Finally, some economic news we can feel good about: $10 billion is coming towards Florida very soon, thanks to the stimulus package just approved by lawmakers.
It’s good that they recognize the fact that our state has been beleaguered with money woes for a long time. We have the highest home foreclosure rate in the nation; Tampa Bay alone has lost more jobs than in any other area of the state. Major retail chains have pulled out of the area, or simply shut their doors.
So if anyone needs a bailout, it’s us.
A large chunk of that, just over $4 billion, will go to bolster Medicaid, good news for families relying on that extra help to make it day to day.
Gov. Crist has promised that $1.3 billion will be for transportation projects around the state. Those road construction projects in the Tampa Bay area, like the I-4/Crosstown corridor and the 118th Avenue extension in Pinellas, can push forward, meaning thousands of jobs will open up.
The package also means tax breaks for those who purchase their first home, buy a new car, or make certain energy saving upgrades to their house. And millions of workers will start seeing more money in their paychecks this summer, as the $400 tax credit for individuals takes hold around June. Couples will get $800. Low-income families will get a $1,000 child tax credit. And folks getting unemployment won’t have to pay taxes on the first $2,400 they receive.
And, those who lost their health insurance along with their jobs because they could not afford to pay the full premiums will also benefit from this recovery plan. For the first nine months, the government will cover 65 percent of that cost.
Money will also go to help out law enforcement agencies put more officers on the street. Pell Grants for college students will increase up to $5,550 by the 2010-1011 school year.
All good news, a nice heart-warmer on Valentine’s Day.
This stimulus package will jack up the National debt, however. I don’t know about you, but I’m a little more concerned with my personal debt right now than the nation’s. However foolhardy that may be.
Thank goodness this is coming now, and it won’t be a wait-and-see situation. Our state’s in crisis, so this will be a welcome rescue.
Now if we can only get through that pesky hurricane season…
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Books, Chocolates & Mimosas party, Dec. 8
We had a great time at Sea Breeze Manor in Gulfport last Sunday. There were books, chocolates and mimosas ... And the coolest people in town!
How could we possibly NOT have a great time?
Thanks to Lori Rosso for her hospitality. Her b&b, Sea Breeze, is absolutely gorgeous. If you want to impress out-of-town guests, or if you want a nearby weekend escape, it's the perfect place to go. Here's the Web site: http://www.seabreezemanor.com/
Thanks also go out to JChocolates, one of the hottest new chocolatiers in the Tampa Bay area. We had a delicious tray of chocolate-covered strawberries and other chocolates. Here's more on their company, and better yet, info on how to order some: http://jchocolateshop.com/
Lsst but not least, thanks to our featured authors:
Margo Hammond, co-author of "Between the Covers: The Book Babes' Guide to a Woman's Reading Pleasures"
Molly Barnes, author of "A Good Day for Uncle Elmo: Stories from a Schoolteacher's Journal"
Deborah Frethem, author "Ghost Stories of St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Pinellas County"
Here at last, party pictures!
How could we possibly NOT have a great time?
Thanks to Lori Rosso for her hospitality. Her b&b, Sea Breeze, is absolutely gorgeous. If you want to impress out-of-town guests, or if you want a nearby weekend escape, it's the perfect place to go. Here's the Web site: http://www.seabreezemanor.com/
Thanks also go out to JChocolates, one of the hottest new chocolatiers in the Tampa Bay area. We had a delicious tray of chocolate-covered strawberries and other chocolates. Here's more on their company, and better yet, info on how to order some: http://jchocolateshop.com/
Lsst but not least, thanks to our featured authors:
Margo Hammond, co-author of "Between the Covers: The Book Babes' Guide to a Woman's Reading Pleasures"
Molly Barnes, author of "A Good Day for Uncle Elmo: Stories from a Schoolteacher's Journal"
Deborah Frethem, author "Ghost Stories of St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Pinellas County"
Here at last, party pictures!
How lucky do I feel, on Friday the 13th?
Friday the 13th is just a couple of minutes away and already I’m crossing myself and doing other little quirky rituals to ward off the bad spirits.
