This morning, after reading the news of the day, and of course stumbling several of the news items of import, I also started stumbling (using StumbleUpon of course) one of my favorite categories, Web Design.

Immediately, I came across two that I would like to draw your attention to:

o CSS Basics
o Nice and Free CSS Templates

The first is a lesson-by-lesson, 18 “chapters” leading you by the hand so you can create your own website stylesheet. You can also choose to download all the chapters, or even print them all out (put in a binder, sometimes it’s easier to reference points via print).

The second web site actually gives you 11 pre-made stylesheets. From a single box on a page to a full four-column layout, all your css stylesheet components are right there! Of course this would be the easy route to take, however, I urge you to also visit and study the principles behind doing anything online.

Sure there are Wordpress, Blogger, Moveable Type, and other blog frame works from which you can work. There are also numerous html editors one can use to create web sites themselves. I, personally, believe that everyone needs to know the underlying reason and/or methods used that make the magic of a blog or website happen.

Ten years (plus) ago, I knew absolutely nothing about web page creation. In fact, my first “web site” consisted of nothing but banners centered down a page. At the time, I was thrilled to have accomplished even that much. But, as we all should know, that’s just not going to cut it out online. Visitors need a sense of uniformity and the means to navigate a website or blog. Knowing how to do this yourself, independent of the program you use, really understanding the coding involved in linking up, inserting images, creating the framework page, and navigation are but a few of the “I really need to learn this” strategies I would recommend you learn.

Then, you are no longer confined to a web site given to you (or one you pay for or use for free). You have learned a new, and highly valuable skill. In fact, for job seekers or those looking to add to their present skills, learning and implementing coding can be a good job skill enhancement.

Coding by hand is an art. Coding an entire website of say over 100 pages without understanding how it all comes together is insane. After visiting the above, you might also like to check out an article I wrote quite a while back titled, How to Learn HTML Without Even Trying.

Go for it! You can do this – it’s fun and you will never be at the whim and mercy of others. I’ve seen people pay exorbitant prices for web pages (websites) not worth a fraction of what they spent. When you learn a new skill, duh, you grow. Today is your day to do just that

As you can see the tagline of this blog was changed some time ago. The reason was simple. While I do pass along internet marketing strategies, I also like to keep those dropping by informed on all sorts of topics – everyday life issues, health, family, parenting, politics, lifestyles and more.

With that said, here’s strategic advice for the unemployed that I highly recommend everyone in the United States read.

First unemployment extensions (both at the State and Federal levels) are iffy at best. However, you can (and do) still have a voice in the matter should you wish to express it. It is important that you read the above posted on the WorldNewsVine website. I will warn you ahead of time it is very confusing – not the post – but the subject matter itself and the strategy or strategies the various levels of government appear to be using to keep everyone guessing.

Unemployment is not a thing to shake off lightly. While many do still have their jobs, the question is for how long? Your life revolves around a steady income, and even though you may feel “safe” in your job, frankly you never, ever know if today is the day “the axe will fall.”

For the currently unemployed, understanding your entitlements is becoming more and more confusing. Whether this is a deliberate political move or not, I do not know. But you must ask yourself the question… do you know exactly when your financial assistance runs out? If you are guessing or perhaps relying on your State unemployment agency representative to know the answers, I really would not count on that. Most do not have a clue.

The rules appear to change almost from day to day. Make it a point – even if you are employed – to see what’s going on.

Yes, there is “liberalism” with this post, but knowing the writer personally I can tell you that:

1.   Checking with your own State is imperative – and make sure they are current on the “rules and laws”

2.   The writer of the above post DOES stay current on what’s what especially in regard to unemployment benefits.

Again, it’s confusing and (perhaps) alarming once you figure it all out. Yet it applies to all Americans – employed or not. Because you just never know…

It’s a juggling act for any family, especially nowadays. Holding on to your job or trying to find one has everyone on edge. Even those feeling pretty safe and secure need to remember that no one is exempt from getting that pink slip – warranted or not.

That’s why furthering your education is so critical. And, as you can see by the banner in this post, I’ve found a way for dads to apply – for free – for a $10,000 scholarship to head back to school.

There’s just three steps (okay four) to check into this amazing offer. First you need to either click on the banner or visit Scholarships4dads.

Next you complete three simple steps and voila! you just might be getting the holiday gift of a lifetime – free financial aid for dads!

Hurry though! There is a December 1st (2009) deadline to apply!

Okay after getting that last post off my chest it’s time to share something worthwhile and perhaps life changing for those currently unemployed or looking for a better paying job.

Not that long ago Yahoo! Finance ran an article I believe will help many in these desperate times. It’s title is 10 Jobs With High Pay and Minimal Schooling Required.

I’m just going to list the careers they mention, and refer you (above) to fluff out the facts for yourself.

These jobs include:

1. Air Traffic Controllers ($117,200)
2. Industrial Product Managers ($77.670)
3. Police and Detective (First Line) Supervisors ($69,300)
4. Funeral Directors ($49,620)
5. Sheriff/Police Patrol Officers ($47,460)
6. Advertising Agents (Sales) ($42,750)
7. Real Estate Brokers & Sales Agents ($39,760)
8. Occupational Therapist Assistants ($42,060)
9. Occupational Therapist Aids ($25,000)
10. Physical Therapist Assistants ($41,360)

Keep in mind the title of this post includes the words “Minimal Schooling.” It’s not that education is not involved, but it doesn’t take a doctorate to pull down some decent money. Many of these listed above can be found through your local community college program.

Also keep in mind that Financial Aid (FAFSA) is available, and in some cases, if you enroll early enough the Pell Grant just may pay for your entire education… for free!

Whether you are currently employed or unemployed and wondering what to do, where to go, how to achieve positive results, these resources can help put you on the right path.

Let’s first start off with what you can be doing while you are unemployed since gaps in your resume can be red flags to potential employers, filling that “down time” demonstrates to anyone interviewing you that you’re doing your best to stay active – not only by doing worthwhile “things,” but also making contacts.

And here are several more areas to investigate. These include information you need to know, things you need to be aware of, places and occupations with the greatest potential, along with occupations that sound good, but are overrated.

My thanks to USNews:

Tech Jobs

2009 Best Careers

Careers That Are Overrated

How to Be Ahead of the Curve (2008 material)

“Best Kept Secret” Careers

As of August 2009, Best Places to Find A Job

Job Hopper? What You Can Do to Mitigate The Impact

What Not To Do – Ways to Not Annoy the Person Interviewing You

What You Can Do If The Person Interviewing You Is Doing a Poor Job

My thanks to Yahoo News:

How to Chit-Chat With The Person Interviewing You

Each of the above resources provides valuable information – more so perhaps for those unemployed seeking jobs – but worthwhile to all to help you keep your job.