Random Thoughts That Don't Deserve Their Own Thread Go Here

[TCY Junkie]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

Exactly seventy-three according to the survey I handed out.

I can see you handing out a survey with the question, "what's the first thing you think about when you see me", it's in a women's locker room.

[PilotMan]

Schedule a meeting in outlook to discuss it.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by PilotMan

Schedule a meeting in outlook to discuss it.

The place I am at now, I swear not one person other than me grasps using Outlook to schedule meetings.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by DanGarion

Does Elizabeth Taylor have a long standing relationship with the mining industry?

I believe she does, which is pretty eerie since I'm not in the mining business anymore.

[DanGarion]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

I believe she does, which is pretty eerie since I'm not in the mining business anymore.

Damn, I'm stuck in the mid 2000's.

[JediKooter]

I heard Pumpy used to be Richard Burton's bowling partner.

[ColtCrazy]

State is cutting our school's budget by $400K each year for the next 2 years. My job is safe. Wife's is probably safe this year, but mostly likely she'll be out the following. I've always had the wonderlust of the 2 of us, so I'm urging her to consider moving to another country to work.

Anyone know about teaching overseas? Abu Dhabi sounds very interesting...

[sterlingice]

Getting a work visa can be quite difficult from what I've looked into. Some places are easier than others, of course.

SI

[StLee]

Originally Posted by ColtCrazy

State is cutting our school's budget by $400K each year for the next 2 years. My job is safe. Wife's is probably safe this year, but mostly likely she'll be out the following. I've always had the wonderlust of the 2 of us, so I'm urging her to consider moving to another country to work.

Anyone know about teaching overseas? Abu Dhabi sounds very interesting...

I teach in Korea. I can help you with any information you want to know about teaching here.

I will tell you that Korea is known for being a place where you can save lots of money, mostly because housing is free/cheap and transportation is cheap and easy. When I was single, I was doing whatever I wanted and still saving about $1000 USD per month. I think the X-Factor in spending money a lot of times is whether or not you like Korean food. The people who enjoy Korean food tend to have a lot more money in their pockets than the people who insist on eating Western food every day. Burger King, McDonald's, Outback, and other Western restaurants are meant to be occasional treats here, not a way of life.

[Suicane75]

Someone needs to tell TGI Fridays that they don't need to spice up every cotton pickin thing they serve. I hate that place. This is why I never try anything new.

[Suicane75]

I was telling anyone who would listen that Diana Birch had my favorite album of 2010 and that she was amazing. Then I heard her live and was very disappointed. I hate when that happens. It was like when Third Eye Blind played a New Years Eve special and the sound gave my dog some sort of seizure.

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by ColtCrazy

State is cutting our school's budget by $400K each year for the next 2 years. My job is safe. Wife's is probably safe this year, but mostly likely she'll be out the following. I've always had the wonderlust of the 2 of us, so I'm urging her to consider moving to another country to work.

Anyone know about teaching overseas? Abu Dhabi sounds very interesting...

I've been thinking about teaching English overseas as well, specifically Japan or Korea (so you might get a PM from me at some point StLee ). Have a few big family events happening this year so I have to wait a bit, probably next year if I decide to pursue it. My worry is that I'm in my mid-30s and from what I've read, they mostly want fresh out of college 22 (or so) year olds. I've thought about getting TEFL certification (or equivalent) to offset that.

[Mustang]

Originally Posted by StLee

The people who enjoy Korean food tend to have a lot more money in their pockets than the people who insist on eating Western food every day.

I wish I could eat Korean food everyday. Hell, I'd be happy if I could eat it once a week.

[Mustang]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

Exactly seventy-three according to the survey I handed out.

What is the most number of people you've scared on purpose?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by Mustang

What is the most number of people you've scared on purpose?

Evidently, five.

[StLee]

Originally Posted by sabotai

I've been thinking about teaching English overseas as well, specifically Japan or Korea (so you might get a PM from me at some point StLee ). Have a few big family events happening this year so I have to wait a bit, probably next year if I decide to pursue it. My worry is that I'm in my mid-30s and from what I've read, they mostly want fresh out of college 22 (or so) year olds. I've thought about getting TEFL certification (or equivalent) to offset that.

