Hilarious

Even after 20 years The Simpsons is still hilarious and original.

Mulligan Update

I've been traveling a lot (for both work and for pleasure) lately. The good news is that I have a bunch of friends that are willing to watch Mulligan for me while I'm gone. (Many thanks Donna, Bryn, Nick, and Nikki). Mulligan only needed to be boarded once this past month (although, I think he enjoys the Pets Hotel).

When I was in Albuquerque this past week, Mulligan got Nikki to write me an email update. I thought I would share it:

Dear Mom-
Life has been great! I was able to get out and play this afternoon after you left. Auntie Nikki left me alone with the kitty again, but it was fine. She came back home and we went for a nice long walk and then played fetch (my favorite game!!) I sure am glad I have dino with me! It is fun to catch when she throws it. I just got into my carrier and Auntie is getting ready for bed. But, I haven't wined or anything, just like you said. I know Auntie Nikki is a big sucker but I sure am being a good boy. The kitty likes to jump in the bath tub and drink water, I think that is fascinating!! Having a great time here!! Can't wait for you to come back so we can all play. Auntie says she has an early day at work tomorrow. Oh boy! More fetch with Dino. Hope you are having a great trip and can't wait to see you tomorrow and show you all the fun things we've been doing!
Your wonderful, good boy (always)
Love
Mulligan

DS Auntie Nikki

Mulligan is either a well-adjusted pup or not attached to me (any warm body will do). He does well with other dogs, people, and places. It's a good thing because we like to travel a bunch.

Because this post is all about Mulligan, here are some pictures of Mulligan sporting his Jets Hoodie (Thanks Mom!): 

Weekend Getaway: Golf, music, and family Part Deux

I'm a bit late in posting some videos from the concert. I've been super busy with travel and work, but the main reason I haven't posted any videos from the concert is because Google Video was recently (?) taken offline. So, I had to resort to other means to embed my videos (i.e. youtube) onto my blog.

As promised I have a few video clips from the Zac Brown Band concert a few weekends ago. I got to say, this has got to be one of my favorite bands (the Dixie Chicks are still my fave). I think their musicianship really shined in the concert because at the end of each song, they would just jam out for another 5 minutes.They played for a long time. I think the set was about 1.5 hours long. The played some songs from their first album (fan favorites like "Toes" and "Chicken Fried") and a few from their new album (I especially like "Knee Deep" and "Let It Go"). My favorite part of the concert was listening their medley and cover song choices. They performed a medley of "Free" with Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" and "Where the Boat Leaves From" with Bob Marley's "One Love."

One cover song, which was a bit of a shocker was their cover of Outkast's "So Fresh and So Clean." After all, Zac Brown Band is a country band. Really well done. Unexpected, but great!

Judge for yourself:

Weekend Getaway: Golf, music, and family Part 1

I traveled to Phoenix to spend time with my brother and sister-in-law two weekends ago. I get really spoiled in the Bay area with weather. It was 103 on Saturday and 106 on Sunday in Phoenix. VERY HOT! Of course, this didn't keep us from golfing both days--granted I didn't golf very well :(

On Saturday, we had a full day of activities planned. A little work at Paradise Cafe in the morning with my sister, golf in the afternoon with my brother, dinner and concert with family and friends. We had dinner at Twin Peaks Brewery in Tempe. The food and beer were really good.

Rickie and Michelle at Twin Peaks Brewery

Rickie and I at Twin Peaks

L to R: Michelle, Rickie, Me, Elena, Angie

 The concert was at the Cricket Wireless Pavilion. I really like this venue. (Elena took me to see Kenny Chesney there back in '03 when I was living with her taking Physics at ASU.) We got lawn tickets, so we were able to stretch out on the blankets while listening to some great tunes. The only bad thing about outdoor concerts is the smoke. There were a lot of people smoking cigarettes (yuck!) during the concert.

Rickie and Michelle at the Zac Brown Band Concert

The whole crew at the Zac Brown Band Concert

(I have a crazy farmers tan line in this pic. I need to start running/playing golf in sleeveless shirts)

Michelle and I

I'm going post some videos of the concert next.

Lessons from Recent Interview Candidates: What NOT to do on a job interview.

Recently, a few really good people left Sandia, so we are trying to fill these positions in my department. Naturally, we are in the process of interviewing candidates for these spots. It has not gone well. Who knew it was going to be this hard to find quality candidates?

Last week, during my interview with a candidate I asked him if he had any questions for me. His response: "how do I make a million dollars?" Really? Out of all the questions that you can ask an interviewer, he chose to ask me that!?!?! I mean, i know we teach students that there is no such thing as a bad question, but there is something to be said for relevance.

That candidate was not nearly as bad as the one I interviewed today. In addition to not being strong technically, she entirely misses the mark socially. For example, two of my colleagues took the candidate to lunch. After one colleague (let's call him colleague A) and the candidate was finished eating their portions, the candidate proceeded to reach across the table to colleague B's plate, and asked "do you mind if I have a fry?" Before colleague B was able to respond, the candidate picked up a french fry and ate it.

Seriously? Really? Seriously? When is that EVER appropriate in a professional setting? When is that appropriate on an interview?

Oh, you want another example of the candidate's awkwardness? During my manager's 1 on 1 interview with the candidate he explains that his educational background was in electrical engineering. The candidate's response: "that's hot!" This candidate was really all over the place. She reminded me of the dog in the movie Up..........SQUIRREL!

Does anyone else have any funny interview stories? Please share.