great hunting to everyone.be safe.

Por John W. Miller

Las industrias alrededor del mundo están reduciendo costos y despidiendo empleados. Pero hay un sector que continúa reclutando trabajadores agresivamente, ofreciendo bonificaciones, programas de capacitación laboral y salarios que alcanzan los US$100.000 al año.

Las compañías petroleras multinacionales están luchando con una escasez de trabajadores especializados para las plataformas de perforación en alta mar, que seguramente empeorará. La industria planea construir 180 nuevas plataformas costa afuera en los próximos tres años -lo que se sumará al total actual de 640- extendiéndose alrededor del planeta desde la costa vietnamita y el Mar Caspio hasta el Golfo de México y Brasil. Cada nueva operación de perforación en alta mar requiere en promedio 200 trabajadores, algunos costa adentro y otros costa afuera.

Las petroleras dicen que se necesitaría más que la caída reciente del petróleo a alrededor de US$60 por barril para descarrilar estos proyectos, a pesar de que el declive ha llevado a postergaciones en otros lugares, como arenas petroleras y refinerías.

El desarrollo de proyectos petroleros "lleva un promedio de 10 años en completarse y operan por más de 30 años", afirmó Susan Houghton, una funcionaria de Recursos Humanos de Chevron Corp. "En 2008, contratamos aproximadamente 6.000 empleados nuevos y continuaremos a ese ritmo en 2009", agregó.

Los salarios para las categorías de empleos petroleros más buscadas han aumentado alrededor de un tercio en los últimos cuatro años, según Stephen Whittaker de Schlumberger Ltd., la empresa de servicios petroleros más grande del mundo por ingresos.

Un roughneck, como se les llama a los trabajadores de las plataformas petroleras, puede ganar US$100.000 por año, y los ingenieros de alto nivel pueden ganar hasta US$500.000 anualmente, informan analistas y directivos de la industria.

Pero no es dinero fácil. El trabajo en una plataforma en alta mar implica turnos de trabajo manual sin descanso, llueva, truene o relampaguee.

Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron, BP PLC y otras empresas están aumentando sus presupuestos de capacitación y reclutamiento y están pasando más tiempo en campus universitarios.

"Hay muchachos que están siendo contratados para que hagan pasantías durante las vacaciones, con sueldos de entre US$5.000 y US$7.000 por mes, y recibiendo bonos de US$10.000 y US$20.000", afirmó David S. Schechter, profesor de ingeniería de petróleos de la Universidad de Texas A&M, en College Station, Texas.

Cada año, unos 100 estudiantes se están graduando de esta facultad, cuatro veces más que hace cinco años. "Históricamente, la cantidad de estudiantes en el programa siempre ha tenido una relación cercana con el precio del petróleo", agregó Schechter.

Shawn Dawsey, uno de los estudiantes en A&M, dejó sus estudios de ingeniería eléctrica y pidió transferencia a ingeniería petrolera. El cambio ha dado sus frutos. Se graduará en mayo próximo y ya ha recibido ocho propuestas laborales que ofrecen alrededor de US$80.000 por año. El joven señaló que a algunos de sus compañeros les preocupa que la caída de los precios del petróleo afecte sus perspectivas, pero "las ofertas laborales siguen llegando", asegura.

Las compañías petroleras, en gran parte, se están poniendo al día tras la agitación de comienzos de los años 90, cuando redujeron sus contrataciones abruptamente debido al estancamiento entonces de los precios del crudo. Como resultado, años más tarde se registró una escasez de trabajadores, lo que llevó a un amplio reclutamiento y a esfuerzos de capacitación, así como a la determinación de mantener a los empleados incluso en épocas de descenso en los precios.

"Las compañías contrataron a tan poca gente cuando el petróleo costaba US$10 el barril en los años 90, que a US$75 el barril todavía hay un déficit de personal enorme", aseguró Doug Wearley, un director de reclutamiento para CSI Recruiting, una bolsa de empleo con sede en Denver. "Es un sector con muchos trabajadores que tienen 25 años de experiencia y muchos que tienen cinco años de experiencia, pero no mucho en el medio".

Las contrataciones van más allá de los graduados de universidades occidentales. BP está invirtiendo US$50 millones en escuelas de ingeniería en Libia. La compañía también tiene un programa de capacitación en Angola.