Many Korean universities have an unwritten hiring age of 30 or over for hiring anyone: don't miss work from hangovers, don't get arrested for fighting, etc.

An ESL certification, education/English degree, or master's degree gets you higher-paying jobs, but all you have to have is a bachelor's degree.

But, yes, if anyone is interested, please send me a PM. I don't mind helping.

[ColtCrazy]

StLee, thanks for the info. At the moment, we are checking out the UAE. They seem to have good salaries, a nice incentive package (housing primarily), and a fairly good rep. Still looking into how my own kids will be educated, that seems to be the one fall back.

We haven't looked into the Far East yet. Would it be possible for both my wife and I to obtain jobs? How's the salary compare to the US? And do they offer incentives (housing and the like)? Thanks. Nice to know someone else is doing it.

sabotai - From what I've seen, the TEFL certificate isn't a deal breaker. Some countries require it, like most of the US. Others seem to just want native English speakers.

[MacroGuru]

Jessica Rabbit...Hot or Not?

[JediKooter]

I think he's earned it. Give him the damn citizenship already.

WWII vet discovers he’s not a U.S. citizen - Yahoo! News

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by MacroGuru

Jessica Rabbit...Hot or Not?

How is this even a question? She was modeled after Kathy Griffin (it's true - look it up!), so the answer is obvious.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

How is this even a question? She was modeled after Kathy Griffin (it's true - look it up!), so the answer is obvious.

I just looked this up and couldn't find anything on this.

So, let me quote the immortal JoeyKnothead:

Originally Posted by JoeyKnothead

THERE IS NO SHAME IN RETRACTING A CLAIM. EITHER PROVE YOUR CLAIMS OR RETRACT THEM.

QUIT IGNORING REQUESTS FOR EVIDENCE. QUIT CHANGING THE SUBJECT. PROVE YOUR CLAIMS.

THIS IS A DEBATE SITE, EXPECT YOUR CLAIMS TO BE QUESTIONED. BE PREPARED TO PROVE YOUR CLAIMS, OR BE PREPARED TO RETRACT THEM.

IT IS HIGHLY IRRITATING TO SEE ALL THIS PREACHING GOING ON, AND FOLKS ACTING DUMBSTRUCK WHEN ASKED FOR EVIDENCE. EITHER YOUR CLAIMS ARE PROVABLE, OR THEY ARE NOT.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO PROVE YOUR CLAIMS, RETRACT THEM. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO RETRACT YOUR CLAIMS, THEN DON'T CLAIM STUFF, DUH.

PROVE YOUR CLAIMS OR RETRACT THEM

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

I just looked this up and couldn't find anything on this.

I can't believe you actually looked it up.

[JediKooter]

Well, we all know with red heads...they're either hot or they're not. There is no in between...

[JediKooter]

Deep fried french toast...how I love thee.

[terpkristin]

Dammit now I'm hungry again!
/tk

[terpkristin]

I went to a meeting today at work. The meeting was conducted by a person in my company who is notorious for using buzzwords. Seriously, I think he must've gotten his hands on a Six Sigma brochure or something. Every other word is a buzzword. This time, he added some gems to the mix. At various points the word "penetrate" was used, as were the phrases "confidently assert" and "getting to first base."

The only reason I go to that particular meeting is to hear what words come out of that guy's mouth.

/tk

[SackAttack]

Somebody should tell him if first base is as far as he's gotten, there isn't gonna be penetration anytime soon.

[jeff061]

I say "Multi-Tenant" and "The Cloud" roughly 43 trillion times a day.

I feel like an ass dropping the buzz, but people go for it.

[Rizon]

Originally Posted by terpkristin

I went to a meeting today at work. The meeting was conducted by a person in my company who is notorious for using buzzwords. Seriously, I think he must've gotten his hands on a Six Sigma brochure or something. Every other word is a buzzword. This time, he added some gems to the mix. At various points the word "penetrate" was used, as were the phrases "confidently assert" and "getting to first base."