It’s not that I’m very superstitious; I mean, I do believe in karma, and that there’s another side of nature that we don’t see or understand. But I routinely step on sidewalk cracks, I’ve opened up an umbrella inside (by mistake) and I don’t dive out of the way if a black cat happens to mosey on by. And, I’ve broken a mirror or two in my time.
Just not on Friday the 13th.
The rules change on this unlucky day, and I think they change for everyone. A sense of foreboding has settled in amongst my friends, who I consider to be rational, intelligent people. A rash of stories from Fridays the 13th past is circulating, people that have gotten into car accidents or lost money; one even had his shed burn down.
Of course, you can chock these things up to coincidence. And there are those that swear there’s no such thing as coincidence. Everything happens for a reason.
My Tarpon Springs friend Tsambika, my authority on all things Greek, follows a whole other set of superstitions daily. It’s just the way she was brought up. Like the “mahti” she wears, a little blue eye set in different pieces of jewelry that is supposed to ward off any hexes others might put on you. She gave me one on a little pin; I know that doesn’t make me an honorary Greek but I wear it when I’m feeling the heebie-jeebies just the same.
Of course, none of these things are based on reason or even empirical knowledge. A lot of it comes from culture and religious beliefs, and have somehow weaved their way into our reality, where they transcend mere superstition and simply become rules. How many of us won’t walk underneath a ladder? I know I’ve caught my husband throwing salt over his shoulder if he knocked over the shaker.
Whether or not you want to write it off as quirky nonsense or quaint tradition, I will certainly be watching my p’s and q’s until the 14th. And I’ll have on my mahti for an extra dose of good luck.
It’s not that I’m very superstitious; I mean, I do believe in karma, and that there’s another side of nature that we don’t see or understand. But I routinely step on sidewalk cracks, I’ve opened up an umbrella inside (by mistake) and I don’t dive out of the way if a black cat happens to mosey on by. And, I’ve broken a mirror or two in my time.
Just not on Friday the 13th.
The rules change on this unlucky day, and I think they change for everyone. A sense of foreboding has settled in amongst my friends, who I consider to be rational, intelligent people. A rash of stories from Fridays the 13th past is circulating, people that have gotten into car accidents or lost money; one even had his shed burn down.
Of course, you can chock these things up to coincidence. And there are those that swear there’s no such thing as coincidence. Everything happens for a reason.
My Tarpon Springs friend Tsambika, my authority on all things Greek, follows a whole other set of superstitions daily. It’s just the way she was brought up. Like the “mahti” she wears, a little blue eye set in different pieces of jewelry that is supposed to ward off any hexes others might put on you. She gave me one on a little pin; I know that doesn’t make me an honorary Greek but I wear it when I’m feeling the heebie-jeebies just the same.
Of course, none of these things are based on reason or even empirical knowledge. A lot of it comes from culture and religious beliefs, and have somehow weaved their way into our reality, where they transcend mere superstition and simply become rules. How many of us won’t walk underneath a ladder? I know I’ve caught my husband throwing salt over his shoulder if he knocked over the shaker.
Whether or not you want to write it off as quirky nonsense or quaint tradition, I will certainly be watching my p’s and q’s until the 14th. And I’ll have on my mahti for an extra dose of good luck.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Clothing Swap, Feb. 7
Thanks to everyone who came to our Clothing Swap last Saturday in Gulfport! We were overwhelmed by the huge turnout and the generosity in our community. Everyone got cool new clothes, and we STILL ended up packing a whole truck full of donations for CASA, the shelter for victims of domestic abuse.
The Courtyard was PACKED. Yummy's and Java Nirvana were overflowing with customers. Neighboring businesses participated, too, by donating raffle prizes. Backfin Blue, Domain, O'Maddy's, Dominic's, they all donated gift cards.
And our very own Pat Largo was keeping the crowds laughing all day long.
It truly was an amazing day. Thanks, everyone.
Now, for the pictures:
The Courtyard was PACKED. Yummy's and Java Nirvana were overflowing with customers. Neighboring businesses participated, too, by donating raffle prizes. Backfin Blue, Domain, O'Maddy's, Dominic's, they all donated gift cards.
And our very own Pat Largo was keeping the crowds laughing all day long.
