Today I visited the Robbins Public Library. I hadn't been in a public library in many months, and drifting in and out of the stacks of books was fairly intoxicating. I was searching for a back issue of GQ magazine.
In the current issue of GQ, the Letters to the Editor praised an article in the February 2001 issue by Guy Lawson. He apparently wrote a first-person account about skating a shift (or a period) with the New York Rangers. I'm always on the lookout for good sports articles, so I was excited to try to find this issue in the library. Sadly, my library does not carry GQ. Unbelievable!
Of course, I tried to find the article on-line, but I was unable. My wife, a librarian, accessed some special searching tools, but was unable to obtain it. I did find an old Lawson article on junior hockey, which I haven't read yet.
Looks like I may need to visit the Boston Public Library.
Friday, May 18, 2001
Tuesday, May 15, 2001
A Casual Job Fair
I wore jeans, a casual shirt, and my Fatbrain black twill cap to a career fair by BrassRing (Burlington Marriott, MA). I also brought my daughter, Mia, in a stroller.
Again, plenty of people, but this time there was good elbow room. Someone remarked about my baby "I guess you have to get them started early during this economic downturn." Yes, indeed. I wish I had prepared a resume for little Mia.
I ought to take these fairs a little more seriously. Plenty others in the auditorium did: suits, leather binders containing their resumes, nice shoes. Forgive me for the belief that clothes rarely make the man. I acknowledge that they do offer a first impression, but I think by being so informal, I'm the one making the impression. I suppose it doesn't hurt that I was the only one walking around with an infant.
Again, plenty of people, but this time there was good elbow room. Someone remarked about my baby "I guess you have to get them started early during this economic downturn." Yes, indeed. I wish I had prepared a resume for little Mia.
I ought to take these fairs a little more seriously. Plenty others in the auditorium did: suits, leather binders containing their resumes, nice shoes. Forgive me for the belief that clothes rarely make the man. I acknowledge that they do offer a first impression, but I think by being so informal, I'm the one making the impression. I suppose it doesn't hurt that I was the only one walking around with an infant.
Monday, May 14, 2001
Partial Times
Yesterday, the Sunday NY Times was delivered in its usual blue plastic bag, but enclosed were two copies of Saturday's newspaper! The rest of the Sunday paper (leisure, magazine, book review) arrived, but the main Sunday sections did not.
Miffed, I scanned headlines at the main NY Times website, but it was fairly unsatisfactory. I missed flipping through the broad pages, and smelling the paper and ink.
I was about to call to complain, but later that morning, the delivery service reappeared on my block, and gave us a new Sunday paper, complete with the missing sections. Jenn figured that enough people must have called to complain. It made for a good Sunday.
Miffed, I scanned headlines at the main NY Times website, but it was fairly unsatisfactory. I missed flipping through the broad pages, and smelling the paper and ink.
I was about to call to complain, but later that morning, the delivery service reappeared on my block, and gave us a new Sunday paper, complete with the missing sections. Jenn figured that enough people must have called to complain. It made for a good Sunday.
Still No to That Beer
Quick note: I didn't drink that beer yet. Maybe tonight, as I just interviewed with a second company, and things look promising.
Friday, May 11, 2001
Thursday, May 10, 2001
Beer with Dinner
Tonight, like last night, I had a beer with dinner. (Last night was a Rolling Rock, tonight was a Budweiser.)
It's unusual for me to have beer with dinner. These beers were purchased for guests, but are now relegated to bottom door shelves of the refrigerator, practically hidden. Typically, I have a soda (Diet Pepsi Without Caffeine). I drink a lot of soda. So much so that every once in a while, I'll run low on soda. Instead of drinking my last few cans of soda, I decided to reach for the beer.
The beers were good! And I got the beginnings of a buzz from each, even though I didn't even finish them (I left probably an ounce, of the 12 ounce drink).
