Wanted: Cheap Flash Designer

I find postings like this somewhat hilarious. A Flash developer for $10/hr? Sure, in India maybe. Ha ha ha ha ha!!

Sub-Prime Mortgage Crisis, Explained

This is actually quite accurate, and is exactly why the government shouldn't bail out the economy every time a recession threatens. Let the sowers reap, and everyone will be a little smarter.

My Next Car

If everything goes well, I might get one of these in the fall.

Me, Explained

This is almost exactly what I'm like when nobody is around.

Barbershoppe Illusionne Part Deux

Using your headphones again, challenge yourself by completing a series of tests for the Swedish Armed Forces.

Eagan Hills Church

I found out tonight when I went to a dessert social at our pastor's house that our church's sermons are "podcasted". I thought some of my family and friends might like to hear a little sample of what Pastor Bruce Konold's sermons are like, so I've posted a few links to some recent messages on the book of Acts. Pastor Bruce is an intelligent, articulate and scholarly man who is devoted to teaching the whole Word of God. Much like my former pastor at Calvary Chapel of Webster, his sermons are chapter by chapter, verse by verse. I have very much enjoyed (to the extent that you "enjoy" sermons) his exposition of the story of Stephen, the first martyr. I think they represent a good example of his preaching style. Here are the mp3's of the series:

Stephen, First Martyr for Christ
Part 1: Stephen's Character Midst Opposition, Acts 6:8-15
Part 2: Stephen's Defense Before the Sanhedrin, Acts 7:1-53
Part 3: Stephen's Death, Acts 7:54-60

More sermons are posted here.

Barbershoppe Illusionne (Headphones required)

Youtube Video

Stuff White Democrats Like

Actually the title of the blog is "Stuff White People Like", but it's really talking about white Democrats. A few of these apply to me though.

I'm Comic Sans!

Don't worry, it just means I don't take myself too seriously. Any number of fonts could suit my personality.

Good, Better, Best in Minneapolis

Since I've been in the Twin-Cities looking for a job for a while, I've gotten to know a little about the local design industry. Design is thriving here! (which may be why it's been difficult to find a job, with so much great competition). Here's a few of my findings.

Good
These guys do above-average work for some of the bigger names in town.
   Compass Design
   Berg Design Company
   ImageWerks Marketing
   Linnihan Foy Advertising
   StoneArch Creative

Better
These firms have a more engaging design style that seems to indicate some better talent and perhaps some better clients.
   Plaudit Design
   Nelson-Anderson
   Design Center Inc.
   Grossman Design Associates
   MarketingLab

Best
The top firms in Minneapolis are the designer's designers. Their talent is superb and their work is mesmerizing. They service the biggest names in town and many other successful companies from around the world. It's very difficult to get into these places without a pedigree (meaning a degree from a top design school or at least an excellent portfolio and references).
   Mono
   Wolfmotell
   Charles S. Anderson
   Wink
   Duffy & Partners

Granted, some of this is conjecture -- I don't really know too much about these companies, but this is the impression I get based on what I've seen and read. You might like one of my lower-ranked firm's style better than one of the higher. It all depends on your taste. If I had my choice of where to find employment, I'd aim right for the middle.

Disturbing News

Lone Conservative Republican candidate Mitt Romney drops out of presidential race, presumably because he's afraid of going against Hillary.

The Archbishop of Canterbury believes Sharia law will emerge in the UK.

Lawrence Welk stars sing a song about pot.

Oh yeah, the Cold War is making a comeback.

Divide & Conquer?

It occurred to me today that this year's Republican candidates each appeal to a completely different and equally important segment of the Republican party. To those in the military, the obvious choice is McCain, a Vietnam war hero. To the religious right, the obvious choice is Huckabee, a former Baptist minister who wears his Christianity on his sleeve. To conservatives, the only choice is Mitt Romney, whose economic policies are the least likely to lead this country deeper into debt and economic recession. It's got me wondering who the good guy is, or if this division is somehow intentional.

It is comforting to know however, that the Democratic party is also divided on their choice of candidates.

And one thing is certain, more people are paying attention to this race than any other presidential race in recent history. Primaries and caucuses had record attendances on Tuesday. And my best friend just became a Republican delegate.

Interview Questions

I had an actual job interview today in downtown Minneapolis. It was my first real on-site job interview, made more exciting by the fact that it was in the big city on the upper floors of a pretty tall skyscraper. One of the questions they asked me was "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" I was expecting the question, but I admit I wasn't sure how to answer. If you know me, what do you think my strengths and weaknesses are? How should one answer this question?