So, Colin Powell endorsed Obama. I’ve been reading analyses of this development, and most political writers don’t think the endorsement will sway a lot of voters to Obama; most people who would be influenced by the endorsement one way or the other have already made up their minds. Where it may help is in the defense/military industry area of northern Virginia, which is a state McCain absolutely cannot afford to lose. If Obama carries the Kerry states plus Iowa (where he’s way ahead), that’s 259 electoral votes. Virginia’s 13 would put him over the 270 needed to become president.
I’ve heard a lot of people say, “election night is going to be a long night.” Not necessarily. Virginia, Ohio, Florida, and North Carolina are all in the eastern time zone. If any one of those gets called for Obama (and he’s leading in the polls in all four right now), we pretty much know who the new president will be. If McCain wins all four, or if they’re too close to call, then it could indeed be a long night, but I’m betting we know who the new president will be by 8-9 PM Central time.
I’m now thinking I may wait until Monday, November 10 to start devoting all my energy to job hunting. Previously I had said November 3, but am leaning toward taking the extra week for several reasons: 1) I want 3 weeks to explore the freelance market, and the possibility of earning an income there, as opposed to full-time salaried work; 2) I want the extra week to work extra hard on Saving Consumers Time and two more website ideas; and 3) There will likely be a big celebration the night of Tuesday, November 4, and it’d be nice to stay up late without having to get to work the next day. That said, I am going to let recruiters know that I’m available if anything exceptional comes along, and it looks like I’ll be talking to someone about an exceptional full-time position as early as this week.
By the way, I’ve updated my resume to include the past year’s experience. Feel free to forward a link to anyone who may need .NET, PHP, WordPress, SEO, or Web 2.0/social media development work done.
Tonight is “Relaxing with Miles and Mickey” at the Majestic Grille, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The University of Memphis Downtown Music Initiative will do a tribute performance of “Relaxin’ with Miles,” featuring David Spencer, Gary Topper, Sam Shup and Alvie Givhan. Music starts at 5:45. During the performance, artist Mickey Hollis will paint live to the music. His work is currently on display in the Majestic’s Innovators’ Room, so be sure to go back there and check it out. There will be complimentary hors d’ouevres by Chef Patrick Reilly, and cocktail specials.
Free food? Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will show up.
The website work I have to do today seems to lend itself well to the Second Street Branch Office, so I’ll head there at 11 when the branch office opens. Check back, I may post from there later in the day.