I am sure you can imagine what ahppened right around the time I was ready to look for work in the education field? Yep, the bottom dropped out of that particualr market. I am still struggling with getting off to the running start I envisioned for mysrelf. At my age, it feels quite odd to start over only to find out that the start is so sputtering.

I was talking to my step-mother today and she was stressing how most computer fields are still stable. She said that, of course, you need to make sure you get training in the specific fields that are still in demand. One of the upsides of getting training in most e-business skills is that a lot of the training can happen online.

One of the areas that is in hot demand is IT Security. As more and more people gravitate to doing more of their shopping, banking, and business online, hackers are ramping up their efforts to swoop in and find weak spots to hit for their own profit. The foil to that problem? Ethical Hacking and the need for Certified Ethical Hackers. An ethical hacker is essentially someone who knows haw to think and act like a hacker so that they can pinpoint the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in a system. They can use the same tools a malicious hacker uses in order to design a system that stays one step ahead of the malicious hacker and ensures the security of that system.

EC Council is on top of the tech careers that are still in demand. They offer certification in -Security Fundamentals, Ethical Hacking, Penetration Testing, Computer Forensics, Disaster Recovery, and Secure Programming. Their iClass program is not some shoddy, self-paced bundle of canned lectures. Rather, it is live and instructor-led – while still available from the comfort of your home or office via the internet.

I only mention this, because being in a relevant career field really appeals to me and I am willing to bet money that it matters to you as well. We are in tough economic times and we are all sitting helpless as we watch so many fields that always seems absolutely essential take massive downturns. I want to make sure I am doing something that people still want to pay me to do and IT Security appeals to me in a real and germane way.

My mom, on the other hand, has a pretty new Mac laptop. She paid an arm and a leg for it, but she got my student discount since I was with her when she bought it. Since she is not super computer savvy, the Mac has been ideal for her. It’s still the simpler computer to use and she does not have to worry about virus issues like those of us who use a PC. Plus, right around the corner this guy has a little shop where he does repairs and upgrades fro next to nothing, so she keeps it fine tuned with his help. He worked a little magic with some Apple memory last week, come to think of it. And, he had ordered a few pieces fro her keyboard. The dog jumped on mom’s laptop and popped off one of the keys, which on her particular computer must begin a chain of events that begins to make the keyboard useless.

I know I have said that instead of buying anything new right now I am just going to have my Dell laptop and desktop overhauled, and I mean that. I still wish I could run out and buy a new Mac, though. One district north, all of the teachers get issued a cute little Apple laptop. IF you are lucky enough to get issued a laptop in my district, it’s just a Dell.

My style is to find a game I can play online preferably for free, and then find a group of like-minded players to team up with for a more interactive game experience. I’m not particularly into super aggressive or violent games, and now that my daughter is interested in online games as well, I look more often for games we can enjoy together. May as well make it a family event and work in more quality time with my daughter.

Virtual paper dolls and online games based on cartoons only interested Gigi for so long. She has her eye on the generation ahead of her, just like any young child. I have no desire for her to zip right into teen oriented games, so I’m always on the lookout for age appropriate games for her.

MEGA Brands has some very cool, very kid-friendly online games available. We’ve signed up for several. The latest in our family gaming venture is MagNext Virtual. It’s a MMORPG based on MEGA’s popular MagNext toys. My daughter’s cousin has an impressive collection and they are always the toy of preference when we are there to visit – which is often. So, you can imagine that we were sold on the concept as soon as we found the game portal.

While you are playing, you can hang out in virtual social rooms, chat safely with other players and earn Magz that allow you to “purchase” new skills and cool game gear. Because the system is multi-player, you can challenge other players to contests and learn new game skills.

The best part, aside from the fact that it is action packed and kid friendly, is that you can play free forever. Sign up and join in on the fun. We enjoyed it so much my daughter and I had to make an agreement about a daily time limitation.

What is stalling me is the decision to try the upgrades and repairs on my own or to find someone locally that can do it for me. Don’t tell me to go to one of the service places in the big chain electronics stores. They hire complete morons. I’ve already been in and talked to more of them than I should have. I am looking around for a small business owned by geeks who really know their stuff, so to speak. The Yellow Pages are useless, because I want real opinions by real customers. If I ask around enough, I will surely strike gold.

Well, it’s not such a far-fetched concept these days. We live in a society where most people have direct access to digital video cameras and sophisticated editing software. Starring in your own film is only a matter of your own motivation.

So, how would you like to win a cool $500 just by writing, directing and starring in your own digital short? Yeah, I know, it rocks. And, it’s as simple as creating your own digital commercial starring yourself (or even family or friends) and submitting it to Scour.com. Not only will the winning commercial win $500, it will also be featured on the Scour website.

Essentially, Scour will be paying the winner AND giving them an amazing amount of free exposure. That alone is worth more than you can imagine. Scour is a great platform for exposure, too, because the site is a sophisticated online search portal that allows users to vote and comment on relevancy, which adds the human touch that so many other search engines are lacking.

So, take a seat in your director’s chair and get going on a winning idea for a new Scour Commercial. You can check out their website for all of the nitty-gritty. Give them 45 seconds and they might just give you $500.

