Even if the van is only going as far as the Rosemont bus and parking... The extra pair of hands will be quite welcome.

I say IF my car is running because..... it's BURIED in a snowdrift. I TRIED to avoid that... sigh...

thus here's the possibilities:
1 a van or pickup to transport a friend with BIG snowblower back and forth to dig out 100' path about 2 to 3 foot deep and around the car

2. somebody with a snowblower, that can chew up and clear everything but the berm

2. somebody with a plow that can bust through the village's plow berm and clear said path

3. somebody with a high-lift / bobcat / whatever to do the same

If the car isn't dug out until spring thaw, transportation to make sign copies  and schlepp the signs (and myself) to IGOLD. Sign copying transportation is easier to arrange. Signs to IGOLD is the challenge.

I was going to try to rehab all the old signs currently at Chatsworth, but that's looking undoable - so IF I'm at IGOLD I'll try to catch the old ones that need rehab and bring them back with me.

[Federal Farmer]

I can ferry down a ton of those signs.  I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee.  I'll be in Chicago the weekend before and can load up if you want.

[markthesignguy]

Federal Farmer, on 07 February 2011 - 07:12 PM, said:

I can ferry down a ton of those signs.  I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee.  I'll be in Chicago the weekend before and can load up if you want.

I want, I want

Seriously,  Thank You...

[Jeffrey]

Mark, sending you a PM now

[markthesignguy]

Buried car / snow removal and signs  update.

My house is across the alley from a Church, that has a snow "storage" problem. A deal is in the works where I got (already!! communications breakdown) some snow "mountains" in my yard, and hopefully Friday (or sometime around then) I get a few more "mountains" AND an excavated path to the car...  thus getting me lots closer to the pavement...

edit - I have mountains of snow, that still haven't melted, even WITH this thaw...   but, barring mud - I am mobile again.

The time frame on submitted art for potential signs is moving up, it's now asap.

After that you are of course free to get paper and have your own printed up and mail them to / drop them off with / me.

The paper can be ordered online, it's Wausau Papers Astrobrights color "Solar Yellow". It's $18 - $25 a ream (500 sheets) before shipping and any tax etc...
It's a close match to all the hoodies, shirts and caps the ISRA has been selling.
At staples.com it's #405147  for 500 sheets (ream) of 11 x 17 at $19.99
They don't carry it at the store, an online order for a store pickup a day or two later is necessary, although for 10 bucks more they will package it inadequately and ship it to your door via Fedex(?).


or this is the official color, but it's not as great a match, the online color rendering differs from the reality:
HammerMill Fore MP Color Paper, 11" x 17", Goldenrod, Ream for $15.99 for 500 sheets
At staples.com it's #640190 for 500 sheets (ream) of 11 x 17 at $15.99
They don't carry it at the store, an online order for a store pickup a day or two later is necessary, although for 10 bucks more they will package it inadequately and ship it to your door via Fedex(?).

[markthesignguy]

Ahhhh, I LOVE the smell of Rubber Cement in the morning......

smells like.........

  

VICTORY!!

Well, Thanks to Jeffrey, the sign faces (all 500 of them for 250 or so MORE signs) are all photocopied onto 11 x 17 gold paper, and the process of gluing them onto the completed stick and cardboard assemblies (and then finally individually bagging the result) has begun.

With the 6  bundles I got from Chatsworth and rehabbed, that will make 17 bundles total. I can take 7 maybe 9 bundles maximum in my car (to the Rosemont bus) and Federal Farmer will be picking up the rest, but I have worries that his Jeep Cherokee's capacity may be strained beyond belief... (and it'll be a bit late in the game for an "oops"...)

Thus I am making an open invitation for anybody going to IGOLD either on a bus or direct to pick up ONE (or more) bundles to bring with.

JUST WITH, NOT BACK!!!  

There is a known destination for most of them afterward and I will be bringing back enough myself (old signs destined for rehab) for SAFR.
ONE bundle will be easy to schlepp around and I'll tie it together and package it well to withstand the rigors of traveling.

SO, HOW about it?   We can't let Federal Farmer do all the heavy lifting?  have ALL the fun???

I am about one mile South West of O'Hare airport, just 300 feet West of York Road (and slightly south of Illinois 19  - Irving Park Road) with NO maze of little streets to negotiate to get here, and Google maps sticks their arrow right in my backyard. ANY pickup time can be accommodated!!

