Jimbo's Journal

I found a whopper of a website yesterday.  BEWARE: Read at your own risk!  It's called FrontPageMag.com.  

Those of you in education will like this one: they have this article entitled The Left Concedes the Academy Is Left.  It starts outSo within the first 3-4 sentences it completely undermines it initial premise and essentially admits that the article is full of shit.

Yeah, there are more "lefties" in Academia/Education (I assume that is what they mean by "The Academy") than there are conservatives.  We know, we know.  I wonder why that is.  Because they've all been blacklisted?  No.  You admit that isn't true.  Maybe it's because liberals are more interested in education than conservatives are.  If you don't like it, then become a professor, and start a movement to get more conservatives involved in education.  But that's not going to happen because you're not interested in actually getting involved or in teaching.  You're only interested in citing the unfairness of the situation as you see it.  WAH!!!  If it's so important to you, then let's address some other disparities.  How come there aren't more "liberals" in high military positions or in corporate executive positions?  I'd contend that maybe liberals generally aren't as passionately interested in these fields, you know, similar to how conservatives aren't that interested in education.  How about we make a deal?  You stop blacklisting liberals from military officer and CEO positions and we'll stop blacklisting conservatives from academia.

Fuckwads!

End Rant.

I had an interview today.  I think it went alright, considering that I was fairly unprepared.  It's a German company that want to increase production in the US.  Purchasing.  Some of it sounds really good, other parts are scary.  That is to be expected, I know.  There is essentially no structure at this point.  I would probably have a lot of say in creating policies and procedures.  That is good because it's what I'm constantly bitching about at my current job.  On the other hand, that's exactly what scares me about it.  I've never seen myself as a leader/management.  This has led me in the past to fail in the past (self-fulfilling? probably somewhat) and not take other jobs.

Anyway, it seems interesting.  He mentioned that he'd be setting up second interviews with higher-ups in the next week or so, so that leads me to believe that he was somewhat interested in me.   I'm in kind of a weird position right now.  I know my current job can't really go anywhere.  It's also not really suited for me in the long run as they are unwilling to adapt sufficiently to what I want (procedures, etc, as stated).  But we are on the verge of getting new purchasing software, which has me fairly excited.  It's a challenge but still in my comfort zone.  But that's short-term, and I know that deep down.

This brings along all the associated stresses like having to take time off from current job in order to go through the process.  That always makes me VERY uncomfortable.  Hopefully prospective employers realize that aspect of loyalty that I have to employers.  Not really loyalty so much as a personal code of ethics.  Same with the two-weeks-notice thing, which didn't come up today but I always worry about. 


BTW, does anyone know anything about SAP software (purchasing software?)??

Lots of thoughts have run through my head in the past couple weeks.  At some point I may try to elucidate on them, if I work up the courage and initiative.

One of my biggest concerns, aside from Caleb, has continued to be my parents.  I've commented in the past about this, I know, but their financial situation continue to be worrisome.  I've avoided talking to them as much as possible lately as even something so important is dwarfed by Caleb's medical situation, but we have discussed it some.   From a brief discussion with mom yesterday, they plan on returning home (I think she said) by Sunday.  My mom's (new-ish)  job at the bank seems safe.  From what I gather, they've been understanding as to the time off, but she still hasn't been getting paid, and they won't allow her continue to be absent indefinitely.  Dad, who has been selling art, I'll call it "flea market style," has missed a lot of opportunity due to all the rain we've had in the past several months, and he unexpectantly missed these last two finally nice weekends.

My dad's sister (who's retired) wired him some money before they left to go up to Toronto.  I gave them a not insignificant amount also, much to their initial protest.  At this point I don't expect it back and would MUCH rather see them figure out their situation.  Frankly, I don't think their current (especially dad's) plans are working, but I don't see an easy solution.  I don't see dad being willing to go back to a regular "9-5 job" like mom has.  And it isn't exactly easy for a 62 year old man to find an "entry-level" job, to which drmagoo can attest.  It's not the easiest topic to broach with them either.......

What a week.  Very busy.  Busy like I haven't been in a LONG time.  My work ethic has suffered (as I had guessed it might), and I am currently very flustered by having to do so much at once.  

Last thursday (before the Mem Day weekend) one of my vendors/friends informed me that one of his customers has a purchasing position open.  I haven't sent an email (with resume) to the guy yet...... I'm not sure about it (from the VERY little that I know), mainly because it's way in Schaumburg.  Though I do plan on trying to move east .... If I ever get off my ass.  Also he said that the guy seems to want someone right away.  No matter how much I seem to dislike my job sometimes, I feel VERY uncomfortable about giving NO notice to an employer.  Anyway, I'm going to contact the guy and find out more.

Now, the good (per memo).  The company finally broke the $6million sales barrier.  We got a substantial bonus check today.  The first one I've received in 6 years.  The memo also mentioned (same as last year and the year before) that we would be getting new software.  Hah!  I'll believe it when I see it.  But I am much less skeptical under the circumstances.

I feel like I have gotten a lot done this week, but haven't really made any progress towards finishing anything.

 

I'm not even sure that's the correct terminology.

I got an email regarding a job opening, which I don't know if it's valid:

( Email text including link ) Email Text:

Your online resume has recently come to my attention. I am impressed with your qualifications. A client of mine needs to fill an opening and because of your previous experience in the customer service industry, I believe you might be a solid match. Please read over this information regarding the Bookseller position. The Barnes and Nobles Bookseller assists customers with book purchases and any questions they might have.

