The Job Search

I know that I usually focus on my music hobby in this blog, but at this time I figured I might do a bit of self-promotion in the job market.

I was most recently employed for almost eleven years at 360 Imaging / Garlock Printing in Gardner, MA (USA) as a Customer Service Rep. and Graphics Coordinator. I also spent my first years there as a Pre-press Technician.

Here's some fo the things I did there:
- Co-created and directed “Form, Fill and Seal” Polybag Template program
- Cost estimation and project planning/management
- Quality control and customer service interaction
- General maintenance of Dolev 800 Scitex Imagesetting Equipment
- Maintenance/Inventory Control of Imagesetting Processor
- Trained new employees

QUALIFICATIONS
Proficient in numerous forms of media and office software including:
- Microsoft Word/Works
- Microsoft Excel
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Acrobat
- Esko Backstage Pilot
- Bar Code Pro
- Freehand

On February 9 of 2009, I was informed by the HR Manager that due to cutbacks (also refered to as "R.I.F." - Reduction In Force) I would be laid off. She then escorted me back to my desk and then out the door. I don't view this as a very bad thing. Sure I lose a weekly paycheck and benefits, but I have to opportunity to explore some new venues. Maybe get lucky and find something bigger and better? It's possible. Even in this economy.

The INTERVIEW - almost ready!

Hey folks! The interview is almost ready for posting - I uploaded the files to The Internet Archive this morning, and the site is in the process of deriving the files into streamable and downloadable files. It's not quite ready, but here's the link so you can at least visit the page and bookmark it if you wish.

Interview at WCUW

It may take a day or so before the files are complete and ready for streaming. But it is there. The whole TWO Hours. Yup. Betcha didn't think I could actually chat for that long. Yah, sure youbetcha, when I get going on music, you can't shut me up.

So there you go.

Or, yeah, I AM going to delete my account from FACEBOOK. It just isn't worth the time and effort. I was originally only going to use it as a connection for MUSIC Networking, but it has turned into a gigantic waste of valuable time. If I need to talk to my friends and relatives, I know how to pick up a phone and dial the number. And I never wanted to contact a bunch of people I went to High School with that I was never close to back then, so why would I want to contact them now? I know it's all done with good intentions, but if I wanted to go to the High School Reunions, then I'd go. But I do NOT want to go to my High School Reunions.

I know that sounds incredibly hostile and misanthropic - that's not my intention. But the whole Facebook thing is just not something I want to continue doing. I will keep the account open until the Interview link is posted, but I WILL close it sometime this week.

WCUW - Feb 24th 8:00 PM

Just reminding everyone that I am still scheduled to appear on the "Under the Influence" show, hosted by Valerie Sampson - February 24th 8:00 Pm.

Click HERE, then click on the "Listen Live" link to get the pop-up player (it's a Live 365 player).


We'll be talking about my various influences, playing some of their tunes, playing some of my tunes, just chatting music in general which is always a cool thing to do in a public forum. I'll try to be polite, and not be too "snobbish" about my music tastes, but let's face it - any questions regarding Hannah Montana or American Idol will not go down well.

This is going to be a lot of fun for me, and hopefully for anyone who's a "fan" of my music.

ThanX again to everyone (oh, yeah, I'm still umenployed and actively job-seeking - please contact me with any leads in the Printing Industry in Central Massachusetts).

Laid Off - and more recovery

Yup, As of Monday, February9th, I am officially unemployed. After almost eleven years at my job I was let go due to cutbacks and financial troubles for the company. Not happy, but then again, I have to look at this as an opportunity to seek out something new and different. I don't think there's any way of pursuing music as a full-time career, but if anyone has any legitimate ideas, I'm open to suggestions.

Anyone with ideas or leads in the Central Massachusetts area, please contact me. I've been acting as a Customer Service Representative for a printing company (mainly in the pre-press department), but I was also a pre-press technician for ten years (using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Esko Backstage, Quark Xpress, etc.).

