The job's yours, unless you need it.

A couple of months ago, an email came through with information about a contract technical writing job with Staples. The message, sent by a recruiter, included this delicious sentence:

Only seeking candidates who have been recently (within the last 3 months) been working as a technical writer.

This is a contract position, mind you, not even a permanent job. They didn't want anyone who was a) new to the profession or, more likely, b) out of work for a long time.
I muttered a bad word and forgot about the email until I saw this article in the New York Times: The Help-Wanted Sign Comes With a Frustrating Asterisk
It appears that this is a common trend. Employers, flush with stimulus funds and renewed tax cuts,  are choosing to treat people who have been out of work for a long time as damaged. (This also applies to people who have gone through training in preparation for a career change.)
It may not be quite as bad as it seems. A search through Monster, SimplyHired, Craigslist, and a few other job sites only showed this example from Monster:

The Times article notes that New Jersey has passed a law that prohibits discrimination against the unemployed.
And so, tonight's moment of Zen: would you ever get the chance to turn down a job offer from a place that wouldn't hire you because you were out of work? 

The job's yours, unless you need it.

A couple of months ago, an email came through with information about a contract technical writing job with Staples. The message, sent by a recruiter, included this delicious sentence:

Only seeking candidates who have been recently (within the last 3 months) been working as a technical writer.

This is a contract position, mind you, not even a permanent job. They didn't want anyone who was a) new to the profession or, more likely, b) out of work for a long time.
I muttered a bad word and forgot about the email until I saw this article in the New York Times: The Help-Wanted Sign Comes With a Frustrating Asterisk
It appears that this is a common trend. Employers, flush with stimulus funds and renewed tax cuts,  are choosing to treat people who have been out of work for a long time as damaged. (This also applies to people who have gone through training in preparation for a career change.)
It may not be quite as bad as it seems. A search through Monster, SimplyHired, Craigslist, and a few other job sites only showed this example from Monster:

The Times article notes that New Jersey has passed a law that prohibits discrimination against the unemployed.
And so, tonight's moment of Zen: would you ever get the chance to turn down a job offer from a place that wouldn't hire you because you were out of work? 

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 29 suspicious items this week and 1 lock-out.]

Holden

Monday, July 18

12:20 a.m. Report that porcupine was hit, someone wrapped it in something and placed it in her yard, Main St.
1:28 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Apple Tree Lane
11:54 a.m. Mass State Police advising of complaint regarding male parties protesting in front of the post office. Poster of President Obama with Hitler mustache
2:35 p.m. Police advise group at post office to move tent and table off the sidewalk, Main St.
2:53 p.m. Caller reports he gave part of his social security number to company he thought was phone company, Mark Bradford Dr.
3:40 p.m. Call regarding person setting off explosives under the underpass, River St.
7:24 p.m. Suspicious male in area of school, Salisbury St.
8:52 p.m. Report of possible gunshots, Mason Rd.
10:30 p.m. Group of kids at rear of building, Main St.

Tuesday, July 19

12:13 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Shrewsbury St. People carpooling picking up vehicles
3:20 p.m. Suspicious van at home where people are away, Cranbrook Dr.
4:39 p.m. Person thought his vehicle had been stolen, no problem, car in lot, Main St.
5:58 p.m. Caller reports yelling at residence, Sumac Circle
6:12 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Salisbury St.
7:36 p.m. Kids on skateboards in back of business on Main St.
9:48 p.m. Disturbance, youth group skating at business on Main St.

Wednesday, July 20

10:56 a.m. Loose sheep in area of Red Barn, Shrewsbury St.
11:51 a.m. Person trying to cross Shrewsbury St. was threatened
2:20 p.m. Police assist motorist with flat tire, Chapel and Malden St.
8:23 p.m. Suspicious incident, male left house upset, Salisbury St.
9:09 p.m. Caller concerned about items left in home when he moved, South Rd.
10:12 p.m. Large group of youths behind senior center, Main St. Group dispersed

Thursday, July 21

7:36 a.m. Report of several men taking pictures of home and putting ladders up against house, Village Green Lane
12:31 p.m. Person at station reporting his trailer plate either lost or stolen, Main St.
7:51 p.m. Person at station to make statement about earlier incident, Main St.
9:05 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Avery Heights Dr.