Oh, and anybody that wants to help glue signs together is most welcome to drop by and help. There ARE 500 sheets to glue, and then 250 signs to bag.  

wow 17 bundles really fills up the front room!!  

and.... anybody that wants to "take one with" afterward - please know that I have over a hundred bucks of my own funds tied up in this batch alone... no less 5 (and counting up to 7) solid weeks of work in them...
So if they can advance the cause, OK, and a little donation to cover their replacement would be welcome.

[3ddiver]

I dont know if it is too late for a sign but I think maybe something like give up your body guards or not everyone can have a body guard. Thanks for all the hard work you do on this project also!!

[markthesignguy]

repeated for visibility, and no PM's received....

also I have had a few sign related setbacks, and it will be really pushing hard to have them ready by THIS weekend!!!




With the 6 bundles I got from Chatsworth and rehabbed, that will make 17 bundles total. I can take 7 maybe 9 bundles maximum in my car (to the Rosemont bus) and Federal Farmer will be picking up the rest, but I have worries that his Jeep Cherokee's capacity may be strained beyond belief... (and it'll be a bit late in the game for an "oops"...)

Thus I am making an open invitation for anybody going to IGOLD either on a bus or direct to pick up ONE (or more) bundles to bring with.

JUST WITH, NOT BACK!!!

There is a known destination for most of them afterward and I will be bringing back enough myself (old signs destined for rehab) for SAFR.
ONE bundle will be easy to schlepp around and I'll tie it together and package it well to withstand the rigors of traveling.

SO, HOW about it? We can't let Federal Farmer do all the heavy lifting? have ALL the fun???

I am about one mile South West of O'Hare airport, just 300 feet West of York Road (and slightly south of Illinois 19 - Irving Park Road) with NO maze of little streets to negotiate to get here, and Google maps sticks their arrow right in my backyard. ANY pickup time can be accommodated!!

[lockman]

"Why it's Fundamental my dear Watson"

[junglebob]

Mark, You said the sign 48 states can't be wrong is almost too wordy.  How about "48 States are Right" or "48 are Right" with an outline of U.S. maybe an X thru Illinois and Wisconsin.  How about some signs for the ladies attending like "Women Need Right to Carry"  

I understand that when LTC passed in Alaska it was because the governor got letters from women who wanted it.  This may not sway Quinn but maybe some legislators.

[Drylok]

Holy crap, it just dawned on me IGOLD is NEXT WEEK. I lose track of time when I'm on this shift. Thanks for all you do on those signs Mark. Can't wait to see the new ones

[junglebob]

Mark, if you need more of the Astro brite Wausau paper you can get it from Lewis Paper which has 4 warehouses in Chicago area in Tinley Park, Addison, Wheeling, and next to UIC campus.  I talked with someone with thier company it is their item number 3002YL and cost is $22.77 a ream.  If you need a little more this may be better than ordering from Staples.  Their number is 312-829-3030, he said if you call ahead they can have it ready for you, is in stock at all 4 locations.

[Jeffrey]

junglebob, on 01 March 2011 - 09:08 AM, said:

Mark, if you need more of the Astro brite Wausau paper you can get it from Lewis Paper which has 4 warehouses in Chicago area in Tinley Park, Addison, Wheeling, and next to UIC campus.  I talked with someone with thier company it is their item number 3002YL and cost is $22.77 a ream.  If you need a little more this may be better than ordering from Staples.  Their number is 312-829-3030, he said if you call ahead they can have it ready for you, is in stock at all 4 locations.

I hope Mark isn't reading that after having to place an order and wait for shipping We are expecting more paper on his porch today.

[markthesignguy]

junglebob, on 01 March 2011 - 09:08 AM, said:

Mark, if you need more of the Astro brite Wausau paper you can get it from Lewis Paper which has 4 warehouses in Chicago area in Tinley Park, Addison, Wheeling, and next to UIC campus.  I talked with someone with thier company it is their item number 3002YL and cost is $22.77 a ream.  If you need a little more this may be better than ordering from Staples.  Their number is 312-829-3030, he said if you call ahead they can have it ready for you, is in stock at all 4 locations.

Thank You (sincerely!!)  for the information and legwork!!

I once visited Lewis in Wheeling for the original Liftoff Lemon back in the 90's...

It had slipped my mind, Addison would have been / will eventually be / my pickup location.

