DC Metro
On the job hunt … methods to increase your chances. (website listings & advice)
Uncategorized
It’s common knowledge by now that more people are looking for jobs than ever before – many people have been laid off, some want to supplement their income with a second job, stay-at-home moms and dads are being forced to re-join the workforce, kids are graduating with Masters degrees, and bored retirees are seeking jobs simply to give them something to do.
There are a plethora of websites where you can look for jobs – but I really believe you should be avoiding the big names like Monster, Careerbuilder, and even Craigslist.
niche job boards are more effective.
Instead, time is better spent applying to jobs that are posted on niche websites that only post jobs for specific career fields, business sectors, or regions. Below you will find advice and a listing of more effective niche job posting websites for various fields, including jobs in the nonprofit sector, bilingual careers, marketing job boards, environmental careers, etc. Continue reading …
Controversy Over the Mural in NE, Washington DC – ANC Ridiculousness
Current Events
I recently read this on Wooster Collective.
A few weeks ago we posted a call for artists to assist in a massive mural in Washington DC, sponsored by the fantastic nonprofit group Albus Cavus. The final wall is absolutely stunning.
But to show how ignorant some people can be, we heard today that the local Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Marshall Phillips is now protesting the mural because, according to him, for it to be acceptable it needs to include references to MLK, the Redskins football team, and the Nationals baseball team.
Here’s the video and my commentary:
Continue reading …
Police Use Taser on Hispanic Homeowner and Female Relative, Four Electroshocks, Excessive Force, Caught on Video
Current Events, Public Policy
A joyful baptism celebration at a Hispanic household in Woodbridge, VA was abruptly interrupted by police who reportedly barged in requesting immigration documentation from the homeowner – the night ended with the tasing (shock with taser gun) of two adults and their subsequent arrest. Relatives of the man and woman that were arrested claim to have caught this all on video. The incident occurred on July 25, 2009.
This story is still very much in development, I heard it on the way to work this morning while listening to the local Spanish-language radio station, El Zol. Relatives of the man and woman who were arrested came on the morning radio show to tell their story. Continue reading …
DC Single Container Beer Ban, Even-handed or Unfair
Public Policy
Several wards in Washington DC have finally decided to pass legislation that bans local stores from selling single containers of beer. This means that residents will not be able to walk into their local shop and purchase a bottle of beer – instead they’ll have to buy a multi-pack. Community leaders that support this ban are hoping to see a decline in curb-side drinking and a huge litter reduction. It should be noted that retailers can appeal and gain exception to the legislation if they have a good enough reason.
Continue reading …
Desperate Times – Desperate Measures? Loudoun County Passes Initiatives to Curb Illegal Immigration
Current Events, Public Policy
As expected, Loudoun County’s board of supervisors has passed measures aimed at clamping down on illegal immigration. Following suit with neighbor Prince William County, each jurisdiction’s new laws bear much similarity, and it’s only a matter of time before additional neighboring counties follow suit. Read today’s Washington Post article on the topic.
The county’s decision to pursue appear impulsive and have created a sort of sugar-coated state of emergency in the entire Northern Virginia area that surrounds the D.C. Metro area. Whether the desperate measures are as superfluous as they seem is subjective, at least at this early stage. Continue reading …
Prince William County Passes Tough Immigration Law
Current Events, Public Policy
As an eight year resident of Prince William county in Virginia I have witnessed the huge influx of Hispanic residents, estimated to have increased from 9.7% of the population in 2000 to 18% in 2005 – it has to be higher this year (WTOP News, July 2007).
This influx of Latino people, mainly from Central American countries, has created a sort of hysteria amongst Prince William’s largely conservative voting base. The ‘migrant workers’ gathered at 7-11 convenience stores (waiting for work), the boom of Hispanic shopping centers (food & ‘back-home’ goods), and not to mention the neighbors next door – since Hispanic homeownership has risen 2.2% from 2000 to 2005 in the United States.
The polemic here is that a large amount of Hispanic immigrants to Prince William are illegal – this is putting a large socio-economic strain on the county’s infrastructure. The new county law, passed yesterday, is aimed towards getting those illegal immigrants deported. The method: demand proof of lawful presence from any individual that can be detained on probable cause of violation of federal immigration laws. (Washington Times, July 2007) Continue reading …