Friday, July 22

1:06 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Birchwood Dr.
2:39 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Zottoli Rd.
8:12 a.m. Report of several construction vehicles working in the road with no detail officer, Wachusett St. and Manning St.
9:39 a.m. Barking complaint, Avery Heights Dr.
12:47 p.m. Report that someone is in vehicle and sleeping at Highland and Main St.
1:05 p.m. Possible scam involving suspicious call, Mayo Dr.
1:06 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Nola Dr.
1:51 p.m. Suspicious person, Wachusett St.
2:21 p.m. Report of dying raccoon in Dumpster, Doyle Rd.
9:46 p.m. Three youths walking in middle of the road, Reservoir St. and Main
9:55 p.m. Caller from Florida reporting her car stolen for second time. Advised she needs to fill out a new report with police in St. Petersburg, Florida

Saturday, July 23

9:17 a.m. Report that large truck will be in road for short time, Main St.
6:43 p.m. Follow-up with Environmental Police, Main St.

Sunday, July 24

12:09 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Homestead Rd.
11:18 a.m. Report that person has erected a farm in his back yard, Holden St.
12:15 p.m. Report of person in pickup truck removing landscape items from vacant home, Brattle St.
1:38 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Boyden Rd.
3:57 p.m. Caller reporting a scam about winning money, Bailey Rd.
8:04 p.m. Report of fireworks/bottle rockets in area of Fairhill Rd.

Paxton

Monday, July 18

11:55 a.m. Advised of sinkhole at Burtenmar Circle. Referred to DPW
12:45 p.m. Individual using Dumpster without permission, Pleasant St.
2:52 p.m. Suspicious person taking pictures, Highland St.
7:02 p.m. Golf cart parked in road, Pond St.

Tuesday, July 19

2:14 a.m. Party in to lobby, to use phone for ride. Transport to Rutland line.
1:10 p.m. Red pick-up in area. Person knocking on doors, asking for used batteries, Streeter Rd.
11:50 p.m. Car hit deer, Richards Ave.

Wednesday, July 20

12:54 p.m. Suspicious van in front of empty house, Orchard Dr. Ok, it’s a landscaper hired by bank.
3:40 p.m. Investigate gun shots, Red Oak St.
9:34 p.m. Suspicious person wearing all black and a straw hat and carrying a knapsack reported near Congregational Church. Driver of disabled tractor trailer unit, waiting for tow and ride.

Thursday, July 21

10:48 a.m. Suspicious auto, Richards Ave.
10:50 a.m. Dog found with Southbridge tag. Owner contacted.

Sunday, July 24

4:46 a.m. Dead pug in road, Holbrook Rd.
4:32 p.m. Caller advises a garter snake has gone into her mother’s apartment, Howard St.

Princeton

Monday, July 18

12:06 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Fitchburg Rd., Crow Hill parking lot
9:34 a.m. Missing Ragdoll cat, Worcester Rd.

Tuesday, August 19

12:47 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on the side of Matthews Lane
9:24 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on side of East Princeton Rd. and Merriam Rd.
8:21 p.m. Suspicious person, Mirick Rd.

Wednesday, July 20

8:15 a.m. Police stand by at school bus stop, Mountain Rd.

Thursday, July 21

8:22 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Worcester Rd.
8:52 a.m. Police remove large animal from roadway, Worcester Rd.
9:37 p.m. Police check on suspicious vehicle, Gates Rd.

Friday, July 22

8:39 a.m. Request for help, bat in house, Hubbardston Rd.

