OK, I have a more serious entry planned for later, but for now I just have to let everyone know that the new trailer for next year’s movie is out. Unfortunately Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was originally scheduled for release this December, but has now been pushed back to June of 2009. So in the meantime we will have to make do with what few movie trailers Warner Brothers gives us. So, without further ado, here you go.
Of course this December we do have the release of The Tales of Beedle the Bard My daughter has already ordered the limited edition. She is also going to get the regular addition for just reading though.
This hereby serves as my official notice - just in case you hadn’t already guessed - I am striking out on my own. Yes, I am leaving my current position and going into business for myself providing computer consulting, development, and instructional services. When I walk out of my office on November 7th, I will be walking into the full time (and more) world of Palmettobug Digital. Oh, and I will be spending the next few days painting and cleaning up the new home office.
There are many reasons for this, but the most important thing is that I am totally excited about the future again. I had gotten down in a lot of ways recently, but the old energy has returned and I am raring to go! I already have a number of clients lined up, including doing some work for my current employer, and I am developing ways to gather more. Every piece of this project - from the marketing to the actual work is engaging to me right now. I am actually finding it hard to go to bed and sleep because my mind keeps racing. Truthfully, I haven’t been this energized in years.
So, please wish me well and stay tuned. Also, please check out my site at Palmettobug.com and let me know what you think. It is a constantly evolving work in progress. And if you need any of the services I am offering, or know someone who does, I would love to hear from you!
The current financial problems both in the US and abroad have all sorts of media types coming out of the woodwork. Some are projecting doom and gloom while others are looking for people or parties to blame. But I am more interested in the articles I see on how to survive and even prosper during these hard times.
One of the main messages being put forth by the articles I read is that attitude will make or break you. If you are a pessimist and decide that things are going to be bad, then they will be. If you are an optimist, look at the bright side, and use that to find the niches and opportunities that work for you, then you can stay afloat.
This is not to say that you can be a happy go-lucky fool and just go about spending and goofing off. No, you still need to pay attention, be careful, and be serious about watching income and expenses. But, by having a positive attitude you will not only be able to see opportunities when they arise, but you will be more attractive to the people who put forth those opportunities. It is unusual circumstances that reward the unconventional thinkers.
You know, a good thing about rough times is that all the people who were just get-rich-quick schemers and opportunists have a tendency to go away. I was once told that one of the best thing about a really tough problem in a job is that it would eliminate those who didn’t know what they were doing and give the really good people a chance to shine. Well this is exactly the same thing with dedicating yourself to what you believe in during hard financial times. Believe me, that dedication and expertise will show, and this will help give you the opportunity to rise to the top.
So remember, the economic environment is the same for all of us, but you have the final say in how you deal with it - optimism or pessimism. The choice, and the result, is up to you.
Talk about pushing the limits! I got this email from one of the directors at the office where I currently work. Below it you can read my response.
Michael there is no hope for you. Obama will get into office and you along with the rest of us will reap the wonderful rewards of no checks and balances in the congress/senate/presidency. We will “share the wealth” by increasing all kinds of money to welfare because that is what sharing the wealth is. I was always taught growing up that the sky is the limit, life will be what I make of it and I have lived by that motto all of my life. I work hard for everything I have and I want to chose how I spend my money. I do not want the government to spend my money on how they want to give money to people who think they are “initialed” to it verses working for it and give to those people who currently do not pay any taxes as all.
My brother and his wife own their own business. They took the risk, put their home up as collateral and have worked 24hours a day 7 days a week building that business up. I have admired and am very proud of what they have accomplished. Their pay their fair share of taxes now (higher income folks in the US currently pay the 2nd highest tax rate in the world). They have earned everything they have made and I am very proud of them. It’s the American dream and the American way. The government does not deserve any more $ then they currently get from them. Neil & Rausa provide jobs for people and insurance and retirement. I have talked with my brother and he had plans of expansion and is now not proceeding because of the fear of higher taxes because he will not be able to now afford to hire additional people for growth. Ask him what he thinks of Mr Obama.
And fellow readers, here is what I wrote back…
#1 You are believing the fallacy that Obama will raise all taxes.
#2 You can see now where the current Bush and McCain style of leadership is getting us - recession and unemployment
#3 McCain fought for no regulation - this is what caused our current problems and the exact no checks and balances you are talking about
#4 Under McCain you get a $5000 taxable credit for health insurance that right now costs $12,000 plus per year - and that also doesn’t help when you are unemployed.
#5 I agree that I would rather not have the government spend my money. That is why I elect who is in the government.
#6 On the other hand, more important than my money, I do not want the government interfering in my marriage, my wife and daughter’s biology, or sending my son to a false war that had the real design of making the rich guys richer while their sons and daughters don’t fight in the war.
Finally - I agree, there is no hope for me if your hope is that I change to look down on the poor and those who need my help. I have lived my life so as to help others, protect the innocent and stand up for the rights of those who have no voice. I will continue to do so - no matter who is the president.
So, here is my question. Was I out of line in responding? I am just getting very tired of the constant attacks. Plus I only have two more weeks in the office anyway!
This year Halloween is going to be really scary. I can already imagine all the little John McCains and Sarah Palin’s coming to my door. They will be demanding that I give them the candy that is rightfully theirs. If I don’t I will be called un-American and not in the spirit of the holiday. They will also tell me that I shouldn’t give treats to anyone wearing a different or unusual costume because those people are undermining our way of life. It is all too frightening. I may just have to shut myself in and not answer the door!
The current financial problems both in the US and abroad have all sorts of media types coming out of the woodwork. Some are projecting doom and gloom while others are looking for people or parties to blame. But I am more interested in the articles I see on how to survive and even prosper during these hard times.