The only reason I go to that particular meeting is to hear what words come out of that guy's mouth.

/tk

You obviously had a disconnect. You should have either used an exit strategy and hit the ground running or tried to think outside the box and found some synergy. It's a win-win, man, baste the turkey. It's mission critical.

[terpkristin]

Originally Posted by Rizon

You obviously had a disconnect. You should have either used an exit strategy and hit the ground running or tried to think outside the box and found some synergy. It's a win-win, man, baste the turkey. It's mission critical.

Funny. One of those phrases is actually APPROPRIATE to use in my industry.

/tk

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by terpkristin

Dammit now I'm hungry again!
/tk

Sorry about that. I won't tell you how good it tastes then.

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by terpkristin

Funny. One of those phrases is actually APPROPRIATE to use in my industry.

/tk

How does turkey basting relate to aerospace?

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by Rizon

You obviously had a disconnect. You should have either used an exit strategy and hit the ground running or tried to think outside the box and found some synergy. It's a win-win, man, baste the turkey. It's mission critical.

To properly eschew the dichotomy of the paradigm you just have to think outside of the box.

[jeff061]

Is "robust" dead or is that still proper?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

I can't believe you actually looked it up.

I was super bored at work.

And I believe in you.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by terpkristin

I went to a meeting today at work. The meeting was conducted by a person in my company who is notorious for using buzzwords. Seriously, I think he must've gotten his hands on a Six Sigma brochure or something. Every other word is a buzzword. This time, he added some gems to the mix. At various points the word "penetrate" was used, as were the phrases "confidently assert" and "getting to first base."

The only reason I go to that particular meeting is to hear what words come out of that guy's mouth.

/tk

Ah, misguided Six Sigma...



SI

[DanGarion]

Originally Posted by Rizon

You obviously had a disconnect. You should have either used an exit strategy and hit the ground running or tried to think outside the box and found some synergy. It's a win-win, man, baste the turkey. It's mission critical.

It all trickles down when you are looking at a high level overview.

[StLee]

Originally Posted by ColtCrazy

StLee, thanks for the info. At the moment, we are checking out the UAE. They seem to have good salaries, a nice incentive package (housing primarily), and a fairly good rep. Still looking into how my own kids will be educated, that seems to be the one fall back.

We haven't looked into the Far East yet. Would it be possible for both my wife and I to obtain jobs? How's the salary compare to the US? And do they offer incentives (housing and the like)? Thanks. Nice to know someone else is doing it.

sabotai - From what I've seen, the TEFL certificate isn't a deal breaker. Some countries require it, like most of the US. Others seem to just want native English speakers.

There are many jobs, both in public schools and private academies, that advertise specifically for couples. Married couples have no problems getting jobs either at the same school or very close to each other (maybe one person at an elementary school and the other at a middle school, or something similar). Every visa-issuing job MUST provide housing either through a free apartment or a monthly stipend. In your case, since you are not currently in Korea, you would be offered a free apartment. Family-sized apartments are usually nice if you work outside of Seoul. In Seoul, I have no idea, but since my brother-in-law lives in Seoul and he has a good job, I would guess it's tough to get a nice apartment there. In lots of cases, your apartment will be within walking distance from your school.

As far as salary comparisons, I guess it depends where you live in the U.S. I'm from Louisiana and taught at a community college there, where I was making about $30,000 per year on my nine-month contract.

I make about $2500/month in Korea, but I saved a lot more money because of free housing, low food costs, and low transportation costs. In the U.S., I was paying a mortgage and car loan costs, so I was saving right at $0 per month. Like I mentioned before, I have been banking on average $1000/month here. That includes costs for traveling. I would think you and your wife could easily bank that much per person, if not more, if you choose to.

Another thing to mention is that Korea is quite safe. I won't say nothing will happen to you because I can't predict that, but in my time here I have never felt in danger and most natives feel the same way. You can take a walk at midnight without the fear of being mugged or worse. That also depends where you are. There are some places in Seoul that you don't want to be in, but that's true of every major city.