Saturday, July 23

8:20 p.m. Report of person face down on dirt road next to business on Main St. Person taking a nap

Sunday, July 24

3:15 p.m. Complaint about barking dog, Ball Hill Rd.
10:52 a.m. Report of suspicious person behind building on Worcester Rd.

Rutland

Monday, July 18

7:27 a.m. Report of dog bite, Vista Circle
8:03 a.m. Person out walking her dog was attacked by three neighbor dogs, East County Rd.
5:57 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Orchard Hill Dr.
11:36 p.m. Report of fireworks coming from area of Laurelwood Rd.

Tuesday, July 19

8:37 a.m. Person filled tank of large mobile home and drove off leaving credit card, Barre Paxton Rd.

Wednesday, July 20

8:29 a.m. Caller advising of pool ladder left in pool and owners are away, Kalloch Dr.
10:20 a.m. Request for escort to business to pick up medication, Main St.
6:20 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer regarding child custody issue, Main St.
7:50 p.m. Report of cars taking a left onto Glenwood from Main St, not going around the island, person feels the detour sign is confusing people
8:04 p.m. Report of trash dumped, Maple Ave. Wants officer to help resolve issue
9:32 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St.
9:57 p.m. Person reports that while walking dog encountered black bear that stood on its hind legs growling, dog barked and chased bear into field, Cloverdale Lane

Thursday, July 21

7:17 a.m. Request for an officer for a problem with door on a truck, Crawford Rd.
7:29 a.m. Purse and backpack beside road and items strewn in roadway, Paddock Rd.
10:48 a.m. Report of truck backed up with hose into water, Pleasantdale Rd.
3:37 p.m. Person from Department of Conservation and Recreation requesting assistance with a group of youths using a rope swing, East Hill Rd.
6:41 p.m. Report that swing seat snapped at playground, Memorial Dr.
6:45 p.m. Department of Conservation and Recreation official asking for assistance at rope swing, East Hill Rd.
7:34 p.m. Police check on three vehicles parked on the road, East Hill Rd.
9:03 p.m. Environmental Police requesting assistance with five Mopeds, Long Pond boat ramp
9:39 p.m. Caller concerned about welfare of person that had been hitchhiking, carrying a heavy backpack, Long Pond
9:51 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Barre Paxton Rd.

Friday, July 22

12:44 a.m. Police transport operator of vehicle that had run out of gas, Pommogussett Rd.
6:43 a.m. Caller out running was charged by a dog, Glenwood Rd.
6:41 p.m. Irate person calling multiple times, threatening to call the FBI, Main St.
10:51 p.m. Motor vehicle in the woods and then it sped off, Moulton Mill Rd.
11:03 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Barre Paxton Rd.

Saturday, July 23

11:00 a.m. Assist with car seat installation, Main St.
12:10 p.m. Suspicious vehicle seen again, Moulton Hill Rd.
1:30 p.m. Multiple calls from irate person, Main St.
5:52 p.m. Car parked on basketball court, Memorial Dr.
9:00 p.m. Police advised of people overdue to return home, Christmas Tree Lane. Later returned
11:43 p.m. Loud noise, Pequot Trail

Sunday, July 24

7:02 p.m. Caller asking about damage to his property, Main St. Person made threats against the department
7:18 p.m. Person called asking about the next town meeting, said he was going to call members of the select board, Main St.
7:38 p.m. Person asking if the department wants to make threats against him, Main St.

Sterling

Monday, July 18

6:18 a.m. Officer wanted, medication missing from vehicle, Riverview Rd.
11:20 a.m. Citizen reports a person driving intoxicated on two occasions, usually on Saturday night, Leominster Rd.
7:08 p.m. Caller reports solicitor at door, Pineview Rd.

Tuesday, July 19

2:38 a.m. Complaint about loud music, wants officer to tell them to quiet down, Worcester Rd.
10:00 a.m. Complaint about barking dog, James Rd.
9:26 p.m. Report of open garage door, Worcester Rd.

