Job Interview Advice

No, I am not looking for a new job, but I am getting pretty fed up with this campaign process, which seems to me like a pretty wide- and large-scale job interview that presidential candidates have.

I am wondering why, outside of our own job interview, what seems to be the most important job interview we experience (ok...every 4 years) is not about telling you and me why we should hire / elect them, but why we should not hire / elect his competition.

I am going to guess that if you or I were to take this strategy into our previous or next interview, we would probably not be asked for a 2nd interview. However, in the interview that shapes our country, being vague about oneself and poignant about why the other guy sucks is the one of the best tactics.

Is this just me?

I want a candidate who says screw what the other candidate utters...I am going to tell you what I have done, what I am going to do (at least plan to do), and here is why you should hire me. Sure, the other guy just said crappy things about me, but this is not about him...this is about WHY ME, and I am going to tell you why me! Sure the other guy has done some screwy things...but this is what I have done. Vote for me.

Do we have any luck of that ever happening...of actually knowing the real candidate without having to wade through the watery muck? Is this even possible? I would almost think that the other candidate would having nothing more to do than take the same approach, which would mean we would get a clear picture of the what and who and more when we cast our ballot.

This has no intention or leaning to one guy or party or the other...it happens on both sides equally. I just want to know what is up with this and would it ever work in another job interview...say when the president hires someone. Argh...

Get Out And Romp

Tuesdays

Most high school students are not fond of reading. However, a random moment sparked a conversation between a student and me about Jon Krakauer’s work. Krakauer happens to be my favorite author [“Into Thin Air” being my most preferred book]. Therefore, when asked for my thoughts on my favorite book, I was stoked out of my gourd.

I have no idea what prompted the Krakauer question, but I spewed my thoughts about “into Thin Air,” “Into the Wild,” “Under the Banner of Heaven,” and Krakauer’s writing in general. After sharing my thoughts, class continued with no further thought about the author.

Or so I thought.

At class’s start A few days later, the Krakauer asking student handed me “Tuesdays with Morrie” (by Mitch Albom). “You should read this,” he stated confidently. “You will enjoy the book.”

I stared at the book, read the title and back cover, and quickly reasoned that this book was similar to my favorite Krakauer works in one fashion only - human suffering. To my initial disliking, the book did not include the outdoor elements, the real danger, the sport, and the unexpectedness of humans trying to conquer nature that keep me glued to Krakauer’s every word. I had emphatically emphasized the great qualities that I drew me to Krakauer’s writings. Nevertheless, I took the book and lackadaisically suggested “I would read it when I am done with my current reading material.”

Fast-forward a week. I am bored with my book “Last Dance” (by John Feinstein), a book on the Final Four that I should love and read quickly. However, this book did not stimulate me or hold my interest, so I was left trying “Tuesdays with Morrie.”

Reading fast and Todd are antonyms, but I have read 3/4 of the book in a few days. Granted, it is a small book, and I was able to read on my flight from Portland to Atlanta.

Nevertheless, I am engrossed in a book I thought I would not like, that is unlike Krakauer’s books, and that is emotional and touching, and I am ok with these facts. I look forward to finishing the book and concluding my lessons with Morrie, and I suggest you start your class with Morrie soon…before or after reading the three aforementioned Krakauer works.

Get Out And Romp

A Melodious Fabric of Society

Jen and I were outside a few days ago when we were suddenly taken back to yesteryear by a melody we heard from a few blocks away. We were so shocked at what our ears were telling us that we looked at each other to make sure we on our own were not going crazy.

The sweet, melodious music we heard was from none other than The Ice Cream Man. You got it…the ol’ white truck with pictures and prices of his goods on the outside and quality frozen treats on the inside. It was almost 80 over the weekend in Portland, so The Ice Cream Man was making his rounds and blaring the unmistakable tunes. I can taste a Rocket Pop right now.

While this is the first Ice Cream Man sighting this year, this is not the first time we have seen and heard The Ice Cream Man in Portland. However, every time we see and hear him, Jen states that this is another one of the great aspects of Portland that helps us realize we live in a pretty cool city. Additionally, it is unfortunate that what was once an integral part of life, our childhood, and the American summer is now a shocking occurrence.

The Ice Cream man is a pretty neat guy peddling top-notch product.

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Blinking Yellow

Driving can be a pain in tush at times because of all of the reasons that flow through your mind and my mind. Thankfully, though, I am not driving in Atlanta anymore!

However, while driving today, again I encountered (though I did not get to use) what I have before thought to be one of the best driving aspects ever programmed. What is this you ask, what can be so wonderful?

The blinking yellow turn signal my horsepower pumping partner.

Why do I, or we, need to wait through, at worst, both directions green lights just because I am turning left? That is like being penalized for not using change to purchase something that costs $1.55.

I do not know if there is a council to which I can ask for more blinking yellow turn signals, but I might start to look for them. When ever I spot these, I get a little tingle of happiness because I know at least one traffic signal oriented intersection is doing things right! If only there were more.

Get Out And Romp