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

Granted this post is aimed at bloggers and those who would like be become successful bloggers, but it’s also one that will show you that by combining your efforts, you can make money online.

This is not a quick way to pay the bills, however, if you have never proven to yourself, not once, that you can make money well here’s a good way to start.

And, the wonderful added bonus is… you’re driving traffic to someone’s web site, and (if you list yourself) you, too, will receive a flood of traffic in return.

So on the positive side your traffic count goes way up (thus way down in Alexa and those entities out there counting traffic stats) and you have that must-have action – the chance to put your blog in front of a real person’s eyes (so be ready and make sure your business plan is clear-cut for other’s to grasp when they get there).

On another positive note, you can (more…)

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!

Strangely enough, six weeks ago everyone was excited around here. Our son graduated high school this past June, and after what we thought was even debate, enrolled into ITT’s Computer Network program.

Unfortunately, after the first six week’s he’s also unenrolled and here are several reasons why:

1.  No one properly explained the funding sources nor the repayment schedule – now granted we should have been more up on this ourselves, but with only one “child” (now an 18 year old “adult”) and no prior experience with FAFSA or any student grants and loans, we did rely heavily on ITT being upfront and honest about all aspects of it. (more…)