En Stavanger, el hogar de la industria petrolera costa afuera de Noruega, los trabajadores disfrutan de salarios que comienzan en los US$100.000 al año y un mes de vacaciones luego de trabajar sin descanso durante dos semanas. El mes de vacaciones es motivo de disputa.

Las empresas necesitan que los empleados trabajen más horas, afirmó Kjetil Hjertvik, un vocero de la Asociación de la Industria Petrolera Noruega. Los empleadores planean aprovechar la próxima sesión de negociación con los tres grandes sindicatos petroleros del país en 2010 para hacer lobby por una reducción del tiempo de vacaciones a tres semanas. Hjertvik admitió, sin embargo, que "en un mercado laboral limitado, los trabajadores tienen la sartén por el mango".

(The scene opens on three schoolgirls, about 10 years old, walking up the street. They're deep in conversation, although we cannot yet hear them. Suddenly, they stop, and place their left feet side by side).

GIRL 1: I told you, I've got massive feet!
 
GIRL 2: (trying to placate girl 1) They're not that big...

(Enter Icy, walking in the opposite direction, minding her own business. The girls look at her feet).

GIRL 3: (triumphantly) That's what you call big feet!

(Exit a bemused Icy as the schoolgirls stare after her)

Yes. This happened to me on the way to work.

True lovers of architecture read Nikolaus Pevsner's "Buildings of England" series for a variety of reasons: the encyclopedic knowledge, the rigour, the concise comprehensiveness, the fierce advocacy of modernism. I must not be a true lover of architecture, because I read them for the sniffy remarks.

Although I have moved from Nottingham ("Neither the architectural nor the picturesque traveller would place Nottinghamshire in his first dozen or so of English counties") to Lewisham ("A large borough, but little to see, and nothing of first-class importance"), I opened Yale University Press's new Pevsner-branded guide to my home city with anticipation. Nottingham's post-war experience with architects has been, to say the least, mixed. Would the author, Elain Harwood, summon up the master's bile?

Readers with more serious purposes will not be disappointed. Harwood conveys an enormous amount of useful information, in a compact style, amid a lavish allowance of colour photography; gives a fair summary of the often rancorous debate over the city's planning; rations praise judiciously. But students of bitchiness receive less encouragement, at least at first:

"In 1675 Thomas Baskerville described Nottingham as 'paradise restored, for here you find large streets, fair built houses, fine women and many coaches rattling about, and their shops full of merchantable goods'. Today there are many fair buildings, if few Baskerville would recognise."

That cheery opening, together with a resigned description of the ring-road and shopping-centre developments of the Sixties and Seventies ("It could have been worse") left me scrabbling around for implied disses, as when Boots' D10 is described as "Nottingham's one building of international stature". In the chapter on Nottingham's Council House, designed by Cecil Howitt, there is a choice backhander about a bank embedded in the structure by Howitt's mentor, AN Bromley ("the composition is more taught than his pupil was to achieve").

Once you start on the walks, however, things warm up. There are some properly Pevsnerian single-adjective dismissals. Market House, on Beastmarket Hill, gets "weak". The Cornerhouse entertainment complex gets "brazen". Both deserve what they got.

I also enjoyed the description of Clumber Street ("one of Britain's most sought-after shopping locations, to its architectural detriment"). And there are some un-Pevsnerian flights of simile: the Victoria Centre flats are "linked to resemble a giant toast rack"; the Djanogly City Academy "resembles a trainee office".

Harwood doesn't have Pevsner's willingness to be rude about older buildings; they tend to receive praise or silence. Still, insult-shopping aside, it is reassuring to see that some necessary asperity remains in what can be an over-cautious area of writing.

I wonder if those who chose to criticise John Sargeant's continued participation in the show last week are happy now that he has stepped down?

The argument was that he was being allowed to continue by a public who simply enjoyed seeing him struggle to control his feet, while the competition (they said) was about who was the best dancer.

Well that might be THEIR hope, but it would seem that many others like me, who cannot dance for toffees (or should that be TRUFFLES) were heartened that there was somebody else out there just like us, who cannot dance, but was prepared to have a go in the most public way possible, and show that we are not alone.