It truly was an amazing day. Thanks, everyone.
Now, for the pictures:
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Local women's self-defense seminar
It's hard to turn the local news on lately without seeing some story about senseless violence. Unfortunately, despite law enforcement's best efforts, crimes against people seem to be up.
A local business is now offering a class to teach us how to fight back.
Pinellas Fitness & Martial Arts will be holding a Women's Self Defense Seminar next month, focusing on how to survive an assault and get away. Featuring Commando Krav Maga, the fastest-growing reality based defense system in the world, the seminar will even cover how to defend yourself should your attacker have a weapon.
Hey, it's not a pretty subject, but sometimes it needs to be talked about. We all have fast-paced lives, and rushing off somewhere often without paying attention to our surroundings. I'm guilty of it, too. A lot. Running to my car while gabbing on the phone, unaware of the world around me. And experts say this is the chance attackers are waiting for. Violent crimes are most of the time crimes of opportunity.
This seminar will also cover how not to let them have the opportunity by teaching situational awareness.
Owner and instructor Brian Peters gets to see a lot of this first hand; he's been a street paramedic in Pinellas County for years. And when he's not fighting fire, he has managed to squeeze in more than 20 years of martial arts expertise, concentrating on Tae Kwon Do. He's also won regional and national championships, and remains undefeated as a heavy weight black belt for the last 3 years in the Florida Police and Fire Games.
Not a guy to mess with. And Peters, along with his other instructors, is planning on giving us some of that knowledge at this class. The Women's Self Defense Seminar runs on March 7 from 1-4p.m. at the Pinellas Fitness & Martial Arts center, 3701 State Road 580 in Oldsmar.
The center also teaches Tae Kwon Do to any age group (there's even a 60-year old little grandmother taking classes there), and instructs in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing. All great ways to have a lot of fun, stay fit and be safe.
For more info, you can call them at (727) 207-6684 to register or visit their website at www.ckm-pinellas.com.
A local business is now offering a class to teach us how to fight back.
Pinellas Fitness & Martial Arts will be holding a Women's Self Defense Seminar next month, focusing on how to survive an assault and get away. Featuring Commando Krav Maga, the fastest-growing reality based defense system in the world, the seminar will even cover how to defend yourself should your attacker have a weapon.
Hey, it's not a pretty subject, but sometimes it needs to be talked about. We all have fast-paced lives, and rushing off somewhere often without paying attention to our surroundings. I'm guilty of it, too. A lot. Running to my car while gabbing on the phone, unaware of the world around me. And experts say this is the chance attackers are waiting for. Violent crimes are most of the time crimes of opportunity.
This seminar will also cover how not to let them have the opportunity by teaching situational awareness.
Owner and instructor Brian Peters gets to see a lot of this first hand; he's been a street paramedic in Pinellas County for years. And when he's not fighting fire, he has managed to squeeze in more than 20 years of martial arts expertise, concentrating on Tae Kwon Do. He's also won regional and national championships, and remains undefeated as a heavy weight black belt for the last 3 years in the Florida Police and Fire Games.
Not a guy to mess with. And Peters, along with his other instructors, is planning on giving us some of that knowledge at this class. The Women's Self Defense Seminar runs on March 7 from 1-4p.m. at the Pinellas Fitness & Martial Arts center, 3701 State Road 580 in Oldsmar.
The center also teaches Tae Kwon Do to any age group (there's even a 60-year old little grandmother taking classes there), and instructs in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing. All great ways to have a lot of fun, stay fit and be safe.
For more info, you can call them at (727) 207-6684 to register or visit their website at www.ckm-pinellas.com.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Might be a farther drive to get your secret Starbucks fix
For sale: One fancy corporate jet, used on only 15 flights, worth $45 million. No reasonable offer refused.
That's the sign Starbucks & Co.'s CEO Howard Schultz is wearing around his neck lately as his iconoclast corporation goes from defining an era to trying to save a few ducats. With the financial ruin this country is in lately, I'd say he's lucky that sign doesn't read "Will Work For Food."