In college, and a few years after college, I was a consistent beer drinker. Later, with the introduction of more sophisticated company, I learned how to drink cocktails (gin and tonic is the standard), wine and hard liquor (Jack Daniels, Maker's Mark). My last job had one evening reserved for a social hour, complete with beer. I often had a few then, but since I've been unemployed, nothing.
Probably worth mentioning that I have two more Rolling Rocks in the fridge, and I probably will down these this weekend.
It's unusual for me to have beer with dinner. These beers were purchased for guests, but are now relegated to bottom door shelves of the refrigerator, practically hidden. Typically, I have a soda (Diet Pepsi Without Caffeine). I drink a lot of soda. So much so that every once in a while, I'll run low on soda. Instead of drinking my last few cans of soda, I decided to reach for the beer.
The beers were good! And I got the beginnings of a buzz from each, even though I didn't even finish them (I left probably an ounce, of the 12 ounce drink).
In college, and a few years after college, I was a consistent beer drinker. Later, with the introduction of more sophisticated company, I learned how to drink cocktails (gin and tonic is the standard), wine and hard liquor (Jack Daniels, Maker's Mark). My last job had one evening reserved for a social hour, complete with beer. I often had a few then, but since I've been unemployed, nothing.
Probably worth mentioning that I have two more Rolling Rocks in the fridge, and I probably will down these this weekend.
Statistical Diaries
I spent most of the past half-hour reading my brother's statistical diaries, a profoundly detailed look at his life through statistic. He measures how much sleep he gets to how many eggs he consumes. Reading and reviewing his statistics inspires me to take on such an endeavor, because I'm sure reflecting on this detailed record keeping would really be eye-opening for me.
Robert Parker
Celebrity sighting today. In the waiting room of the dentist (Brookline, MA), an older man walked in with gray hair and sunglasses. The hygienist greeted him with "I liked the article about you the other day, Mr. Parker!" I looked at him more carefully. Later, the hygienist told me and Jenn that he was Robert Parker, famous crime fiction writer.
Wednesday, May 9, 2001
My Aching Back: Part 6
My back is 99% better. Hurray!
Attending physical therapy has taught me a number of exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the back, specifically the abdominal muscles. I also spent time learning better posture. I'm anxious to try out my back at the golf driving range, but the therapist wants to hold off until I get through all the appointments (only two more).
Attending physical therapy has taught me a number of exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the back, specifically the abdominal muscles. I also spent time learning better posture. I'm anxious to try out my back at the golf driving range, but the therapist wants to hold off until I get through all the appointments (only two more).
On the Dole
I have actually qualified and am now receiving unemployment checks. Despite receiving a severance package, the unemployment claims clerk determined that since I had to sign a 'release' to receive the severance, I was eligible for unemployment funds.
Dealing with the unemployment office was fairly easy. As I mentioned, I called in my claim to receive unemployment to the Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training (aka "the unemployment office"). Despite having their computers down the day I called, I received a Benefit Claim Certification Form, which is a postcard asking four questions: 1. During the weeks you claim unemployment, did you look for work? 2. Could you have worked, if offered a job? 3. Did you work? 4. Have you returned to full-time work?
By answering yes, yes, no, and no respectively to these questions, you get an unemployment check delivered to you. The amount depends on your salary. For me, I received the maximum weekly amount ($477). The clerk advised that since I have a new baby, I should file for a Dependency Allowance. This is going to be my new project for the week.
Dealing with the unemployment office was fairly easy. As I mentioned, I called in my claim to receive unemployment to the Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training (aka "the unemployment office"). Despite having their computers down the day I called, I received a Benefit Claim Certification Form, which is a postcard asking four questions: 1. During the weeks you claim unemployment, did you look for work? 2. Could you have worked, if offered a job? 3. Did you work? 4. Have you returned to full-time work?
By answering yes, yes, no, and no respectively to these questions, you get an unemployment check delivered to you. The amount depends on your salary. For me, I received the maximum weekly amount ($477). The clerk advised that since I have a new baby, I should file for a Dependency Allowance. This is going to be my new project for the week.