That get's MY vote every time! Thanks John for your efforts, but I should ask, isn't the idea of the programs we watch to entertain and or educate?

What is WRONG with John Sargeant actually winning the show, on the grounds of his entertainment value alone?

Arlene Philips expressed her concern at John's progress - but she should consider why people turn on and watch, and not molly coddle those whose natural talent earns them their place on the show without the need to put themselves in a position where they might be mocked. And well done those voters who chose to show the judges that the show is about what the AUDIENCE want, not the judges!

I've been a busy bee lately getting ready for upcoming shows... and making stuff for my girls and me.  First off, I recently sewed matching headbands for all three of us.  Lexi wasn't in the mood to be photographed today, but Mia let me keep her headband on long enough for several photos.  It must mean she likes it.  I think she looks pretty darn cute - if I do say so myself.

I finally got my new holiday tee designs stamped and photographed.  As always, the tees and onesies are 100% organic and stamped with original, hand-carved stamps.

And last, but not least, here are the pics of the hand-dyed, wool felt flower brooches I've been promising.  I added detailing to the petals with a metal hole punch to add a lacy effect, and also by using contrasting thread and stitches to add texture and dimension.  The finishing touch is a vintage button for the flower's center.  They make great additions to headbands, scarves, coats, or even our kids circle skirts (www.dimplesdesignstudio.etsy.com).  I've made at least a couple dozen different designs, too many to post, but here's a smattering.  I'm really happy with how they are shaping up, but you be the judge....

Fue un 31 de agosto cuando al mundo tu llegaste con dolores y llanto tu salistes a conocer un mundo nuevo  eras tan pequeñita que a mi vida alegraste,mis ojos  estaban llenos de lagrimas al ver tan precioso regalo que la vida me habia dado te arrulle junto a mi pecho y te bese  con todo mi  amor no podia creer lo que me estaba pasando.wow ella es la razon de mi vida es la persona que ama que no jusga y que para ella no hay nadie mas que yo su mama. le doy grasias a Dios por este hermoso regalo el ser madre es una experiencia  tan bonita que se lleva en el corazon y que se demuestra con tus hijos dandoles lo mejor de ty.mi hija ahora tiene 2 añitos y es mi sol en las mañanas ella es quien me hace ver la vida de manera diferente quien con solo decirme mami siento que mi corazon se quiere salir por que es una experiencia linda el saber que alguien tan pequeño de la noche ala mañana crece y crece y me lleno de nostalgia al ver como pasa el tiempo.

mi amor este poema es para ty Hija querida:

A ese que desde el momento en que existe
ya nunca vuelves a dejar de sentirlo,
a ese gran amor,
que desde el primer instante
que lo tienes entre tus brazos
nunca mas puedes dejar de amar,
a ese gran amor
que vez día con día crecer,
que cuando oyes su voz por primera vez
todo lo demás no importa,
todo es bello,
a ese gran amor,
que en las buenas y malas
tu estas con él,
a ese amor que te hace sentir
la mujer mas feliz
y la mas orgullosa del mundo,
a ese amor que solo puede sentir una mujer,
a ese amor que con el paso del tiempo
me ha enseñado a madurar,
si aunque a veces este amor me hace enojar,
llorar por como se porta también
fue este amor el que mi hizo llorar de felicidad
cuando por primera vez su boquita dijo: MAMA.
Si a mi gran amor,
a este amor verdadero,
a esta clase de amor que jamás termina,
a este amor que es de por vida...

So Welcome To See My Proflile

Enjoy!

It seems that Our Gordy, having grabbed as much of our hard-earned cash as he thinks he can get away with, is now after our bodies as well. Not content with the Review Body's recommendation for keeping the status quo for organ donation, he wants presumed consent to replace the current system. If he does, I confidentially predict that there will be far more people carrying "Consent Refused" cards than carry Donor cards at present.

As I opened the office this morning, I checked the post and the Liverpool post or some such had been delivered, dont know why, but we get that.

Anyway, front page, Liverpools police chiefs driver is facing the sack for membership of the BNP.  This man hasnt broken any law, assaulted any minority, or even been accused of such, he's simply joined a political party who's political views differ from that of the supposedly politicaly neutral police force.