Oh, surgery recovery is going fine - my hand is still pretty weak, but should be back to normal in a few months. I am going to start playing guitar VERY CAREFULLY and slowly as part of my own physical therapy. Just fretting notes and doing scales for a few minutes a day to get the wrist strength and callouses back. I may not be doing any actual recording for a while, but I'll let you know when. I promise.

Thanks again all my friends and family for your support and help.

I'll get a new picture of my wrist up soon.

Recovery !!

What an ordeal! I thought I was only going to be in the doctor's office for a half hour.

NOPE!

It was like a full surgery prep, two IV's (valium and novacaine), etc. Then my blood pressure was too low, so they wouldn't release me afterward. Finally I get out, I get kind of sick on the Vicodin (never, ever take that stuff!!), and I have to keep my hand iced and elevated
for two days. My fingers are still numb.

I can take the bandage off tomorrow and wash it, but then I have to begin wearing the wrist brace on a more permanent basis for two weeks.

The pain is not bad, more itchy, and feels like someone "tugging" on my wrist nerves.

I took a picture from my webcam on my laptop, so pardon the lo-res detail.














Thanks to all of you who've wished me well. I really appreciate it. I really can't wait to play my new guitar which is now collecting dust. I also am having trouble typing with just one hand. ThanX for your patience.

Dave

I Can't Make a Fist with The Cyst on My Wrist

...by Dr. Seuss (his as-of-yet unpublished masterpiece)

Yup - finally got some pictures of the evil thing growing on my left wrist - my wife thinks it's a new thumb, my son looks at it and goes, "ICK!", and one of the guys at work wants to know when I'm selling my guitars.
























This is why I'm not playing much guitar right now. When I bend my wrist at a 90 degree angle (necessary for 2nd Position Barre Chords) it hurts like heck.

Doctors don't even know where they come from, except from a possible injury on the joint which is where it is attached. And you can't just pop and drain it, because they just fill up again. So it HAS to be surgically removed. Fun.

Anyway, I felt like grossing out the lot of you who dare to look upon the beast that grows within.

Thanks to my Mom for taking the photos (she's the Ansell Adams of the family) - and thanks to Dad for giving her the digital camera for Christmas.

WCUW February 24th

Hi folks! I am tentatively scheduled to appear at WCUW, a local community radio station (located at Clark University) on Tuesday, February 24 on the "Under The Influence" show hosted by Valerie Sampson.

The show features interviews with local musicians, mainly focusing on their influences (obviously?!). Valerie has asked me to round up some of the music that has influenced me, along with some of my own music, so we'll be playing some of my own tunes, along with some of my heroes. I'll be bringing along some Black Sabbath, Kiss, Zappa, Sonny Sharrock, maybe some Mahavishnu Orchestra, King Crimson, and a few more.

I have a few songs of my own picked out, but if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know - leave a comment.

If you're in the local Central Massachusetts area, you should be able to pick up the show at channel 91.3. However, anyone can listen to a live stream of the show from the station's website. Here's the link:

WCUW

Just click on the "WCUW LIVE - Listen Now!" banner on the left of the webpage. That'll bring up a Live365 pop-up window - hit play and listen. Remember, this is Eastern Standard time (Boston, MA).

Hopefully I won't come off as a total goof-ball. Luckily, it's only radio, so you won't have to see my ugly mug for two hours.

Thanks to both Valerie Sampson, and Jeff Sampson (as she describes him - her "sort-of husband" who currently lives in Colorado Springs) - by the way - Jeff Sampson (who recommended me for the show!) is a founding member of the experimental ambient band, Embracing the Glass. You can find out more about his music, and other projects he's involved with at the Burning Shirt website. Burning Shirt is a small record label formed by Mr. Sampson, and mainly features music of an ambient and experimental nature. Check it out!

Hope you can all listen in!