Unlike so many websites on the internet that offer free games, MEGA Brands Kids Zone is safe, secure, and completely kid friendly. My daughter and my nephew have used the site several times and they generally sit together in one chair and take turns watching the other play games like Treasure of the Lord Pyrate. My nephew’s favorite is Shark Attack, where he has to dodge sharks in a pirate ship. My daughter usually chooses the Pyrates Navigation game (she is pretty awesome at mazes).

I’m more partial to a quest-style game, like Legends King Arthur. I like to take my time, think things out, and work toward a goal. And, more often than not, my daughter ends up on my lap coaching me as I play. I like that I do not have to worry that the content will get to a point where it is no longer appropriate for family play.

Believe me, a resource like the MEGA Kids Zone is invaluable when it comes to finding quality family entertainment that fits into a budget that’s taken a beating in our current economy. It’s free, it’s safe, and it’s fun. What more could I ask for?

Video games conventions aren’t just for the diehards anymore. Gaming has become a family pastime and a part of our modern era. So, if are looking for somewhere to take the family next weekend, consider the video game fest Otronicon @ Orlando Science Center January 16-20, 2009 at the Orlando Science Center. Even better, Otronicon is open for school trips and groups from January 21-23, 2009.

It’s appropriate for the entire family. There will be tournaments for Rock Band, Wii Fitness, and Guitar Hero. You can try your hand at racing, medical, and flight simulation; experience Wii on a big screen; and get in on the free-play for Super Smash Bros and GameCube. Hang out at the Dance Dance Revolution disco or perform for a live audience in the Rock Band Concert Hall. For the little ones, there are games like V-Smile and a chance to design your own storybook adventure. For those of us who have fond memories of the classic arcade games, there will be a longue where you can play Donkey Kong, Pacman, Frogger and more.

Don’t miss the Machinima film festival to get a first look at this emerging genre. There is even an art show where you can see submissions from local artists and students.

Otronicon even has a soft side. A couple who met while playing Halo 2 will be having “A Match Made in Halo Wedding”.

Admission is $17 for adults and $12 for children under age 12. OSC members get in free.

Here’s the thing, though, I know that with the right laptop case that my laptop will be reasonably protected no matter where I want to take it. I admit that the bag I have right now is all but useless. It came with an old laptop when my ex got a good deal on some used laptops at one of his tech jobs years ago.

Spire USA sells laptop bags that are designed to last a lifetime. They invite you to use the bags under the roughest conditions you can imagine. I like the idea that someone out there is still making a product that is meant to last instead of engineering it so that they can try and get your repeat business when you have to buy a replacement a couple of years later. Do you know what I mean? Sometimes I think the shrinking quality of consumer goods is happening on purpose and that the end consumer is getting screwed.

I LOVE this review on the Spire website. It’s from one of their customers:

“I’m currently working in the Northern Kuwait desert — it’s one of the most inhospitable regions in the world where not even scorpions survive. My Meta has now survived six months of daily use. Through thick mud, blazing heat that can reach 150 degrees, and merciless sand storms the Meta has faithfully protected my laptop. Not only has the Meta failed to break in any way, it still looks like new!”
JW, Meta Owner

Sounds like I’ve found a way to take my personal laptop into the high school with me without feeling like I’m risking its safety. Now, if only I’d had one of these bags back when my daughter kept knocking it to the ground.

Charter Communications is celebrating both black friday and Cyber Monday with a surprisingly cool deal on their Ultimate Bundle. Aside from Charter’s deals on 1 Service ($25), and 2 Service ($75), and 3 Service ($150) packages, you can buy Charter’s Ultimate Bundle and get $250 gift card. Plus, you will be automatically entered into a drawing to win one of 45 X Box 360 game consoles.

The Ultimate Service Bundle is the way to go, since for only $165.97 you get high speed internet, unlimited home phone calling, digital home TV, Charter HD, Sports View, Digital View, HBO, Cinemax, Starz, Encore, Showtime, and the Movie Channel. Not only is this a great price per service, that $250 gift card covers about a month and a half of your service – so it’s like getting that month and a half for free.

You get to choose your gift card and they have a ton of stores to choose from, including Best Buy, KB Toys, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Kohl’s, Shell gasoline and more.

The way I do my shopping has changed a lot over the years. When I was in college, I used to head out as soon as I got out of school for the semester and do all of my shopping in a rush, usually paying full retail at the mall. Then, I moved to doing as much shopping as possible during the after-Christmas sales. I would just put the gifts in the closet for the following Christmas. Now I am back to doing my Christmas shopping in the month leading up to Christmas, but I do most of it online so I can take advantage of the online coupons and access to awesome comparison shopping. Well, that and the chance to avoid the crowds.

The fact is that I am feeling a financial pinch just as much as the next person. However, I still want to find ways to buy my friends and family gifts that express how much I care about them. I’m not going to downgrade the quality of things I buy, but I will spend a little more time seeking out bargains online. I’ve found that using coupons issued by various online sites can save me money off, get me free shipping, and often guarantee I get the best overall deal. And, you can’t beat being able to shop from home and save gas by not having to drive from store to store for days at a time.

I had my old computer rebuilt for my daughter, but I want to buy her a flat panel monitor. There is no way I am going to have my old-style 21” monitor sitting around taking up space when I can find a great deal using BestBuy coupon codes to get free shipping off one of their internet deals or even save an additional percentage off. The new monitor will take up less space, use less energy and make the computer feel like it’s all new. It’s the perfect Christmas gift in our current economic times.