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This past Christmas, I bought an ARCHOS 605 WiFi for both of my teenage sons. Interestingly enough, it was recommended to me by someone who knows a lot about computers. I had never heard of this portable media player, but it was recommended to me as better than an iPod, which I was what I had originally intended to buy them.
The ARCHOS has been a wonderful product for them. It was less expensive than the iPod and I can choose which add-ons to buy for them. One son wanted Internet access so we bought the web browser plug-in and downloaded the free widgets with it. With the video podcast plug-in we were able to download music in different formats. There are several additional options for plug-in that we have yet to try, although I know my sons would love every option there is including one to play movies. The only downside is that as you add each plug-in, the price does get closer to what you would pay for an iPod.
While most kids are running around with iPods, my boys get to brag about having something different that works better. It has a touch screen, that they love being able to use, and I was impressed with the graphics and the amount of storage available. A nice feature that you don’t see with the iPod, is that with the ARCHOS, you can switch the setup so it will appear as a drive on your computer. That makes it easier for downloads or to remove files that you no longer want on it.
The ARCHOS is more popular in Europe than in the U.S., but you can find places online that sell it. The big chains like Best Buy have not picked up on it yet, but when they do, they will be doing consumers a big favor.
Two thumbs up from me on this product.
Finding yourself unemployed in a bad economy doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Here are a few recommendations.
1. Do something. A potential employer is going to want to know what you did during the period between jobs. When I’m hiring, I would rather see someone who continues to work even if it’s at Walmart or McDonalds than who sits at home doing nothing. Not only does it show that you have the right work ethic, but it also helps boost your morale since you’re not spending all your time thinking about being unemployed.
2. Be persistent. I say this with the caveat that you don’t do this to the point of becoming annoying.
3. Be professional. Every contact you have with the potential employer needs to show you at your best. This includes any written correspondence (cover letter, resume, emails, etc.) as well as if you are invited there for a face to face interview. Remember the competition is going to be tougher so you need to stand out.
4. Consider your options. Depending on the field you’re in, you might consider finding freelance work. The advantage of this is that one of your clients may pick you up full-time at some point in the future.
Ok, so I haven't written in awhile, but it’s because I’ve been busy with other pursuits (not to mention the fact that the current economy is depressing even for me). As much as I thought things would start to get better, I’m just not seeing it yet. Right now President Obama is giving his speech so that means no House tonight. I look at this as a good opportunity to catch up on my blog.
So in the mean time, I decided to get my first novel completed and it’s now done. I wrote a novel that falls in the women’s fiction genre.
I’m really excited about this since I have been working on it for quite some time. I have it edited and polished. As difficult as I thought writing the novel would be, I know the hardest part comes next. Now, I’m seeking a literary agent. (Anyone know one looking for new writers?)
What I’m discovering is that this is an incredibly daunting task. Agents are very picky. Don’t get me wrong, they should be when you consider how much junk they receive. It’s just I am trying to figure out exactly the right formula for the query letter that will help them want to read more. I have a feeling a lot also depends on their mood for the day (not much I can do there).
I know you’re wondering what this has to do with my blog. Not much. But hey, like I said before, the economy is depressing so I need to focus on something else.
Being unemployed during the holidays can be extremely difficult especially considering that most employers hold off on hiring until after the new year. However, this doesn’t have to be the end of the world for you. I advise people during these crisis to consider this an opportunity. Not only can you review your past employment history but consider what it is you want in the future.
I realize that beggars can’t be choosers, but when you lose your job – for whatever reason – this is the best time to consider if you are in the right field. It’s never too late for a new career even if it’s on a different track. If you are already unemployed, look at options to go back to school. Why not? Your income is pretty much gone anyway. In fact, if you go to your local unemployment office, you will probably find that the government provides funds to help you with retraining
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I am sad to see the holidays coming to an end. It’s a time to relax and spend time with families. On the other hand, when I look at my investment portfolio (ok it’s mostly retirement investments – I’m not rich by any means), I can’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. We all knew that this would be a terrible season for retailers. It’s hard to miss it since we hear about it in the news daily. However, now that the shopping season is at an end, we are poised to start the new year on the right track.
We have a new president coming into office in a few weeks. I’m not going to get into politics and talk about whether or not he will do well in the position. However, the fact that we have a new president elected, and soon to be inaugurated, in and of itself brings with it a positive influence on the economy. It may be short-lived, but around the end of January, we should start to see the stock market climb in response to the change
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Are you a leader or a manager? At times in your job, you will need to do both but don’t make the mistake of being a manager when you should be leading.
One piece of advice: The speed of the leader dictates the speed of the team
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Ok, so a lot of people are asking: HAVE WE HIT BOTTOM ON THE STOCK MARKET YET? If we haven’t, we’re pretty darn close. I am reading many articles on websites like the Motley Fool and the Wall Street Journal which indicate that may have gotten as low as we are going to go during this economic crisis. Things may just be looking up.
I have discovered that this is a good time to invest in stocks for pennies on the dollar – literally. I have taken the move of buying a few of them. I haven’t bought enough shares to get rich, but it won’t hurt
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I have noticed more and more businesses are closing shop in this bad economy. Bad for them and I feel sorry for the employees, but hey I am taking advantage of those great sales. Circuit City is closing a number of stores in my area and just got a great deal on a new TV and a few other electronics. These are things I hadn’t planned to buy and probably wouldn’t in this economy, but given the deal I got I couldn’t resist.
I know this is terrible but in this economy, I have been spending more money on energy and food. This means I have had less to spend during the year on extra or luxury items. So at this point, I really need to watch for the extremely great deals
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While the economy isn’t that great right now, it is still possible to find a job depending on what your field is. If you are in the financial field, you may find things a little difficult, but anyone in most healthcare occupations can count on finding something. This also isn’t the best time to be in retail. A number of retailers are finding that they just can’t make it and are closing their doors. I can’t believe how many signs I passed while driving around Kansas City this weekend announcing furniture stores that are closing. On the other hand, I can see how people wouldn’t buy furniture at a time when money is tight.
If you find yourself in a bind – out of work and unable to find work – keep your resume current by taking some courses at a nearby community college or university. Nothing is worse than showing that you were unemployed and doing nothing during that time (searching for new employment doesn’t count since most employers will question why you weren’t snapped up right away. You don’t have to get a full degree, but take some coursework that will benefit you in your career or make you a better candidate when job searching. Don’t take Yoga or something along those lines unless it will actually apply
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I am a big supporter of higher education. In reality, I think that it is your ticket to so many opportunities. To start it can increase your lifetime earning potential. The problem I see is that so many people think that education is not for them. I disagree.
It does take motivation and commitment to complete a degree. Your best bet is to find someone who can provide morale support. I won’t lie. There will be times when you want to quit, but think about the end rewards
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Comment by Jen
on A New Year With Lots of Change
Money Baffle