Barnes and Nobles

Bookseller

Above Average Salary with growth incentives

We are looking for someone who has great communication skills and the ability to perform administrative tasks. If you would like more information about this position or would like to submit an application, please click on the link. You may also paste the link into your browser to access a more detailed description and application. The job description will give you a better idea of what types of perks are available.

http://the-job-group.org/cmanager2.aspx?em=jimbow8@yahoo.com&id=rsdxcfdf7_u7845tmreviealCnerbig011520082ser18&rd=745&j=5112408

So far that's reasonable, but when I click on the link it's a bunch of text boxes to fill out. Also reasonable, EXCEPT two of the required fields are Cell Phone Number and Cell Phone Provider. I can see them asking for a cell phone number (but requiring it??) as it may be required for the job???? But why the hell would they require to know my provider?

This just set off some warning bells. Anyone know if this is some kind of scheme or if it's legit? Any opinions?

I've been curious about Technical Writing for a while.  Perhaps I should look into it more.

I am surprised (yet not) that I show interest in networking but no skills.

Also, GIS Specialist (never heard of it before) and Real Estate Appraiser sound possibly interesting.  And, well, of course CARTOGRAPHER, that's like a dream!

Along the same lines as

luminousx  's post yesterday ..... kinda.

http://www.forbes.com/2007/08/21/talbot-singles-discrimination-forbeslife-singles07_cx_lt_0821talbot.html

Stop Singlism!
Leslie Talbot 08.21.07, 6:00 PM ET 

 

Listen up, singletons. If you've given up on the dating scene and resigned yourself to a lifetime of solitude culminating in a fatal fall in the shower and subsequent consumption by starving house pets, here's something else to fret about:

You're a member of the only minority subject to officially sanctioned discrimination--call it singlism.

So... I'm worried about my dad again (... and mom).  I called my dad to offer to take him out to dinner Sunday evening for Father's Day .... but never got that far.  He mentioned their financial difficulties at present and plans to .... find the best way out of them.  I was offering my perspective and limited insight and trying to address "worst case scenarios" without upsetting him too much.  I had been noticing catches in his voice when all of a sudden he says "Let me call you back. I gotta throw up."  Umm, OK.  So I go into panic mode.  I called my mom and immediately ask her if she is with dad.  "No."  I summarize the situation.  She says that, yes, in fact he is very stressed and hasn't been sleeping well (a fact which he had mentioned) and that he went home feeling sick.  So now I feel rotten knowing that, unwitting as it may have been, I probably stressed him out more..... and more importantly WORRIED to death about his health (he's had a heart attack in the past).  He calls my mom on the other line and she talks to him briefly and then comes back to me.  Yes, he did throw up because he got overwhelmed which just makes me get all emotional (cry).  She says he asked if she would continue the conversation with me since he wasn't up to it.  So I'm left with this worry and feeling of helplessness (which is, I think, my greatest fear).  Neither I nor they know of any way which (or even IF) I can help.  They're still trying to figure out options themselves.  It's a matter of circumstances and bad decisions and bad advise and other things.  

Anyhoo, I'm not looking for condolences or best wishes or anything like that.  I just needed to vent a bit - my Kahlua doesn't seem all that interested.  It also occured to me that events like this have shaped my ideology quite a bit.  I hear a lot of the rhetoric that "If one tries hard enough, anyone can succeed (or become rich, etc)."  Fuck that shit.  My dad's worked pretty damn hard throughout his life (without making any comparisons) and my mom is no slouch either.  She was a "working mom" and ALWAYS had a job as far as I can remember.  Were they high profile jobs? No.  Did they step on others to get ahead? NO!!!!  Despite the stereotype, my dad was a used car salesman and worked damn hard at it - as much as 60-70 hours per week sometimes.  They have worked a HELL OF A LOT harder than I ever have.  And what do they have to show for it?  DEBT, is what!  My mom actually apologized because she said they would never be able to leave me anything....  That's the LAST thing I want them thinking about - less than the last thing.  As I told her, if they had $10million dollars, I'd rather they spend every penny than leave a single cent to me.  I'm certainly not going to begrudge them not leaving me an inheritance.  I've seen enough (though few) of families at each others throats because of what they actually think they DESERVE from what their parents worked for.  Fuck that!!!!  It's their money; they earned it.

But sometimes hard work and just being a good person just isn't enough to achieve that American Dream......

I've mentioned a few times how my parents have been having somewhat of a difficult time.  Well, there was another negative.  The woman that they had employed to work at the store quit.  Basically they need someone to give them a little time off.  Their store is in the mall and is required to be open 7 days per week for the entire mall hours.  Needless to say, this is hard for two people to achieve.  The day after Christmas, my dad went in to open the store.  K was supposed to come in at 1pm to work the rest of the day.  She showed up, said that she wasn't able to work any nights and couldn't work on Jan. 1 (the day that we are celebrating with my dad's side of the family).  He told her that the schedule has been up for 3 weeks.  She told him that she quit.  So now the holiday get together with family is jeopardized (short term) and they have have to find someone else trustworthy so that they can get some rest (long term).  Then on top of all that, I'm worried about my dad's stress level again .... probably most of all.

(No, I haven't found a new job yet, but this isn't directly related to that)  ;)

I got an email from careerbuilder.com which had this listing:

Denial Specialist - Managed Care  

DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Vice-President of Managed Care Contracting. Is responsible for the following major functions: -working denial claims -identifying contract payment issues -collection of underpaid managed care accounts

Now I know that .... actually no, I don't know, I assume that the jobe is not to DENY claims, but let's be honest, that is the job of the Insurance Company these days - do everything they can to not pay a claim.