Saturday, May 5, 2001
Traffic Ticket
I got a traffic ticket tonight, parking in a bus stop in front of the Shanghai Village to grab take-out Chinese food. I even had my blinkers on ("I'll be back in five minutes"). Total damage: $15.
Thursday, May 3, 2001
Job Expectations
Another article in today's Boston Globe about how the new 'market' demands that employees must be realistic about job expectations, especially around salary, and job scope.
In marked contrast, I leafed through the entire issue of Fortune Magazine's Fortune 500. The number one company: Exxon. Where was Microsoft? 79th. Exxon has $210 billion in revenue, versus Microsoft's $23 billion.
A special advertising section inside featured the benefits of chartered planes, versus commercial. Talk about job expectations. Features of chartered flying include: no middle seats, just aisle and window seats with plenty of leg room; no waiting on silly lines: drive right up to the plane!; and the big one: the plane often waits for you.
In marked contrast, I leafed through the entire issue of Fortune Magazine's Fortune 500. The number one company: Exxon. Where was Microsoft? 79th. Exxon has $210 billion in revenue, versus Microsoft's $23 billion.
A special advertising section inside featured the benefits of chartered planes, versus commercial. Talk about job expectations. Features of chartered flying include: no middle seats, just aisle and window seats with plenty of leg room; no waiting on silly lines: drive right up to the plane!; and the big one: the plane often waits for you.
Tuesday, May 1, 2001
Job Fair
I attended the jobfind.com Technology Job Fair this afternoon. I found it to be a scary scene. The parking lot of the hotel (where it was being held) was filled to capacity by the time I got there (five minutes after it started, at 11AM). The 'additional parking' was filling up quickly.
The fair was held at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Waltham, MA. Each company was in a hotel room, using it as a makeshift interview/meeting room. This left the mass of candidates milling in the narrow hallways. Thankfully, the hallways faced an open air mezzanine, which reduced the claustrophobia somewhat.
I overheard someone asking if there was a copier on the premises. I heard very basic questions like "Do you have technical support openings?" People fishing for jobs, casting their multiple resumes at the seventy or so companies there.
I went to see only two places (Rational and BMC Software). I visited their rooms quickly, leaving my resume with the company representatives. I thought there could be an exchange of information, or an exploration of job fit but with the wall of people, I knew that wouldn't be the case.
The fair was very crowded, and the atmosphere brought to reality that this was an employers' market. There was a steady stream of people still walking through the door when I left (twenty minutes later). And I'm in the job market with all of them.
The fair was held at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Waltham, MA. Each company was in a hotel room, using it as a makeshift interview/meeting room. This left the mass of candidates milling in the narrow hallways. Thankfully, the hallways faced an open air mezzanine, which reduced the claustrophobia somewhat.
I overheard someone asking if there was a copier on the premises. I heard very basic questions like "Do you have technical support openings?" People fishing for jobs, casting their multiple resumes at the seventy or so companies there.
I went to see only two places (Rational and BMC Software). I visited their rooms quickly, leaving my resume with the company representatives. I thought there could be an exchange of information, or an exploration of job fit but with the wall of people, I knew that wouldn't be the case.
The fair was very crowded, and the atmosphere brought to reality that this was an employers' market. There was a steady stream of people still walking through the door when I left (twenty minutes later). And I'm in the job market with all of them.
Saturday, April 28, 2001
HeroMachine
I read a bunch of on-line newsletters. Scratch that. I subscribe to a bunch of on-line newsletters. I skim most of the contents. Unfortunately. Tonight though, I was reading Scripting News, and it pointed me to HeroMachine, a neato Flash application. Check it out.
Friday, April 27, 2001
My Aching Back: Part 5
I now have two back exercises from my visit to phyiscal therapy to combat my recent back woes. (I'd say my back is about 80% healthy.)
One is to lean backwards while standing, as far back as I can go.
The other is to lie on my stomach, palms in front of my chest as if about to do push ups, but the hands are closer together. Then, using only the back, arch backwards, using the arms only for support. (The back is doing all the work here.) The finishing position is the arms fully extended, the back fully arched.
