NFIB:Small Business Optimism Below Average

The National Federation of Independent Business' Optimism Index came in at 90.2 for October,up 1.3 from September.This was below the year to date average of 91.1,and only a little better than the average since January 2009 of 89.1.The gain was mainly the result of less negative views about prospects for real sales and business conditions,NFIB said.
Basically we've gone nowhere since the recession ended,according to Bill Dunkelberg,NFIB Chief Economist.We're thinking the economy will be worse three years from now than better.Sales expectations are still low.I expect it to continue that way for some time.
We've gone through a big period of inventory and staff reduction.We're kind of set for the relatively weak level of consumer spending that we have to deal with.It is a demand problem.Until that changes,we're not gonna be doing any hiring.Consumer sentiment is the worst since 1980.
The NFIB Optimism Index usually leads the market a little bit,Mr.Dunkelberg observed.
Small business generated 65% of net new jobs over the past 17 years,the Small Business Administration claims.

Microsoft Jobs and Culture

Microsoft is currently hiring in Chevy Chase,Maryland.They need Software Development Engineers;Software Development Engineers in Test;Development Leads and Test Leads.For details and to apply for these positions visit http://bit.ly/MSjobs-SDE
They also need Solutions Specialists.For this one,visit www.jobs-microsoft.com/job/go/1497946/
There are multiple openings for each category at all levels,e.g.,Principal,Senior and Lead.
Microsoft Mid Atlantic District:Washington,DC
5400 Wisconsin Avenue,Suite 700
Chevy Chase,MD 20815
Microsoft has been designated a Great Place To Work in the World's Best Multinational Workplaces 2011.They are committed long term to the mission of helping their customers realize their full potential.They continually evolve the company to be in the best position to accelerate new technologies as they emerge and to better serve their customers,who use the software to find creative solutions
to business problems,develop breakthrough ideas,and stay connected to what's important to them-and Microsoft strives to do the same.
A globally diverse and inclusive workplace is integral to Microsoft's vision,strategy and business success.
Microsoft(MSFT)

Langurs Picture - Animal Photo - National Geographic Photo of the Day##

Langurs Picture - Animal Photo - National Geographic Photo of the Day##

After Open Heart Surgery:Six Months On The Path

At the six month way point on my surgical path,many judicious thoughts occur to me.The giddy waves of promotion are sternly resisted in these quarters.
The medical secretary wants to know how the conventional heart valve surgery patient is doing.The patient says he is almost better.In fact,this may be as well as it will be possible to be,given all that has happened to me.I have been hit by a surgical truck,after all.
The after affects are still with me.Optical migraines are not as frequent,but these visual disturbances continue to flash from time to time.The large incision itself does still sting a bit on most days.It has fully healed at the top,but the bottom of the scar remains prominent,along with the chest drain scars.
You may think that minimally invasive surgery,including the robotic approach,will soon be available to all.Though widely available now,it may not be suitable for all.The most seriously ill patients could require the traditional big incision.Perhaps it still provides the most comprehensive access to the heart.
A tiny leak from the repaired valve might seem inconsequential.Given the laws of physics,though,even a small post-surgical leak must be monitored closely for the rest of a patient's life.Any leakage from anything tends to worsen over time.
The new anticoagulant drug Pradaxa is being heavily promoted on television,but hasn't been approved for patients with significant heart valve disease.At least four deaths in New Zealand are being attributed to the medication.As well,it is many times more expensive than the old standby Warfarin.In addition,no antidote for the new blood-thinner is currently available,while there are several for Warfarin.Plainly,Pradaxa has not had the benefit of an extensive history.
With such considerations,I have been dealing with some of the issues of these medical times.

Commercial Space Ambition:Boeing Aims For 2015 Date

Although some in the media portrayed the end of the space shuttle program as the end of U.S. manned space flight period,that is far from the case,if recent events mean anything.For example,Boeing has just signed a lease for an old space shuttle hangar at Kennedy Space Center,which Space Florida,a state economic development agency,is developing into a commercial spaceport.
Boeing will use the hangar space to construct its shuttle successor candidate,the CST-100,in hopes of being selected by NASA for International Space Station ferry service.The company says the new capsule will be ready by 2015.Within the next few months,it plans to begin remodeling the hangar for its own purposes.
The CST-100 is a large Apollo-type capsule that can carry up to seven astronauts or a combination of crew and cargo into Low Earth Orbit.It is compatible with a number of launch systems,including the Atlas V rocket.As well as ISS program use,it is also intended to ferry astronauts and cargo to a commercial space lab owned by Bigelow Aerospace.Unless Boeing wins a NASA contract,however,the CST-100 will be shelved.
Boeing says it designed,built and operated human and robotic space vehicles and their supporting hardware in the past,such as for the Gemini,Apollo,Skylab,Space Shuttle and ISS programs.Given this superb heritage,you have to believe the storied aerospace firm has the edge in building one of the space shuttle's successor vehicles for NASA's astronaut corps.
Boeing(BA)

Target Jobs and Culture

Target is NOW HIRING in Northern Virginia and elsewhere.Target's culture is energetic and inclusive.It is community-focused and one of the world's most powerful brands.Expect a lot from a Target career.At Target,you need a cheerful and helpful guest service attitude,friendly and upbeat.
To apply,visit Target.com/careers and select the appropriate location and other parameters.You may also apply in person at the Employment Kiosks near the front of every Target store.Target also has a presence in India.
Target offers full benefits to salaried employees and Target merchandise discount and flexible scheduling to seasonal team members.
In Northern Virginia,there are hourly position openings in Burke,Reston,Fairlakes,Chantilly,Gainesville,Leesburg,Sterling and Sterling West in areas such as Overnight Logistics,Sales Floor,Front End,Supervisory and Food.
Target:Expect the Best.
Target Corporation(TGT)

NFL Legend Dies Frustrated With His Own Body

NFL legend Bubba Smith,who died August 3 at his Los Angeles home,was apparently dissatisfied with his weight.According to the Los Angeles County Coroner,Smith had high levels of the diet drug phentermine in his system.This,along with poor cardiovascular health in the form of high blood pressure and clogged blood vessels,contributed to his death at age 66,found by a caretaker.
At 6-foot-7 and 280 pounds,Smith was one of the original NFL big men.He played for the Baltimore Colts from 1967-72,helping them win Super Bowl V over the Dallas Cowboys in 1971.He was an all-star in the Pro Bowl in 1970 and 71.Smith later played for the Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers,retiring with a knee injury in 1976.
Following football,the gentle giant of Baltimore was very successful in Hollywood,excelling in the "Police Academy" film series as Officer Moses Hightower.He also appeared in popular T.V. series such as "Charlie's Angels" and "Married With Children."
I personally encountered Smith at the Baltimore Colts training camp in Westminster,Maryland when he signed autographs for my younger brother and myself.He was sitting alone outside one of the campus buildings in casual clothes and black horn-rimmed glasses.With his goatee and glasses,he looked more like a professor to me than a star athlete.Going over his photos,note that he kept his facial hair in various styles at different points in his life-including cleanshaven.
Smith had indeed received a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Michigan State,where he was an All-American football star.
Bubba,you will always be warmly remembered by your many sports and cinema fans.