Jeffrey, on 01 March 2011 - 10:14 AM, said:

junglebob, on 01 March 2011 - 09:08 AM, said:

Mark, if you need more of the Astro brite Wausau paper you can get it from Lewis Paper which has 4 warehouses in Chicago area in Tinley Park, Addison, Wheeling, and next to UIC campus.  I talked with someone with thier company it is their item number 3002YL and cost is $22.77 a ream.  If you need a little more this may be better than ordering from Staples.  Their number is 312-829-3030, he said if you call ahead they can have it ready for you, is in stock at all 4 locations.

I hope Mark isn't reading that after having to place an order and wait for shipping We are expecting more paper on his porch today.

I placed the order o dark hundred on Monday, and it just arrived (NOT by UPS or someother) a few minutes ago, just before noon, on Tuesday, delivered by an unmarked white truck. So we're back in good shape... In fact I have been keeping busy pretty much continuously, and it looks like I will run out of glue - able stuff about the same time I should be heading over there this afternoon.


Oh, and WHY am I typing instead of gluin???    Guy's gotta have lunch once in a while!!!

p.s ran a bit low on glue this weekend, amazing how much you can go through...   so I got THREE quarts.. should be enough!!!  Should have expected it though, when you look at a ream of paper and realize that of that several inch tall stack of paper you will be handling each and every one...

[markthesignguy]

Whewwwww....   just glued up the LAST sign face.  FIVE HUNDRED of them (two sides, remember?)

Hard to wrap my mind around THAT part of it being DONE!!!!

first 50 are completely done. Bagged, everything...

I start individually bagging the faces of the remaining 200 I just finished gluing tomorrow morning...  after the fumes clear - the fumes EAT the plastic bags...

[markthesignguy]

Templar223, on 07 February 2011 - 01:50 PM, said:

I'd like to see some more Oleg Volk signs, blown up.  Used them to great effect many years ago around here.

Also, "handwritten" slogans - especially well thought out ones - work very well, so it doesn't look like you had a sign shop (no offense, Mark) do all your protest's signs.  (Just taking a page from those who like tyrants and big government.)

John

John, you will be happy to see I found some other "less angular" fonts that look a LOT more like hand lettering, and I have used this lettering on a significant portion of the new signs.

Also the "IT'S TIME" bumper sticker is well represented...

As well as some better software, and practice using it....

[markthesignguy]

Whewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww..................

ALL  DONE  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Every sign is glued, bagged and bundled. A few shopping bags need taping for reinforcement, but that's it.

I've been at it since the last weeks of January.

Just as an interesting note, I bought 1000 12" x 18" poly bags to rainproof the signs, and 600 plus have been used. That's a staggering number!!


NOW, down to business.

SOME of you reading this will be around after the speeches at the steps off Capitol Ave in Springfield. IF a bunch of people help, bundling the loose signs can be over in just a few minutes, faster than the crowd can all get through security. Thus these guidelines, for ANYONE that wishes to help:

I will be bringing the unpacked shopping bags that form the bundles from the PCCC ( by the Adams street exit, The door we march out of)

The signs with plastic bags over them should be separated from the older signs that are only paper faced. THOSE SEPARATE BUNDLES of PAPER FACED signs are coming back with me for rehab AND SAFR !! . The plastic bagged ones are heading for the back of a Pickup truck and storage at ?Chatsworth?


Separating paper from plastic is the second most important objective for the signs that day, bundling them back up is the third.


There are 23 signs to each (reinforced) shopping bag bundle, and  after it is completed, each bundle has the wooden sign handles taped together at the end and at the top near the paper body  to make handling easier. The plastic covered signs slide in easily, and 23 makes a tight bundle, to get the last few signs in, make a gap in the center of the bundle by pulling gently on the handles in opposite directions - sort of like a post hole digger.

I'll have the packing tape for the handles, and be keeping a bundle count.

Please be careful around me (I'll be tired and confused at that point) when the bundling and taping of the handles is going on, as a razor sharp box cutter is going to be in play and last year I almost gave somebody stitches when a hand snaked in from my blind spot. The memory of the near miss still bothers me...

Those few minutes until the bundles are done, I will be busier than a one armed paperhanger, AFTER that, when the signs are loaded into the truck (ramrodded by Tom Shafer, a most persistent taskmaster), I will then have plenty of gab time as I wait several hours for the bus back to the PCCC....  Sort of like the military: long periods of inactivity and a few short furious minutes...

to sum up, the objectives for the signs after the march:

1. separate paper faced signs from plastic bagged signs
2. twenty three (23) signs per bundle
3. last signs in a bundle SLIDE into the center of the bundle by spreading the handles GENTLY!!!
4. get as much help as possible bundling signs...


