When I began this website nearly 4 years ago, I did so in the midst of an 18 month wasteland of unemployment. It was a tough go. The economy was still reeling from 9/11 and the air had been sucked out of Silicon Valley’s sails. Sure there was the odd job here and there, but nothing permanent, or remotely secure.

Now we are hitting the end of 2007 and Christmas is nearly upon us. It is a time of merriment and good cheer, of spending time with family and friends. It also happens to be a popular time to lay people off.

Unfortunately the company I worked at for over two years sent me packing last week. It didn’t completely surprise me… there had been a gradually decreasing amount of work and an uncertain recovery from a failed merger several months before. But I suspect like most people I find that the timing really pisses me off. How about we move the end of the fiscal year til spring? That way any need to compensate for year-end losses will fall long after the holiday season is over. Sounds sensible to me. Who do I call?

In any event the job quest begins anew. For now the wasteland is no where to be seen. But I suspect it sits just over the horizon. Just out of view.

Until next time…

Welcome to the all new Inside, Looking Out!

I started this site in early 2004 mostly as a writing exercise, but now, three long years it has turned into something more. I’d like to thank everyone for taking the time to visit, it means a lot to me. If you find the site at least a little bit interesting, entertaining or informative, then I will continue on with my little “writing exercise.”

You may have noticed that the site has a new home at http://www.inlookout.com. After almost 4 years, I decided the site finally deserved its own domain. Be sure to update your bookmarks!

It also has a completely new look. The old design was starting to feel a bit dated and was in desperate need of a makeover. I’ve added new features and content, and have organized the layout a bit. New items include…

• A Latest Gallery area in the upper right showcasing the newest gallery
• An Oldies But Goodies section in the middle column featuring posts from the past
• A new Library page that will (soon) feature some of my fiction writing
• A Share It! link at the bottom of each story, letting you share this link with other sites

I’ve also moved the Recent Posts and Comment to the bottom of the page.

One of the features I am really excited about is Share It! Clicking on the link will let you share that story with other websites, bringing more people to Inside, Looking Out. So if you like the story, Share It!

As usual, all feedback and comments are welcome., Just click on the comments link in the upper right of each story. I am always interested in what you have to say.

To everyone I would like to wish a belated and prosperous Happy New Year!

With the onset of 2006, I have reduced my New Years resolutions to simply two; no sense in making them overly complicated; best to keep it simple. My resolutions are:

• Write More
• Eat Less

Hopefully, a winning combination

I’d be interested in hearing yours as well… Until next time…

Thanks for indulging me as I take a moment to do a little self-promotion. I have redesigned and relaunched my consulting website, Jigsaw Media at http://www.jsmedia.com, and am now actively pursuing clients and new work.

The site has languished for some time with little or no self-promotion, but due to recent events and an expanding range of services (like DVD authoring and such), I’ve decided to give it another go.

For those of you in need of web or DVD services, or know someone who does, please send them my way. Also any feedback is most appreciated.

Also feel free to visit ELMAfilms, a small film production company I started with my good friend Mark D’Elicio.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program.