I have to be conscientious to do these exercises whenever I feel the back pain. The therapist also suggested being more conscious of my posture, and to bend my knees whenever I need to lean forward from my hips (which occurs while I'm changing diapers, washing dishes, or brushing my teeth). I'm going to have trouble trying to be perfect here, but if I can reduce the strain on my back, I'll be able to fully eliminate the pain.
One is to lean backwards while standing, as far back as I can go.
The other is to lie on my stomach, palms in front of my chest as if about to do push ups, but the hands are closer together. Then, using only the back, arch backwards, using the arms only for support. (The back is doing all the work here.) The finishing position is the arms fully extended, the back fully arched.
I have to be conscientious to do these exercises whenever I feel the back pain. The therapist also suggested being more conscious of my posture, and to bend my knees whenever I need to lean forward from my hips (which occurs while I'm changing diapers, washing dishes, or brushing my teeth). I'm going to have trouble trying to be perfect here, but if I can reduce the strain on my back, I'll be able to fully eliminate the pain.
Turkey Hill
I explored Turkey Hill this afternoon. From the Arlington, Massachusetts listing of recreation and conservation areas, Turkey Hill is "A hill marked by a blue water tower off Washington Street."
I have lived within walking distance of this conservation area and water tower for nearly five years, and I haven't once visited it. So today, with Mia, I tried to walk up the hill to the water tower. I promptly got lost, and had to ask my neighbor for directions. She showed me the entrance to the path off of her yard, which took me straight up the hill, directly to the tower.
The views were spectacular. I could see the distant Boston skyline through the trees. The hill was still littered with leaves from last Fall, and it cast a serene orange glow throughout. The hill had enough trees to safeguard it from the nearby streets, but it was sparse enough so that I could make out the contours of the land I was walking on.
When I reached the tower, I walked around it. Mia and I were completely alone, and the tower was cold, warning us "not to trespass" its permeter fence. I walked around it, and then left the hill top by another side street, which eventually dumped me out on Forest Avenue, which crosses my street.
It was a splendid day to forge new territory. And to think I lived here this long without visiting this.
I have lived within walking distance of this conservation area and water tower for nearly five years, and I haven't once visited it. So today, with Mia, I tried to walk up the hill to the water tower. I promptly got lost, and had to ask my neighbor for directions. She showed me the entrance to the path off of her yard, which took me straight up the hill, directly to the tower.
The views were spectacular. I could see the distant Boston skyline through the trees. The hill was still littered with leaves from last Fall, and it cast a serene orange glow throughout. The hill had enough trees to safeguard it from the nearby streets, but it was sparse enough so that I could make out the contours of the land I was walking on.
When I reached the tower, I walked around it. Mia and I were completely alone, and the tower was cold, warning us "not to trespass" its permeter fence. I walked around it, and then left the hill top by another side street, which eventually dumped me out on Forest Avenue, which crosses my street.
It was a splendid day to forge new territory. And to think I lived here this long without visiting this.
Shoes for Not Working
Since I stopped working, I haven't worn shoes except to go to church. I've been wearing sport sandals, or sneakers. Today, I took all four pairs of my 'working' shoes to a local shoe repair store, and requested each of them cleaned, and retapped, or resoled, depending on use. I get to pick up these shoes on Tuesday, May 1. Getting shoes 'cleaned and repaired' by a shoe store is an easy way to make them feel new. And I like to make my old purchases feel like new.
You might ask what will I wear to church on Sunday, if my shoes won't be ready until Tuesday? I have a pair of infrequently worn dress shoes just for the occasion, although I'm sure God wouldn't mind me showing up in my sport sandals.
You might ask what will I wear to church on Sunday, if my shoes won't be ready until Tuesday? I have a pair of infrequently worn dress shoes just for the occasion, although I'm sure God wouldn't mind me showing up in my sport sandals.
