I think somewhere along the way we both ran off the tracks. Reading your words again, I admit I'm at fault for misunderstanding you; but, like you, I had to go on what I knew. It doesn't help that our past interaction has been negative.

And no, actually, I've paid my taxes considerably; I only lost my job a few weeks ago and I'm only doing this until I get a better job, which I hope is soon. Besides, you have to do what you have to do to survive (within reason) until you can get back on your feet. Further, I'm not on any sort of welfare what-so-ever. I've considered it as a temporary bridge, so to speak, but I've just not gotten around to looking into it. I'm more concerned with finding a job and getting through school.

Now you're comparing me to a god? Wtf? Dude, you're taking my words and running the wrong direction. I'm not saying I expect my words to be revered. What I expect is a level headed (reasonable) approach, and I didn't feel you were being level headed or reasonable.

Anyways, how about we clear the slate, and start our discussion over? Like I said, I think we both misunderstood, and I let my temper get the best of me.

I apologize for everything. No excuses, I was a douche.

Mea culpa?

~L

That's the thing, I've been putting applications in and going to interviews. Heck, I turned in one to Subway and ChickenBonz just the other day. It just seems like either my luck stinks, or they're not hiring.I've been looking into other things as well, but we'll see how things go.

Also, perhaps I should mention is that I'm not working as an ESL person through a school or company, I'm doing private lessons in the guy's home. So I don't get a pay check, per se.

Do you look like a scruff? Have pink hair? Wear jeans and a tee-shirt to an interview? I ask this because people actually do this going to job interviews. I have seen help wanted  signs in my area at fast food places and places like Lowe's and Home Depot. I have no idea what vibe you give off, but you can't look like a guy that's going to pick his nose while making a customers sub. If needed you can pick up a business suit at a thrift store, and that's what I recommend you wear, no matter what type of job you interview for. There are plenty of tips for interviewing on the internet, many just plain common sense. If you are going to interviews, that means those places ARE hiring, which means the problem is you, the way you are presenting yourself.

I never compared you to God.  Again, reading comprehension!  I said you must feel your words are God's words since to disagree with them is blasphemy!  At least that is what you indicated when I dared to disagree with you.

Whether you think I am level headed and reasonable or not is immaterial. That you decide I cannot debate you on MY BLOG is the height of conceit.  Or your impression of godliness.

Apology accepted, and you do not have to call yourself a douche.  I can understand you getting extremely sensitive based upon our past run ins.  I am willing to accept you are changed if you demonstrate it and will debate you on what you say today - not yesterday.

My youngest son (I do love him) looks like that and then wonders why he is not getting the girls! (Around here, even a hippie can get a job flipping burgers).  But at 17, he still has some growing up to do and maturing.

He wants to be a singer - and is a great guitar player - but he has my voice!  Which means unless he is going to do rap, there is no hope for him in that area.

At 17 he still has a little time to mature. Cold, hard reality usually sets in by the early 20's, Of course since Obama is pushing parents to keep them in the nest until 26, your mileage may vary.

Back to the actual topic of the OP, this isn't at all surprising. A moonbat issues a challenge with the intention of puffing up his own ego and then runs for the hills when the challenge is actually, and surprisingly (to him), accepted.

Pretty typical behavior for one of that sort.

My hair is short and neat, my goatee is trimmed, and I've dresssed in a dress shirt and slacks. I've been forthright and honest with my interviews; no bullshit, no games. If they have questions, I've answered them without reservation.

Perhaps the problem is me, but it doesn't make sense when I  dress for succcess and have always presented myself in a professional manner. I'll just have to step up even more and try what you suggested with the business suit.

Actually, i would disagree, seeing as you claimed that I felt my word was, to put it in a different way, divine wouldn't that mean that, according to you, I think of myself as being divine? God like?

Anyways, I digress.

Eh, I was a douche though.

I wouldn't call it sensitive, per se. It's that, while I'm not perfect, or suave, or debonair, I know I'm a decent guy. So, on the one hand I truly don't care what people say, on the other hand there is that part of me that doesn't care for what I felt was trashing my name. One of my hopes in life is to leave behind a good legacy, you know? Nothing fancy, just to be known for being honest, caring, strong, etc.

Make any sense?

Anyways, I'm meandering again. I appreciate it btw.

I concur.

Unless you're applying for a position as an artist or porn star, lose the goatee and put on a suit (preferably black or dark navy blue) over top of the nice shirt (with a tie), slacks and clean, polished dress shoes . Without even actually see you, just by your description, I see a "pompous ass, that wants to go outside the business norm, and may or may not show up for work on time each morning". How's that? First impressions are everything, and the potential employer is sizing you up the moment they lay eyes on you, before a word is even said. This usually takes 5 minutes or less. This advice applies for paper boy to CEO, and most everything in between. Your way... better have a friend on the inside that has outstanding credibility with the employer or is the employer. Like I said, friendly advice, do as you wish.