It's not Howard's fault, really. Who could have predicted that the economic casualties of late would reach all the way up to the ivory tower that Starbucks built for itself? Those white and green cups and the five dollar magic java they hold have become a sort of status symbol of this "Gimme" generation. Don't get me wrong; I enjoy a venti cafe mocha every now and again just like the rest of us do. And it is almost impossible to not get sucked in to the whole ambiance: the indy music playing softly overhead, the smell of coffee and biscotti treats swirling around your face, the tapping of laptop keys as important people get important things done while sipping their lattes.
Starbucks couldn't have planned that better if they misted Zoloft in through the vents. The only retailer that rivals that kind of atmospheric addiction is Victoria's Secret.
But Starbucks' numbers are in, and as we all know, numbers don't lie. They cheat, but they don't lie. Revenue is down 6 percent from last year, with some locations being nearly 30 percent in the red. The solution: Cut $500 million out of the operating budget. Somewhere.
That means over 300 Starbucks cafes are closing their doors very soon. And about 6,700 more unfortunate workers will entire the already swollen unemployment pool. In a letter to his employees, Howard blames the world and its financial downturn, saying they are only "trying to navigate a deteriorating global economy" and predict an unpredictable situation that will only gets worse before it gets better. Thanks for the tip, Howie.
Howard does want his employees to know that he himself is taking a pay cut - he slashed his own salary down to $10,000 yearly, the lowest amount he could have on the books and still receive health care benefits.
Last year he made $1.2 million just in salary. His total compensation package for 2008 rang the cherries at more than $9.7 million. That's a lot of java.
So some stores will close, some will collect aid, some of us will still continue to make coffee at home. Howard, in the meantime, will try to get by on his multi-million dollar nest egg. Oh, and try to "navigate" this financial crisis without a jet.
Forgive me if I don't cry over spilled frappachino.
That's the sign Starbucks & Co.'s CEO Howard Schultz is wearing around his neck lately as his iconoclast corporation goes from defining an era to trying to save a few ducats. With the financial ruin this country is in lately, I'd say he's lucky that sign doesn't read "Will Work For Food."
It's not Howard's fault, really. Who could have predicted that the economic casualties of late would reach all the way up to the ivory tower that Starbucks built for itself? Those white and green cups and the five dollar magic java they hold have become a sort of status symbol of this "Gimme" generation. Don't get me wrong; I enjoy a venti cafe mocha every now and again just like the rest of us do. And it is almost impossible to not get sucked in to the whole ambiance: the indy music playing softly overhead, the smell of coffee and biscotti treats swirling around your face, the tapping of laptop keys as important people get important things done while sipping their lattes.
Starbucks couldn't have planned that better if they misted Zoloft in through the vents. The only retailer that rivals that kind of atmospheric addiction is Victoria's Secret.
But Starbucks' numbers are in, and as we all know, numbers don't lie. They cheat, but they don't lie. Revenue is down 6 percent from last year, with some locations being nearly 30 percent in the red. The solution: Cut $500 million out of the operating budget. Somewhere.
That means over 300 Starbucks cafes are closing their doors very soon. And about 6,700 more unfortunate workers will entire the already swollen unemployment pool. In a letter to his employees, Howard blames the world and its financial downturn, saying they are only "trying to navigate a deteriorating global economy" and predict an unpredictable situation that will only gets worse before it gets better. Thanks for the tip, Howie.
Howard does want his employees to know that he himself is taking a pay cut - he slashed his own salary down to $10,000 yearly, the lowest amount he could have on the books and still receive health care benefits.
Last year he made $1.2 million just in salary. His total compensation package for 2008 rang the cherries at more than $9.7 million. That's a lot of java.
So some stores will close, some will collect aid, some of us will still continue to make coffee at home. Howard, in the meantime, will try to get by on his multi-million dollar nest egg. Oh, and try to "navigate" this financial crisis without a jet.
Forgive me if I don't cry over spilled frappachino.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Local dry cleaners offers green service
In my desperation to unload my ever-growing dry clean only monster (and hang on to my credit score), I zipped around town looking for a solution. There just aren't many choices that suit my -ahem- frugal nature. And I am NOT carting the pile all the way over the Skyway to find a cheaper cleaners in Pinellas.
