I was reading an article on wall street 'The Cat Hid My Car Keys'-Excuses Workers Make" and found it very insight and information specially in these tough times when employers have an upper hand.

The article talked stated that "Sometimes the excuses are part of a chronic problem, and business owners say it's best to dish out a stern warning, punishment or even walking papers to the offending employee."

Some of the ridiculous 'Excuses' that I have heard and read

1) My car ran out of gas or had a flat tire - This could be a genuine excuse, however it should not be your regular excuse because you will loose your credibility.

2) The heat in my house was shut off and I had to keep my pet warm so I missed work - This is the lamiest I have heard, I was laughing when my co-worker used this.

3) I had relationship problem and I was upset, so I didn't come to work - Shows you are a weak and immature who cannot handle things effectively

4) I was attacked by a raccoon and I had to go to the hospital - If you don't have a hospital or dr's note to support this story don't even use it.

5) My alarm clock didn't go off or it broke - This is an excuse that shows your are not well prepared and dont have a back-up plan when things go wrong

6) I missed a flight back so stuck at the airport - This could be a genuine excuse, however it should not be your regular excuse because you will loose your credibility.

7) I had a dream last night that I would be hit by something or die or psychic said so not to leave my house - This shows that you rely on illusion to make your decision and not facts

8) I am still too drunk from last night and I cannot drive to work this morning - This just shows you are an immature and childish who is not fit for the job

I have actually faced few of the above incident which made me late or miss work. However these incidents should happen once in a blue moon day (genuinely) and not always or occasionally. The bottom line is to be honest and let your employer know the truth, and if the circumstance is genuine the employer can make exception and work around your schedule.
'Don't make bogus EXCUSES-Employers knows it all'
(www.thoughtsbysweta.com)