Inaguration Day

Today we welcome the first half-black man into the white house. Yes, I said half-black. I feel if we can call him black, we have just as much right to call him white. Nevertheless, I feel Barack Obama will make a fine choice as the new leader of the free world. He has a far better head than the last guy.

As it is well known, the economy is not doing well. January has had far more layoffs than we needed, with businesses like Circuit City going bankrupt. It is a tough time we are in, and as previously stated, it is my hope that this man helps to put things where they belong. I do not doubt that we will have some tough times ahead, but I feel in the end things will get better.

The inauguration is an hour away. I plan on watching it.

Halfway Through Winter

As I am Miami based, we have been enjoying the wonderful weather we have received throughout this month. With the exception of a few days, it has mostly been in the 80s, bright & sunny. I actually have enjoyed a few dinners out on the patio this week.

Unfortunately, due to the economy, thoughts of moving have been on a lot of my friends’ minds. The problem is most areas hiring are areas that are cold. I do not envy them if they move. Of course Miami could be underwater in 10 years, so they may be on to something.

Powerball in Florida

As of 2009, Florida is now a Powerball state. This means Florida’s overflowing population can now spend more money on a new set of lotto tickets that they won’t win.

There is already talk of a pool going through the office. I may throw in $5, but nothing more. I have looked at the odds, and it seems like most lotteries – amazing if you win, another loss if you don’t. But here is hoping.

Unemployment Rates

At this point in time almost everyone knows at least one person unemployed. Whether it is because they just graduated from college, their business is suffering, or other reasons, it is tough to find a job.

Sites like Careerbuilder and Monster are there, but many still need help.

Also, the old style of doing business is far outdated. I have friends constantly trying to call up places they sent a resume, only to get rejected out right because the company specifically says “Do not call”. Just make sure you email a company but don’t pester them.

New Years Means New Everything

2008 has come and gone, and as far as I’m concerned – Good Riddance.

2008 saw a financial debacle the likes of which that hasn’t been seen in over half a century. Real estate failed; banks failed; investments failed; I was going to say the American auto industry failed, but they have been failing for years. War continues and we may be drawn into another.

However there are some lights at the end of the tunnel. We have a new president, who hopefully will continue the trend of Democratic presidents fixing the mistakes of Republican presidents. Because everyone is worried about the economy and no one is buying anything it means all the stores are having fantastic sales. I have even heard rumor the PS3, a system my sun is pushing us to get, will be on sale in a few months.

My hope is that we begin to see a turn around this year. I feel that Greed has run rampant in the Bush era, and that 2009 will start to see Americans turn away from greed and focus more on unity and assistance. But who am I kidding? We’ll still see foreclosures, corruption scandals, violence and natural disaster. I just hope Obama is a bit more calm and intelligent than the last guy, and will at least point us into a better direction.

-Jason Orkin, Optimist