I Have a Job, I Have a Job, ...
A few years back, I joked with a co-worker, that my daily mantra had changed from "I Love My Job, I Love My Job...." to the the afore-mentioned titled. This piece
The New Normal? - Computerworld convinces me that I am not alone in that feeling. It's been awhile since "it" has gotten an increase. I'm not complaining, but here's my hope that that this changes for you and "it" shortly. Let me know how it's been for you.

What's A Computer Geek To Do?

Were you at all like me when you heard about Hurricane Katrina? I figured there wasn’t much a computer geek could to do help in such a catostrophe. That was until I heard the story about the information “system” being used at the Houston Astrodome. People were hanging hand-written signs all over the arena in a desperate attempt to locate their family members. It was clear; here was a need for some techies. Here’s a story about a couple of guys that didn’t wait to answer the call.

The World is Spiky

The CEO of the place I work has been telling us that we should read The World is Flat. Regular readers of this blog will know that I have quoted Mr. Friedman before. I am still working my up to reading his book, but before doing so, I “The World is Spiky” in a recent Atlantic Monthly. It does run counter to my recent post that rural America can compete in a Global Marketplace. It points out that more and more economic activity is taking place in heavily populated areas. Perhaps I do have more in common with somebody in Bangalore, India than I do with somebody in Sebeka, MN.

Any Job Can be Outsourced

It has long been my position that *any* white collar job can be outsourced. Here’s a bit of humor that was passed along by one of my very loyal readers – Thanks “HomeBrew”

Congressional Announcement
Congress today announced that the office of President of the United States of America ill be outsourced to overseas interests as of August 31st. The move is being made to save notonly a significant portion of the President’s $400,000.00 yearly salary, but also a record $521 billion in deficit expenditures and related overhead.“We believe this is a wise move financially. The cost savings should be significant,” stated Congressman Thomas Reynolds (R-Wash.). Reynolds, with the aid of the Government Accountability Office, has studied outsourcing of American jobs extensively. “We cannot expect to remain competitive on the world stage with the current level of cash outlay,” Reynolds noted.
Mr. Bush was informed by email this morning of his termination. Preparations for the job move have been underway for some time. Gurvinder Singh of Indus Teleservices,Mumbai, India will be assuming the office of President as of September 1st. Mr. Singhwas born in the United States while his Indian parents were vacationing at Niagara Falls, thus making him eligible for the position. He will receive a salary of $320 (USD) a month but with no health coverage or other benefits. It is believed that Mr. Singh will be able to handle his job responsibilities without support staff. Due to the time differencebetween the US and India, he will be working primarily at night, when few offices of the US Government will be open.“Working nights will allow me to keep my day job at the American Express call center,” stated Mr. Singh in an exclusive interview. “I am excited about this position. I always hoped I would be President someday.”A Congressional Spokesperson noted that while Mr. Singh may not be fully aware of all the issues involved in the office of President, this should not be a problem. Mr. Singh will rely upon a script tree that will enable him to respond effectively to most topics of concern. Using this tree, he can address common concerns without having to understand the underlying issues at all. “We know these scripting tools work,” stated the Spokesperson. “Mr. Bush has used them successfully for years.”

Mr. Bush will receive health coverage, expenses, and salary until his final day of employment. Following a two week waiting period, he will be eligible for $240 dollars a week unemployment for 13 weeks. Unfortunately he will not be eligible for Medicaid as his unemployment benefits will exceed the allowed limit.
Mr. Bush has been provided the outplacement services of Manpower, Inc. to help him write a resume and prepare for his upcoming job transition. According to Manpower, Mr. Bush may have difficulties in securing a new position due to limited practical work experience. One possibility is reenlistment in the Air National Guard. Should he choose this option, he would likely be stationed in Iraq, a country he has visited. “I’ve been there, I know all about Iraq,” stated Mr. Bush, who gained invaluableknowledge of the country in a visit to the Baghdad Airport’s terminal and gift shop. Sources in Baghdad and Falluja say Mr. Bush would receive a warm reception from local Iraqis. They have asked to be provided with details of his arrival so that they mightarrange an appropriate welcome.

Hey "it" how about some good news?
I've been banking up a whole slew of bad news to write about. So in preparation for that I offer this
AeANET : Midyear Tech Employment Update I haven't had time to read in detail, but I'm hoping that the authors are honest enough in there use of "add" to mean a net job growth.