And just as I was about to give up, and resign myself to the fact that we were going to have to build on an addition to house the mess, I found Ellenton Cleaners. By accident. I was turning around in their parking lot and came face to face with their sign. Funny how things happen that way.
So I dashed in to check their prices, and got another surprise: They are green! The Ellenton Cleaners is completely toxic solvent free and safe for the environment. I have no idea how they do it, but they're very proud of it. Anything environmentally friendly scores huge point with me.
I braced myself for the price quote, but was surprised to find them very reasonable. And a two-day turnaround on that whole pile. Works for me! Fast, cheap and green. Now what more could I ask for?
The Ellenton Cleaners is tucked away next to a florist at 1218 36th Avenue East (which is Ellenton-Gillette Road). The Patel family opened it two years ago, and has been quietly providing this cleaner, greener, fresher dry cleaning service to Ellenton right under my nose.
They also keep good hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. through 7 p.m., Wednesdays until 6 p.m. Saturdays they're open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (941) 722-6291.
They have lots of other services besides dry cleaner, I'm told. They boast expert stain removal, and also garment preservation.
And just as I was about to give up, and resign myself to the fact that we were going to have to build on an addition to house the mess, I found Ellenton Cleaners. By accident. I was turning around in their parking lot and came face to face with their sign. Funny how things happen that way.
So I dashed in to check their prices, and got another surprise: They are green! The Ellenton Cleaners is completely toxic solvent free and safe for the environment. I have no idea how they do it, but they're very proud of it. Anything environmentally friendly scores huge point with me.
I braced myself for the price quote, but was surprised to find them very reasonable. And a two-day turnaround on that whole pile. Works for me! Fast, cheap and green. Now what more could I ask for?
The Ellenton Cleaners is tucked away next to a florist at 1218 36th Avenue East (which is Ellenton-Gillette Road). The Patel family opened it two years ago, and has been quietly providing this cleaner, greener, fresher dry cleaning service to Ellenton right under my nose.
They also keep good hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. through 7 p.m., Wednesdays until 6 p.m. Saturdays they're open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (941) 722-6291.
They have lots of other services besides dry cleaner, I'm told. They boast expert stain removal, and also garment preservation.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Just trying to keep it clean!
The pile of clothes in the corner waiting to go off to the dry cleaners is growing.
Now, I’m not a slob. (I swear.) Nor am I lazy. But that pile keeps on getting larger, and is beginning to take on the shape of Jabba the Hut. Today, when I came home from work, it had eyes. I’m afraid to see what it looks like tomorrow.
The problem is this: I’m cheap. And taking clothes down to the very expensive dry cleaners sometimes requires a co-signer and the name of your first born. Very against my frugal nature. I don’t go very many places; most of my life is lived in a uniform or like now, in pajamas curled up with a laptop, diligently tapping away at something. It might take me six months to get enough finery together to make the trip over to the cleaners.
It was in these six months that the Albertsons grocery chain coughed its death rattle, and took with it the little cheap dry cleaning counter it ran, both victims of the economy’s carnage of late.
I actually stood in the empty parking lot, Jabba in my arms, tumble weeds going by, staring at the dark store front. Now what do I do?
And please, no one suggest the over-the-counter sheets and bag that really don’t do anything that I can see. I wrecked a blazer with it once. An expensive one. Let me tell you how that goes over with my wallet.
Intent on bringing some business to my fellow local independent retailers, I check around town and got dizzy from the prices. I had to actually lie down.
So what is a girl to do, with a large, “dry-clean only” monster growing in the corner and a tight fist on her dollars?
My husband had a suggestion: Wear cheaper stuff. My suggestion back to him was not suitable for print.
If the pile gets any bigger I may have to have him build a spare addition on to the house. If it starts to speak, I’m moving out.
Now, I’m not a slob. (I swear.) Nor am I lazy. But that pile keeps on getting larger, and is beginning to take on the shape of Jabba the Hut. Today, when I came home from work, it had eyes. I’m afraid to see what it looks like tomorrow.
The problem is this: I’m cheap. And taking clothes down to the very expensive dry cleaners sometimes requires a co-signer and the name of your first born. Very against my frugal nature. I don’t go very many places; most of my life is lived in a uniform or like now, in pajamas curled up with a laptop, diligently tapping away at something. It might take me six months to get enough finery together to make the trip over to the cleaners.