OK enough all ready, you were a douche, everyone agrees. See you can make your point when you want to!

Exactly! What makes it news is that HE made it news.

You might want to lose the Goatee at least for now.  I changed jobs a year ago, and my wife suggested I shave my beard.  I did.  And got an offer in a couple of weeks!  While beards are popular (I like mine), some places do not like them.  I remember at one Job Fair where I was told my the EDS guy that no facial hair was accepted at their place (I was not really trying for an EDS job as I had heard too many negatives about it).  That comment though has stuck with me.

Pompous ass? Pfft, please. I've always shown up for work; in fact, setting aside one or two incidents that were out of my hands, I have always arrived early and done my done, as it was supposed. 

I am curious however. How do i come off as you've claim? 

And I'll take whatever advice someone is willing to pass along; I appreciate it. 

Duly noted, and thanks.

I can? No way! 

And again you miss the point. (I or) Any potential employer don't know if you have perfect attendance on your interview. Your response does tell me more about your personality though. You obviously get offended by generic questions, that any employer might ask EVERY applicant. Even if your reaction isn't as strong as it is above, I bet dollars to donuts you give off that vibe during your interview. It can be something as small as the look on your face, before you even answer.

Here's a thought. Next time you interview and don't get the job, ask the interviewer if they would give you some honest feedback. What they did or didn't like about your interview. Some will brush you off in order not to hurt your feelings or move on, but if you are sincere and respectful, some may tell you what you could have done better.

Check this out (there are many like it): http://www.worktree.com/tb/IN_mistakes.cfm

Many moons ago I was in charge of a large IT department.  We contracted with a firm to install 3500 Macs in schools.  Much later I hired the leader of the contract company, and one of his temp employees.  Hiring the leader was easy.  he was technically excellent and interviewed well.  But the other guy - he was technically excellent. 

The leader asked me at a later time what I thought about the temp worker.  I told him I hired him because I knew he could do the job - having worked with him.  But that was the only reason I did since he was the WORST interviewee I had had in a long time.  The leader basically reflected my response on why HE had hired him as well.

That temp became a good friend of mine even to this day.  But he is just a lousy interviewee.  He is smart, personable, and a nice guy.  And right now has one of the hardest jobs in the tech industry (supporting college professors).  I guess they hired him (I did give him an excellent recommendation) because no one else wants the job (and I do not blame anyone for not wanting it).

Actually, my comment wasn't meant to sound like I was shrugging it off. It's was simply confidence. Perhaps I just didn't get it across, my bad. 

I do get what you're saying though. I have to consider the fact that the person doesn't know me, and is making a first impression. Given that they don't know me, they are unable to discern what my comment may mean, outside of their assumptions and bias. Example, my previous comment.

Close?

~L

Lucas-

I don't buy any of it. I pop in here from time to time and I rarely if ever log in so there is really no need to have a valid user ID to see anything important here.

You want people to believe that you have so many email addresses you can't try them all. You want to pretend that you can't remember your credentials. I call Shenanigans.

In your next iteration try not to lie right out of the gate. It will lend a load of credibility to your always professed 'I've changed/grown up/matured ... I swear this time' line.

Doc this was interesting. I am glad I caught this bit of news here because I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere else I frequent.

You're entitled to your opinion JJ, but you're wrong. I have, 5 hotmail emails, one yahoo, gmail, one aol, my university one and a few others that I haven't used in a while. I can prove it, send me an email to one.

And no John, I didn't remember. I'm sorry, I haven't had JU on my mind in a while and I had more important things to worry about. Like, say, work, school, and so on.  I even mentioned this. Also, I don't write down my log in info; I never have. Granted, I should, it would behoove to do so.

Now, prove what you said. You're making the allegation, so prove it. I've called you on it.

~L

Just John - it is always good to hear from you!  I know you are tied up with the little (not so little any longer, eh?) ones.  They do look adorable.  I think I saw part of a stuffed chest in one of the pics on your 30 fingers and toes site!

What would you like me to prove? That it is idiotic to have so many email addresses? That there is no possible way that you have suddenly had an epiphany and you are now enlightened?

Like I said I call shenanigans. When you start something with the truth, you should have nothing to hide - not even who you are in the anonymity of the internet. You could have called yourself anything when you set up your account and you chose to hide behind yet another moniker.

If you have changed so much, why is it that you are so easy to spot?

Doc-

They are not so little anymore. That is for sure. I keep saying that I am going to get around to posting updates on their site but it's too much fun playing with them and I really have no desire to look at a computer after work is done.

It's crazy to think that next week they will be starting school. They are going to a head start program here. They are doing so well. Chloe alomst passed the test to get into 'real school'. She was just a couple of point shy and I think after meeting their teachers that next year they will all pass the test.

My wife does an amazing job with them. She is ready for a break though. Tuesday wont come soon enough for her.