Wednesday, July 20

11:59 a.m. Caller reports dog got into swimming pool, John Dee Rd.
11:57 p.m. Caller reports striking a deer, Metropolitan Rd.

Thursday, July 21

9:53 a.m. Verbal altercation with work crew in woods near home on Wilder Rd. Caller states person tried to attack him

Friday, July 22

4:42 p.m. Motorist with complaint about a tree company, taking down trees and has travel lane blocked, no officer on scene, Still River Rd. and Beaman Rd.

Saturday, July 23

2:41 p.m. Report of elderly male pacing back and forth and then sitting on side of road, Jewett Rd. and Greenland Rd.
8:57 p.m. Report of King Charles Cavalier dog loose on highway, Interstate 1-190
11:53 p.m. Possible gunshots in area of Mortimer Rd.

Sunday, July 24

4:27 p.m. Caller reports chirping sound, Griffin Rd. Device is used to scare away rodents

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):
[Editor's note: There were 29 suspicious items this week and 1 lock-out.]

Holden

Monday, July 18

12:20 a.m. Report that porcupine was hit, someone wrapped it in something and placed it in her yard, Main St.
1:28 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Apple Tree Lane
11:54 a.m. Mass State Police advising of complaint regarding male parties protesting in front of the post office. Poster of President Obama with Hitler mustache
2:35 p.m. Police advise group at post office to move tent and table off the sidewalk, Main St.
2:53 p.m. Caller reports he gave part of his social security number to company he thought was phone company, Mark Bradford Dr.
3:40 p.m. Call regarding person setting off explosives under the underpass, River St.
7:24 p.m. Suspicious male in area of school, Salisbury St.
8:52 p.m. Report of possible gunshots, Mason Rd.
10:30 p.m. Group of kids at rear of building, Main St.

Tuesday, July 19

12:13 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Shrewsbury St. People carpooling picking up vehicles
3:20 p.m. Suspicious van at home where people are away, Cranbrook Dr.
4:39 p.m. Person thought his vehicle had been stolen, no problem, car in lot, Main St.
5:58 p.m. Caller reports yelling at residence, Sumac Circle
6:12 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Salisbury St.
7:36 p.m. Kids on skateboards in back of business on Main St.
9:48 p.m. Disturbance, youth group skating at business on Main St.

Wednesday, July 20

10:56 a.m. Loose sheep in area of Red Barn, Shrewsbury St.
11:51 a.m. Person trying to cross Shrewsbury St. was threatened
2:20 p.m. Police assist motorist with flat tire, Chapel and Malden St.
8:23 p.m. Suspicious incident, male left house upset, Salisbury St.
9:09 p.m. Caller concerned about items left in home when he moved, South Rd.
10:12 p.m. Large group of youths behind senior center, Main St. Group dispersed

Thursday, July 21

7:36 a.m. Report of several men taking pictures of home and putting ladders up against house, Village Green Lane
12:31 p.m. Person at station reporting his trailer plate either lost or stolen, Main St.
7:51 p.m. Person at station to make statement about earlier incident, Main St.
9:05 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Avery Heights Dr.

Friday, July 22

1:06 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Birchwood Dr.
2:39 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Zottoli Rd.
8:12 a.m. Report of several construction vehicles working in the road with no detail officer, Wachusett St. and Manning St.
9:39 a.m. Barking complaint, Avery Heights Dr.
12:47 p.m. Report that someone is in vehicle and sleeping at Highland and Main St.
1:05 p.m. Possible scam involving suspicious call, Mayo Dr.
1:06 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Nola Dr.
1:51 p.m. Suspicious person, Wachusett St.
2:21 p.m. Report of dying raccoon in Dumpster, Doyle Rd.
9:46 p.m. Three youths walking in middle of the road, Reservoir St. and Main
9:55 p.m. Caller from Florida reporting her car stolen for second time. Advised she needs to fill out a new report with police in St. Petersburg, Florida

Saturday, July 23

9:17 a.m. Report that large truck will be in road for short time, Main St.
6:43 p.m. Follow-up with Environmental Police, Main St.