It was in these six months that the Albertsons grocery chain coughed its death rattle, and took with it the little cheap dry cleaning counter it ran, both victims of the economy’s carnage of late.
I actually stood in the empty parking lot, Jabba in my arms, tumble weeds going by, staring at the dark store front. Now what do I do?
And please, no one suggest the over-the-counter sheets and bag that really don’t do anything that I can see. I wrecked a blazer with it once. An expensive one. Let me tell you how that goes over with my wallet.
Intent on bringing some business to my fellow local independent retailers, I check around town and got dizzy from the prices. I had to actually lie down.
So what is a girl to do, with a large, “dry-clean only” monster growing in the corner and a tight fist on her dollars?
My husband had a suggestion: Wear cheaper stuff. My suggestion back to him was not suitable for print.
If the pile gets any bigger I may have to have him build a spare addition on to the house. If it starts to speak, I’m moving out.
10 promising careers
Joy Victory, of Payscale.com, says these 10 careers are in demand these days. Note that the average salaries listed are nationwide averages, not Tampa Bay averages ... Here are her top picks, along with our take here at LocalShops1.com:
Auditing. With all of the economic upheaval, businesses are being watched more carefully than ever, which makes auditing careers more secure than ever. median salary - $64,914
Job Counseling. Makes sense; more people unemployed, more people looking for help. Median salary - $54,426
Psychological Counseling. Self-worth is often tied to job, experts say; so with so many people losing their jobs these days, more are feeling identity crises. Median salary - $40,275
Public Relations. Keep in mind, this isn't all the fun, glitzy stuff, like promoting new products or stars. PR experts are the ones who have to explain the bad stuff, too, like layoffs and other budget cuts. Median salary - $44,334
Factoring. We'll let her explain this one: While this line of work is fairly foreign to most folks, now that bank loans are hard to come by, factoring allows small business to get funding based on their current accounts receivable -- the money they expect to have coming in. Factoring works well for retailers and other businesses that have big receivables.Median salary, commercial lender - $79,846
Healthcare technician. radiology technicians, lab assistants, home health aides. These jobs are almost recession-proof. Median salary, pharmacy technician - $32,531
Mechanical Engineering (and all engineering fields). In the U.S. we only graduate 70,000 engineers per year, but we're going to need 100,000 per year, experts say. Median salary - $71,490
Networking/System Administration. People who understand how to keep computer networks running smoothly are often the most important in a company. Think of the last big crash at work. ... median salary - $54,193
Nursing. Particularly in demand are physical therapy and similar "exercise science" careers, because aging Baby Boomers will be looking for ways to remain active long into their later years. Median salary, registered nurse - $53,840
Software Design/Development. We're becoming more tech-dependent, and companies are always looking for upgrades to their products. Just think what your cell phone was like three years ago, and how much more your new one offers. Median salary - $72,070
Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.
LocalShops1.com
Auditing. With all of the economic upheaval, businesses are being watched more carefully than ever, which makes auditing careers more secure than ever. median salary - $64,914
Job Counseling. Makes sense; more people unemployed, more people looking for help. Median salary - $54,426
Psychological Counseling. Self-worth is often tied to job, experts say; so with so many people losing their jobs these days, more are feeling identity crises. Median salary - $40,275
Public Relations. Keep in mind, this isn't all the fun, glitzy stuff, like promoting new products or stars. PR experts are the ones who have to explain the bad stuff, too, like layoffs and other budget cuts. Median salary - $44,334
Factoring. We'll let her explain this one: While this line of work is fairly foreign to most folks, now that bank loans are hard to come by, factoring allows small business to get funding based on their current accounts receivable -- the money they expect to have coming in. Factoring works well for retailers and other businesses that have big receivables.Median salary, commercial lender - $79,846
Healthcare technician. radiology technicians, lab assistants, home health aides. These jobs are almost recession-proof. Median salary, pharmacy technician - $32,531
Mechanical Engineering (and all engineering fields). In the U.S. we only graduate 70,000 engineers per year, but we're going to need 100,000 per year, experts say. Median salary - $71,490
Networking/System Administration. People who understand how to keep computer networks running smoothly are often the most important in a company. Think of the last big crash at work. ... median salary - $54,193
Nursing. Particularly in demand are physical therapy and similar "exercise science" careers, because aging Baby Boomers will be looking for ways to remain active long into their later years. Median salary, registered nurse - $53,840
Software Design/Development. We're becoming more tech-dependent, and companies are always looking for upgrades to their products. Just think what your cell phone was like three years ago, and how much more your new one offers. Median salary - $72,070
Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.
