I am interviewing potential student employees and need a good way to determine if they are people who both listen to direction but are capable and like figuring things out for themselves. Without giving away that that is what I am asking, because of course they will say that they can!

Is it for a costuming position. I once had a test where I had to perform very specific sewing tasks, including using a specific stitch length/type for each different task and it had to be done within a time limit. (The interviewer had graduated from a tailoring course and was super anal.)

It was of course one of those days were the sewing machine would not yield to my will and I stank.

The problem with the independent or closer supervision question is that I tend to give away what I want with my voice! It is too funny.

This is actually for an office position, although that is a good idea for my costume position.

Why does the McDonnalds near where I work have their flag at half-mast? Was the Hamburgler killed in a prison fight?

The nearby Burger King does not have their flag at half-mast, which would make sense, as the Hamburgler was not royalty.

Two numbers down, two voicemails left. I have one more emergency number but she babysat for us last night for six hours and I hate to have to ask her again tonight.

Can we talk about the worst news story of the day? The guy who kidnapped an 11-year-old and held her for 18 years, while she had two of his children??? And his wife was there, too?!?! [link]

I had to stop reading, Jesse. It was making me gag this morning. I'm glad they found her and I hope that guy goes to prison for the rest of his life. I also hope that she and her daughters can pull some semblance of a life out of this shitty situation.

What made me gag was his assertion that after all the "facts" are out, he's going to be hailed and the story will be seen as "heartwarming."

Fucktard.

He's fucking crazy. But there still needs to be some punishment there. His wife should have said something. I feel badly for the neighbors who suspected there were children living in tents in the back yard but never said anything. I'm sure they feel like shit now.

Babysitting crisis averted. Now I can go tidy up the house.

Oh, I want punishment. Lots and lots of punishment. Starting with cutting his balls off.

If by "heartwarming" he means his heart will be carved out and roasted over an open fire while the rest of his body is torn apart by wild dogs, I'm all for it.