Sunday, July 24

12:09 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Homestead Rd.
11:18 a.m. Report that person has erected a farm in his back yard, Holden St.
12:15 p.m. Report of person in pickup truck removing landscape items from vacant home, Brattle St.
1:38 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Boyden Rd.
3:57 p.m. Caller reporting a scam about winning money, Bailey Rd.
8:04 p.m. Report of fireworks/bottle rockets in area of Fairhill Rd.

Paxton

Monday, July 18

11:55 a.m. Advised of sinkhole at Burtenmar Circle. Referred to DPW
12:45 p.m. Individual using Dumpster without permission, Pleasant St.
2:52 p.m. Suspicious person taking pictures, Highland St.
7:02 p.m. Golf cart parked in road, Pond St.

Tuesday, July 19

2:14 a.m. Party in to lobby, to use phone for ride. Transport to Rutland line.
1:10 p.m. Red pick-up in area. Person knocking on doors, asking for used batteries, Streeter Rd.
11:50 p.m. Car hit deer, Richards Ave.

Wednesday, July 20

12:54 p.m. Suspicious van in front of empty house, Orchard Dr. Ok, it’s a landscaper hired by bank.
3:40 p.m. Investigate gun shots, Red Oak St.
9:34 p.m. Suspicious person wearing all black and a straw hat and carrying a knapsack reported near Congregational Church. Driver of disabled tractor trailer unit, waiting for tow and ride.

Thursday, July 21

10:48 a.m. Suspicious auto, Richards Ave.
10:50 a.m. Dog found with Southbridge tag. Owner contacted.

Sunday, July 24

4:46 a.m. Dead pug in road, Holbrook Rd.
4:32 p.m. Caller advises a garter snake has gone into her mother’s apartment, Howard St.

Princeton

Monday, July 18

12:06 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Fitchburg Rd., Crow Hill parking lot
9:34 a.m. Missing Ragdoll cat, Worcester Rd.

Tuesday, August 19

12:47 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on the side of Matthews Lane
9:24 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on side of East Princeton Rd. and Merriam Rd.
8:21 p.m. Suspicious person, Mirick Rd.

Wednesday, July 20

8:15 a.m. Police stand by at school bus stop, Mountain Rd.

Thursday, July 21

8:22 a.m. Motor vehicle lockout, Worcester Rd.
8:52 a.m. Police remove large animal from roadway, Worcester Rd.
9:37 p.m. Police check on suspicious vehicle, Gates Rd.

Friday, July 22

8:39 a.m. Request for help, bat in house, Hubbardston Rd.

Saturday, July 23

8:20 p.m. Report of person face down on dirt road next to business on Main St. Person taking a nap

Sunday, July 24

3:15 p.m. Complaint about barking dog, Ball Hill Rd.
10:52 a.m. Report of suspicious person behind building on Worcester Rd.

Rutland

Monday, July 18

7:27 a.m. Report of dog bite, Vista Circle
8:03 a.m. Person out walking her dog was attacked by three neighbor dogs, East County Rd.
5:57 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Orchard Hill Dr.
11:36 p.m. Report of fireworks coming from area of Laurelwood Rd.

Tuesday, July 19

8:37 a.m. Person filled tank of large mobile home and drove off leaving credit card, Barre Paxton Rd.