LocalShops1.com
Sunday, January 25, 2009
A respectable sea of talent
Being a writer is often a lonely endeavor. A lot of the copywriting and editing I do is from behind the scenes. Some of my clients are across the country in corporate offices, or are shrouded by email. I don't get to meet any of my peers, hobnob with folks in the business or rub elbows with anyone who shares my love of the craft.
So I was quite interested in particpating in the First Annual Book Fair Blitz put on by Key Business Partners and Local Shops 1. Local authors and business services? I'm there! But what I didn't realize until I got there was, I'm not really used to promoting myself. I can write press releases and blogs seven ways to Sunday; my last direct mail marketing piece increased my client's sales by 40 percent. So I can beat a drum and herd cats with aplomb ... as long as it's not my own drum I'm beating.
I'd much rather toot someone else's horn, and with the group of local talent amassed at this tradeshow, I had plenty of choices.
Like Pam Butler of Life Reflections, expert videographer, who came up with a truly unique concept: tell people's life stories. Everything from video wedding invitations to video life celebrations to video resumes, Pam puts you in the studio and makes you the star. Imagine sending out DVD invitations for your perfect beach wedding! That ought to make the Bridezillas roar! And a video resume? Genius! In today's rising unemployment market, these little three minute gems are sure to slash the envious competition.
Speaking of envy, I had the humbling experience of meeting Gloria Tesch, the world's youngest novel writer, who wrote and published the 810-page "Maradonia and the Seven Bridges" just after her 13th birthday. Yep. She's 14. And when she hefted the book over to me, it was one of those speechless moments I'll remember forever. It seems that everyone I know (myself included) walks around talking about the book they're in the middle of writing, the book they're going to write or the book they wish they'd written. And while we're all talking about it, this remarkable prodigy is busy cranking out the sequel, due in late March.
The specific local author talents in the room are too numerous to mention each in ink here, but they can rest assured that they made giant impressions on me and inspired me to dig in my heels and get it done. I learned a few things today, just being near them.
So I was quite interested in particpating in the First Annual Book Fair Blitz put on by Key Business Partners and Local Shops 1. Local authors and business services? I'm there! But what I didn't realize until I got there was, I'm not really used to promoting myself. I can write press releases and blogs seven ways to Sunday; my last direct mail marketing piece increased my client's sales by 40 percent. So I can beat a drum and herd cats with aplomb ... as long as it's not my own drum I'm beating.
I'd much rather toot someone else's horn, and with the group of local talent amassed at this tradeshow, I had plenty of choices.
Like Pam Butler of Life Reflections, expert videographer, who came up with a truly unique concept: tell people's life stories. Everything from video wedding invitations to video life celebrations to video resumes, Pam puts you in the studio and makes you the star. Imagine sending out DVD invitations for your perfect beach wedding! That ought to make the Bridezillas roar! And a video resume? Genius! In today's rising unemployment market, these little three minute gems are sure to slash the envious competition.
Speaking of envy, I had the humbling experience of meeting Gloria Tesch, the world's youngest novel writer, who wrote and published the 810-page "Maradonia and the Seven Bridges" just after her 13th birthday. Yep. She's 14. And when she hefted the book over to me, it was one of those speechless moments I'll remember forever. It seems that everyone I know (myself included) walks around talking about the book they're in the middle of writing, the book they're going to write or the book they wish they'd written. And while we're all talking about it, this remarkable prodigy is busy cranking out the sequel, due in late March.
The specific local author talents in the room are too numerous to mention each in ink here, but they can rest assured that they made giant impressions on me and inspired me to dig in my heels and get it done. I learned a few things today, just being near them.
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