I don't know much about the experience in the UAE. I would guess it's the most lucrative place to teach for ESL teachers. Korea has it's pros and cons and that's what you need to weigh regardless of where you go.

[JediKooter]

I give two thumbs up to Korea. I'll always have a soft spot for them.

[sterlingice]

StLee- sounds really neat and it's fun to read about

Have you considered getting dual citizenship there or are you from there?

SI

[ColtCrazy]

StLee - thanks, that is some very useful information. Korea shoots up to the top of my research list. I may pick your brain later on should that end up being our top option.

My wife is not the traveler I am and I know she'll have some concerns about the whole North/South Korea thing. Is that a big issue over there? Just some thoughts to ease her mind. I can't imagine North Korea ever doing more than chest thumping.

[StLee]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

StLee- sounds really neat and it's fun to read about

Have you considered getting dual citizenship there or are you from there?

SI

It's impossible to get dual citizenship, mostly from a native Koreans' perspective. All Korean men must serve in the military for two years. Some opt to become citizens of other countries so that they don't have to serve.

I have a son due in May who will be a dual citizen of Korea (mom) and US (me), but once he becomes an adult, he has to make a choice of which country he wants to be a permanent citizen of, unless, of course, Korea changes its rules between now and then.

Originally Posted by ColtCrazy

StLee - thanks, that is some very useful information. Korea shoots up to the top of my research list. I may pick your brain later on should that end up being our top option.

My wife is not the traveler I am and I know she'll have some concerns about the whole North/South Korea thing. Is that a big issue over there? Just some thoughts to ease her mind. I can't imagine North Korea ever doing more than chest thumping.

The North Koreans aren't an issue at all here, even to the Korean populace. They pity North Korea more than anything else. Since I've been here, there were two incidents, and there were no foreigners anywhere near either of those: the sinking of the Korean ship and the attack on a small island near the NK/SK border. Really, North Korea is not an issue. And if she's worried about that, don't go to the northern area of South Korea, but stay in the south. I live in Daegu, which is in the southeast of SK and very far from NK.

[Qwikshot]

Watching "Archer" last night was a great pick-me-up... "Terms of Enrampagement" indeed, and I loved the homage to Magnum P.I. as well (one of the more indelible scenes from that series - as I loved watching Magnum growing up and when he whacks the Russian it was a shocking to see as it is now), but Archer doing it was just hilarious (as well as the Family Feud scene with the Irish mobsters).

[Pumpy Tudors]

All day, people at work have been asking me if I'm OK. I guess the look on my face is saying something. In any case, if they know me well enough to read my expression, then they know me well enough to expect me to say "I'm fine" whether I am or I'm not. So there's really no reason to ask.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

if they know me well enough to read my expression, then they know me well enough to expect me to say "I'm fine" whether I am or I'm not. So there's really no reason to ask.

Sure there is.

The hollow gesture makes them feel better about themselves and let's face it, since they've surely realized that they can never be Pumpy, they need all the positive reinforcement they can get.

[molson]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

All day, people at work have been asking me if I'm OK. I guess the look on my face is saying something. In any case, if they know me well enough to read my expression, then they know me well enough to expect me to say "I'm fine" whether I am or I'm not. So there's really no reason to ask.

You're so cynical.

The next person who asks you that - you should put your hand on their shoulder, sit them down, and tell them all your troubles. They'll never bother you again.

[jeff061]

Or sincerely thank them and recommend they avoid the office for the rest of the day.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

The hollow gesture makes them feel better about themselves and let's face it, since they've surely realized that they can never be Pumpy, they need all the positive reinforcement they can get.

I'm trying to come up with a way to argue against your point, and I can't do it. Well done.

Originally Posted by molson

You're so cynical.

The next person who asks you that - you should put your hand on their shoulder, sit them down, and tell them all your troubles. They'll never bother you again.

The last time I put my hand on someone's shoulder, he tried to marry me. I have to be careful.

[JediKooter]

This reminds me of something, but, I don't know what it is.

[TCY Junkie]

Originally Posted by molson

You're so cynical.

At least he's not as cynical as me.