Wednesday, July 20

8:29 a.m. Caller advising of pool ladder left in pool and owners are away, Kalloch Dr.
10:20 a.m. Request for escort to business to pick up medication, Main St.
6:20 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer regarding child custody issue, Main St.
7:50 p.m. Report of cars taking a left onto Glenwood from Main St, not going around the island, person feels the detour sign is confusing people
8:04 p.m. Report of trash dumped, Maple Ave. Wants officer to help resolve issue
9:32 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St.
9:57 p.m. Person reports that while walking dog encountered black bear that stood on its hind legs growling, dog barked and chased bear into field, Cloverdale Lane

Thursday, July 21

7:17 a.m. Request for an officer for a problem with door on a truck, Crawford Rd.
7:29 a.m. Purse and backpack beside road and items strewn in roadway, Paddock Rd.
10:48 a.m. Report of truck backed up with hose into water, Pleasantdale Rd.
3:37 p.m. Person from Department of Conservation and Recreation requesting assistance with a group of youths using a rope swing, East Hill Rd.
6:41 p.m. Report that swing seat snapped at playground, Memorial Dr.
6:45 p.m. Department of Conservation and Recreation official asking for assistance at rope swing, East Hill Rd.
7:34 p.m. Police check on three vehicles parked on the road, East Hill Rd.
9:03 p.m. Environmental Police requesting assistance with five Mopeds, Long Pond boat ramp
9:39 p.m. Caller concerned about welfare of person that had been hitchhiking, carrying a heavy backpack, Long Pond
9:51 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Barre Paxton Rd.

Friday, July 22

12:44 a.m. Police transport operator of vehicle that had run out of gas, Pommogussett Rd.
6:43 a.m. Caller out running was charged by a dog, Glenwood Rd.
6:41 p.m. Irate person calling multiple times, threatening to call the FBI, Main St.
10:51 p.m. Motor vehicle in the woods and then it sped off, Moulton Mill Rd.
11:03 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Barre Paxton Rd.

Saturday, July 23

11:00 a.m. Assist with car seat installation, Main St.
12:10 p.m. Suspicious vehicle seen again, Moulton Hill Rd.
1:30 p.m. Multiple calls from irate person, Main St.
5:52 p.m. Car parked on basketball court, Memorial Dr.
9:00 p.m. Police advised of people overdue to return home, Christmas Tree Lane. Later returned
11:43 p.m. Loud noise, Pequot Trail

Sunday, July 24

7:02 p.m. Caller asking about damage to his property, Main St. Person made threats against the department
7:18 p.m. Person called asking about the next town meeting, said he was going to call members of the select board, Main St.
7:38 p.m. Person asking if the department wants to make threats against him, Main St.

Sterling

Monday, July 18

6:18 a.m. Officer wanted, medication missing from vehicle, Riverview Rd.
11:20 a.m. Citizen reports a person driving intoxicated on two occasions, usually on Saturday night, Leominster Rd.
7:08 p.m. Caller reports solicitor at door, Pineview Rd.

Tuesday, July 19

2:38 a.m. Complaint about loud music, wants officer to tell them to quiet down, Worcester Rd.
10:00 a.m. Complaint about barking dog, James Rd.
9:26 p.m. Report of open garage door, Worcester Rd.

Wednesday, July 20

11:59 a.m. Caller reports dog got into swimming pool, John Dee Rd.
11:57 p.m. Caller reports striking a deer, Metropolitan Rd.

Thursday, July 21

9:53 a.m. Verbal altercation with work crew in woods near home on Wilder Rd. Caller states person tried to attack him

Friday, July 22

4:42 p.m. Motorist with complaint about a tree company, taking down trees and has travel lane blocked, no officer on scene, Still River Rd. and Beaman Rd.

Saturday, July 23

2:41 p.m. Report of elderly male pacing back and forth and then sitting on side of road, Jewett Rd. and Greenland Rd.
8:57 p.m. Report of King Charles Cavalier dog loose on highway, Interstate 1-190
11:53 p.m. Possible gunshots in area of Mortimer Rd.

Sunday, July 24

4:27 p.m. Caller reports chirping sound, Griffin Rd. Device is used to scare away rodents

Happy Birthday, Sandra

Sandra, with Marian, Mike, and Adam