I think I've figured out why it's so hard for me to find a job here in Wausau, Wisconsin. I saw two articles, one here and the other here. It looks like many American technical jobs are heading over seas as corporate cost saving measures. What's the world coming to when an educated American can't find a job in his own country?

[ insert your own sarcastic remark here ]

Anybody else see this? Amazingly, a kid was thrown from his overturned jeep only to fly into overhead telephone and electrical wires. He grabbed on to one of them and stayed suspended for 20 minutes while rescue workers worked to get him down safely. Amazing.

I'm supposed to get a call today about a job. I have yet to receive that call. Does that mean I won't get the job? Strangely enough, I am scheduled to have a second interview on Monday - at the same company! I guess I can wait until then. My wonderful life.

The Super Bowl was underwhelming. I was so wishing the Raiders would pull out a miracle run. Not because I necessarily like Oakland, but more for the hope of an exciting ending to the game. I figured, as long as I'm trying to watch the best commercials of the year (arguable), there might as well be some kind of decent game to watch.

Instead, I actually felt bad for Gannon, the Raider quarterback who just failed to deliver anything consistently. Oh well, better luck next time Oakland. Of course, next time it'll be the Packers and not the stinking Buccaneers!!!

Speaking of good commercials, why does a company spend 2.2 million smack-a-roos on airing commercials weíve already seen (can anyone say Honda Element)? And was it just me, or were there more summer movie trailers than usual this year? Anyway, the only commercial that really got to me was the Reebok commercial with "Terry Tait ñ The Office Linebacker." That basicly took the cake.

There is a vocation that few in our society have chosen - and certainly for good reason. This is the profession of a Special Education teacher. No one can deny the internal fortitude that one must exhibit daily to patiently cope with the challenges of the mentally retarded.

I found this site, Tardblog, and I must admit, lack of professionalism aside, some of these stories are downright sad, if not funny as hell.

I am still awaiting employment. The investor and I have called off the project - for now. We will revisit this concept at a later time. In the mean time, I have interviewed with a couple of other companies. One in particular, I am anxiously awaiting their phone call. They are speaking with one more person today, so we will see where that leads (maybe a call today?).

How the heck does a movie like Kangaroo Jack become the number one movie in America? That is either a fluke of stupid movie-going zombies, or some really attractive marketing. Unbelievable!

And for those of you paying attention to the weather, it's -5 right now with a weather advisory for high winds which should dip the chill factor to about -35. Nice.

And that's why I love Wisconsin.

This is refreshing news. Mel Gibson standing up for Jesus?

"Actor-Director Mel Gibson is currently in the process of making a realistic movie about the suffering, sacrificial death of Jesus. Gibson was recently quoted by the media as saying " This is a movie about love, faith, hope and forgiveness. Jesus suffered for all of us. It's time to get back to that basic message. The world has gone nuts. We could all use a little more love, faith, hope and forgiveness. " He has stated that he is under attack for making this movie. "

Geez-oh-peet.

Just when you thought you had nothing left to learn, Fox News has to throw this in our face. Gas B Gon!!!

I guess I can now go back to living my life once my GasBGon flatulence filter seat cushion arrives at my door. Oh happy, happy, joy, joy!

We are making progress on the project!!! That's all I can say, and I am so happy to say it.

A good friend is coming by tonight to drink Guinness, discuss stratagy and look at furniture for the lounge. My evening is packed with goodness!

8~}

As typical mornings go, I was watching a movie this morning with my daughter. While watching Disney's, Lady & the Tramp II: Scampy's Adventure, it occurred to me; Disney is hurting. Just perusing through the recent releases of Best Buy's Family Movie section should be enough to prove my point. Peter Pan II: Return to Never Land, Hunchback of Notre Dame II, Aladdin II, 101 Dalmatians II, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, and Pocahontas II.

Never mind the other motion picture crap coming out of Anaheim (The Emperor's New Groove, Mulan and Hercules), but somebody up there in the Magic Kingdom is running out of inspiration. Seriously, some folks may question, "What about Toy Story, Bug's Life, and Monsters, Inc.?" One word: PIXAR

Now, I might be willing to pay homage to Lilo & Stitch as an original story, but still, one out of a dozen that has a new slant of a storyline. Come on Michael Eisner! Let's crack a whip over there, or maybe you need to find some fresh ideas from somewhere outside the glare of Hollywood.

Man, that's my bitch session today. Well, Disney and the fact the investor has yet to call me back and reschedule our meeting (again).

Just when I think I'm having a bad day, I have to find this video. Life becomes more bearable after viewing a clip like this! It even made me cry. 17.2mb

well... he cancelled again. No meeting this morning, but perhaps tomorrow? I'm getting really antsy, now.

In addition, I placed a call to the place I interviewed at a week ago and left a message for the owner. AND, another company called this morning for a position they have opening up.

I also sent a resume off to a friend of my mother-in-law's who works for a particular outdoor activity company. Maybe I need to live near Irvine, CA?

Much has happened since my last blog. I sent a resume to Forward Electronics - apparently they need a technical salesperson. I also spoke with the Performing Arts Foundation and they are in need of a promotions person for their Great Room. Thet would be a total shmooze position, which might be pretty fun.

Saturday, we spent our gift certificate from Best Buy on DVDs for Olivia and the parents. Purchased films included Peter Pan, Lady & the Tramp II, Signs, Sixth Sense and the new Austin Powers. We watched Signs last night and it gave both Emily and I the willys all night!

This morning, I meet with the investor - part 2. He had to cancel last week, which is fine, but a week had to be burned in order to reschedule. Accordingly, we'll be under the gun to get this project finished by the due date of February 10th. That's when the liquor license has to be used by. Oh the pressure!!!