Wednesday, April 25, 2001
In Between Jobs
Today, I accompanied my wife as she visited her office. Of course we brought the baby, and we walked around the building showing her off. Her company is very large, and since I've been out of work for four weeks, it was nice to visit an office, and refamiliarize myself with cubicles, copier machines, and coffee pots. I miss 'working'.
I haven't started job hunting in earnest, but I have a few feelers out. And people have been in touch with me, so I'm hopeful.
What have I been doing? I've begun cleaning out my basement (it's unfinished). I work on my resume. I am reading (presently going through An American Tragedy). I watch DVD movies. I wash dishes, and try to clean up around the house. I nap. Mostly, I'm "on the beach", as someone remarked to me recently. And in all of this, I help with baby.
It's too bad I can't get a job doing this.
I haven't started job hunting in earnest, but I have a few feelers out. And people have been in touch with me, so I'm hopeful.
What have I been doing? I've begun cleaning out my basement (it's unfinished). I work on my resume. I am reading (presently going through An American Tragedy). I watch DVD movies. I wash dishes, and try to clean up around the house. I nap. Mostly, I'm "on the beach", as someone remarked to me recently. And in all of this, I help with baby.
It's too bad I can't get a job doing this.
My Aching Back: Part 4
My back is much better, although I'm still taking the pills that were prescribed to me on April 6. I will be visiting a physical therapist tomorrow.
Sunday, April 22, 2001
Shenandoah and Come Di
I recognized the music in two commercials I watched over the past weekend.
A commercial for the U.S. Air Force features a woman's voice, intoning a hopeful tune. Gentle music complements her.
For a soap commercial (Zest?), I heard a male voice do an up-tempo 'scat', a verbal 'riff', accompanied by a jaunty piano.
I was amazed when I recognized the armed forces music. It was music by Daniel Lanois, and voice by Emmylou Harris, from the soundtrack to the movie Sling Blade. I love this haunting song. It's the shortest song on the album: a scant one minute, nineteen seconds. However, when I heard this song during the movie, I thought "it'd be wonderful to get the soundtrack". On just the strength of this song, I bought the CD.
I was even more amazed when I recognized the soap music. It's from Paolo Conte, an Italian singer. One of my favorite singer/songwriters is Tom Waits. He didn't do this soap commercial; Paolo Conte did. What's the connection? A while back, I was actively looking for music like Tom Waits. A chance album review I read said that Paolo Conte sounded like Tom Waits. Just like that, I bought a Paolo Conte album. And it was amazing. The songs were happy, sad, and wonderfully different. I grew to cherish this album.
I located another review saying that Mr. Conte is the Italian Tom Waits. The song for the soap commercial comes is "Come di".
Hearing these two tunes used in a commercial fashion was pleasantly surprising. And, yes, it made me feel a little smug knowing I had heard it before.
A commercial for the U.S. Air Force features a woman's voice, intoning a hopeful tune. Gentle music complements her.
For a soap commercial (Zest?), I heard a male voice do an up-tempo 'scat', a verbal 'riff', accompanied by a jaunty piano.
I was amazed when I recognized the armed forces music. It was music by Daniel Lanois, and voice by Emmylou Harris, from the soundtrack to the movie Sling Blade. I love this haunting song. It's the shortest song on the album: a scant one minute, nineteen seconds. However, when I heard this song during the movie, I thought "it'd be wonderful to get the soundtrack". On just the strength of this song, I bought the CD.
I was even more amazed when I recognized the soap music. It's from Paolo Conte, an Italian singer. One of my favorite singer/songwriters is Tom Waits. He didn't do this soap commercial; Paolo Conte did. What's the connection? A while back, I was actively looking for music like Tom Waits. A chance album review I read said that Paolo Conte sounded like Tom Waits. Just like that, I bought a Paolo Conte album. And it was amazing. The songs were happy, sad, and wonderfully different. I grew to cherish this album.
I located another review saying that Mr. Conte is the Italian Tom Waits. The song for the soap commercial comes is "Come di".
Hearing these two tunes used in a commercial fashion was pleasantly surprising. And, yes, it made me feel a little smug knowing I had heard it before.
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