SEE YOU THERE!!!!!!!!!

[Lou]

Thanks again for all the hard work you do!!!!

Know it is appreciated.  

[billzfx4]

I'll look for you (and the piles of signs) after the speeches.  Count me in as a "bundler".

[markthesignguy]

markthesignguy, on 05 March 2011 - 01:58 AM, said:

<snip>
to sum up, the objectives for the signs after the march (for the volunteer baggers):

1. separate paper faced signs from plastic bagged signs
2. twenty three (23) signs per bundle
3. last signs in a bundle SLIDE into the center of the bundle by spreading the handles GENTLY!!!
4. get as much help as possible bundling signs...


SEE YOU THERE!!!!!!!!!

A final update, ALL of ( surprise!!! they FIT!! ) the signs are on their way to IGOLD, I will be following on the Rosemont bus.

To those moving the bundles at the PCCC before I arrive:
please do not lift the bundles using the shopping bag handles,
the shopping bag handles just tear off.

There is tape wrapped around the sticks
near the cardboard sign that has a
big yellow tag looped through it labeled : HANDLE

maybe I should have labeled them "GRAB HERE"?

so just slip your fingers through the reinforced tape loop by the tag and

QUITE COMFORTABLY carry the bundle in a handles up position.



I should have taken a picture, worth a thousand words...

edit:  WHERE the signs GO, before the march:

near the  PCCC's  Adams St exit garage type door...

that's the door we march out of...

[papa]

Carrying signs for dummies...

Thank you Mark for all the hard work.

[markthesignguy]

papa, on 07 March 2011 - 04:37 PM, said:

Carrying signs for dummies...

Thank you Mark for all the hard work.

people with a lot more important things on their mind     
just reach, grab and struggle. I have seen it happen
most of the time. The sticks have been sanded, so the
risk of splinters is low, but the supply of replacement
shopping bags for the bundles isn't infinite.  

[Heavy]

Mark,

Sorry I couln't help more and a huge thanks for all you do.

For those who don't know, this guy is a one man operation and he has been at this for a long time.

It is amazing the time and effort he has put into this fight.

Every law abiding, peace loving Illinoisan owes this man a debt of gratitude.


Thanks brother,

Paul

[markthesignguy]

Something just occurred to me...

Souvenir signs, I SAW some leaving the rally.

BUT you really DON'T want the cardboard bases with the sticks, JUST what they SAY!!!!!

SO, if anybody wants to display the SIGNS, I have or can get PLENTY of signs that aren't glued onto cardboard, for taping up to windows or whatever!!!

Just contact me, and we'll work out details of mailing them!! ACTUAL ORIGINALS, UNGLUED, UNUSED!!  And if I run out:

I'LL MAKE MORE !!!!!

They are LOTS easier (and cheaper) to do than the sticks and Cardboard!!  Just pick out what you want and we'll work it out, I even have or can do some older signs in Goldenrod, Liftoff Lemon as well as the current Solar Yellow.

edit- maybe in the future, at the sign turn-in point, and also later at the PCCC I could have a table with representative samples of the signs in 11 x 17 and a more convenient 8.5 x 11 notebook sheet size for souvenirs  and posting elsewhere...

[markthesignguy]

bump for use?

The paper can be ordered online, it's Wausau Papers Astrobrights color "Solar Yellow". It's $18 - $25 a ream (500 sheets) before shipping and any tax etc...
It's a close match to all the hoodies, shirts and caps the ISRA has been selling.
At staples.com it's #405147 for 500 sheets (ream) of 11 x 17 at $19.99
They don't carry it at the store, an online order for a store pickup a day or two later is necessary, although for 10 bucks more they will package it inadequately and ship it to your door via Fedex(?).


or this is the official color, but it's not as great a match, the online color rendering differs from the reality:
HammerMill Fore MP Color Paper, 11" x 17", Goldenrod, Ream for $15.99 for 500 sheets
At staples.com it's #640190 for 500 sheets (ream) of 11 x 17 at $15.99
They don't carry it at the store, an online order for a store pickup a day or two later is necessary, although for 10 bucks more they will package it inadequately and ship it to your door via Fedex(?).