And so... the day has ended. As I reflect upon my day, Iím greeted by the fact that I have a loving wife, two beautiful children and a wonderful home. I find this comforting in the sense that I have no current direction for my life. By direction, I suppose I am referring to the lack of employment.

Itís amazing that I have actually considered moving today. The contract I did this morning has openings in Fort Lauderdale, Phoenix and LA. They asked for my resume. My mother-in-law has also received my resume and will be shopping it amongst her happy throng of contacts in Orange County, CA.

If only that meeting last Tuesday had not been cancelled, I'd have clearer direction!!! I spoke with the City Clerk and found out that not only do I have to have a new site selected by Feb. 10th, but it must also be inspected and approved by that date. This puts a lot of pressure on me to get the place open, and fast!!! Maybe thatís not such a bad problem?

Wow. What else can I possibly say? Apple has done it again, creating awe-inspiring products that beg for adoration. The 17î PowerBook is simply stunning, begging laptop case makers around the world to make room for this beautiful behemoth. Not too much unlike Anna Nicoleís seamstress, I would imagine.

Besides the PowerBooks, several new applications knocked my socks off, like the new iLife suite, and Safari, Appleís new Internet Browser. Steve Jobs just could not stop pulling out the iCandy [pun intended]. There was also Keynote, a PowerPoint-like app that just dripped with coolness.

I guess I was fortunate enough to behold all of this through live web cast. I was supposed to be meeting with investors today, but they had to cancel due to some health issues. I might have been dressed up with no place to go, but at least I got to sit at the fat end of a nice internet pipe with a clear picture to watch Steve in all of his glory doing what he does best, inspiring the masses.

Tomorrow I get to migrate a SCO Unix Server to Linux 7.2. Oh, what pleasures to behold! Thanks TekSystems, youíre the best!!!

Tomorrow is MacWorld 2003 in San Francisco. The Mecca of all Apple events, and I have to miss it, again. Dang it!

In the mean time, I'm going to list the following Apple announcements - er, ah - I mean speculation:

IT World - Apple to introduce 800M bps Firewire ports.
C|net - Apple expected to unveil a new portable product.
eWeek - Mac Tablet: Ready for Expo?
Loop Rumors - A video enabled iPod.
Mac OS Rumors - A new Digital Lifestyle Device.
Forbes - What Is Apple Baking?

What ever happens, there will be millions of Apple aficionados waiting anxiously tonight.

Moreover, I am meeting an investor tomorrow about my coffee/cocktail concept, so Iím guessing I wonít get much sleep tonight.

So, I bought a new bag at ebags.com today. It's an Eagle Creek Matrix Kripton and I can't wait to put it to use. My saddle bag (from Kensington for those of you taking notes) blew a seam right in the front. I liked that bag, may it rest in peace, but the new one should be even better. Did I mention that ebags.com is having a winter blow out sale? Yeah, I got the bag for $39.95!!! It's usually more like $80, so I felt I got a deal.

Honestly, I would much rather have purchased a really choice Leather Business Case or Aluminum Attache, but I'm kinda poor right now - being out of work and all...

And so this is the part where I place my commentary about the Packers performance last night against the Atlanta Falcons. Well... I have given some thought to this, but like my Mama always told me, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all."

I guess I'll leave it at that.

Last night I bought a new Calander insert for my Day Timer. I've had the thing for over ten years now, and I have an off and on relationship with the leather piece of organization. What bugs me is whenever I get a new insert, I end up having to transfer all of my random notes. I get so used to knowing where my jots and jittles are that it's really a pain to have to re-teach myself where to look for things.

I also took a consideration of PDAs. I'm a techie-type and I don't own a PDA of any sort. And it's not like the new Palm products are that expensive anymore. What the heck? I should own one! It would certainly add to my arsenal of crap to carry around.

MacWorld is next week. Every rumor site our there is predicting the drool worthy objects of affections that may be on the way. Honestly, I think this one is going to be a yawner. I went to the keynote in New York last summer and was bummed that there were no major announcements then either. Apple just needs to come out with some neck breaking speeds and low costing hardware. This, IMHO is what would grow their market share. They can run all the "switch" ads they want, but in a $4.95, all you can eat society like ours, the cheapest costing alternative is always going to have the bigger market share.

Maybe Apple will come out with some more neat tools for the iPod so I can use that instead. Yeah, that would be much better than a crummy, run-of-the-mill PDA! Your Thoughts? email me

I got a phone call yesterday. An investor wants to talk some more about my coffee & cocktail bar concept. We are meeting Tuesday and I cannot wait to see what comes of it. So much needs to happen to make this idea a reality. Very exciting times indeed.

Anyone feel like they want to help??


Oh yeah. I also got a hair cut.

Did anyone else realize that yesterday was 1-2-3? January 2nd, 2003 is also written 01/02/03 or as I observed, 1-2-3. Iím an incredible observant little monkey, huh?

Today is the day I find out about working at that company I interviewed with on Monday. It seems like a pretty sweet deal, casual work environment, relatively simple product line, and a car. Canít find a complaint about this at all.

The problem is, my idea for a cocktail bar in Wausau is not dead yet. Do I abandon that dream for a comfortable job with nice benefits and avoid the long hours and agony of being a business owner? This, my dear friend is my quandary.

Okay, sometimes it comes down to some good ol' fashion arithmetic.

0 Dinner

+1 Apple Martini

+1 Cosmopolitan

+3 Dirty Martinis

+1 Guinness

+1 Bass

+1 Champaign

equals

An unpleasant morning.

And in the end, we ask ourselves, "Was it even really worth it?" The answer my friends is yes. Any excuse to be out in the company of great friends, and good people is worthwhile investment. As long as it only happens once a year. I'm going to go take some advil.
Happy New Year!