AnarchyFreedom in the UK?

Hello Fell Free To Write A Comment

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cryme tyme should be tag champs already...im jus sayin.

All the way back when the Super Nintendo was first being introduced, Keiji Inafune was faced with the challenge of bringing the super fighting robot into 16-bits. The new hardware meant new possibilities, and Capcom was ready to bring MegaMan to the next level. Unlike some not-so-well received reinventions (BomberMan Zero pops into my head), MegaMan X was a major hit. Rather than leaving the old MegaMan in the dust though, X and Classic were continued side-by-side, each offering their own level of fun and appeal to varying audiences.

Capcom continued this tradition for Legends on the Playstation, Battle Network on the GBA, and ZX on the DS, recreating MegaMan for a new generation and making use of the new hardware that was available. Because of this trend, I am now left wondering what the next iteration of the blue bomber might be.

So far, Capcom has opted to not create new versions of MegaMan for next, or last gen consoles, instead sticking to X sequels and spinoff games. I assume this is mostly because the logical step would be a more realistic MegaMan to reflect the better graphic capabilities of these consoles. I get the impression Keiji Inafune openly scoffs this idea, because of the mock realistic-MegaMan posters in Dead Rising, and the costume avaiable both in Dead Rising and Lost Planet. Perhaps he even saw the abysmal results of the cartoony BomberMan's transformation in BomberMan Zero and knew for sure that route could not be taken.

What I'm really eyeing though is the Wii. The Wii, rather than hulking up its display specs, chose to improve the way video games controlled. However, many third party companies have found it difficult to get the true use out of the Wii. Thus, it seems there is no more perfect situation to me than for a new MegaMan to approach the challenge of creating a game on the Wii that uses the motion controls to an extent where the gameplay is new yet still fun and addictive. I have no idea what shape or form this new MegaMan would be; I leave that up to the masterminds at Capcom. I'm always looking forward to new MegaMan titles, but it would be especially awesome to behold a triumphant MegaMan Wii game, continuing a proud legacy that is more than 20 years strong.

i changed my background to the crowd bc as a wrestler...even in the independent circuit and even if im only 18 and i dnt know the ropes as good as these guys in the wwe i think we can all agree that its about pleasing the fans...its about giving them legends like achilles and zorro or w.e just giving them in our way...i love wrestling but more so i love the fans and thats why i take all that physical punishment and thats why when my neck heels ill be back in the ring no doubt...bc its my dream to entertain on a worldwide stage...and ill do anything to ascertain that dream...love the wwe...love wcpw...love the windy city and will never forget it...and even if i dont make it i will never forget those ppl who cheer and boo...bc thats what its all about...alright DUECES

Currently Listening To: 7 Things - Miley Cyrus

It seems nowadays if you don't fit into the ideal 'look' that media has created, than noone wants anything to do with you.

If you aren't tall, athletic, and beautiful than more than likely noone will even give you a second glance, but if you're beautiful and the ideal look that has been created by the media, than everyone wants to know you and be your friend.

What are the odds, that if I took down my photo and put up one of a thin, beautiful blonde I would probably end up with thousands of friend requests? I've been on this site for 24 hours and have 20 friends, 2-3 actual wwe fans, and the rest are superstars, and within an hour of my friend uploading her account, she had more than 200 friend requests.

If that doesn't prove that the media's perception of how people should look on society's perception of people, I don't know what does.

Uhh huh.  I had a feeling this would happen.

After a messy split in 2005, the three members of Blink-182 are back in communication, raising speculation that a reunion may be in the offing.

On his blog, group member Mark Hoppus says the recent death of Blink producer Jerry Finn and drummer Travis Barker's survival of a plane crash brought the men back in contact.

"We're just reconnecting as friends after four years of not talking," he says. "It's a good thing. Obviously the first question for a lot of people will be, 'Does this mean a Blink-182 reunion?' The answer is none of us know. We haven't talked about it at all. Right now it's just good for the three of us to see one another, reconnect and let the past be the past."

Since Blink-182's split, Barker and Hoppus formed +44, while Tom DeLonge fronted Angels & Airwaves. The band's last show was Dec. 16, 2004, in Dublin; its career sales are more than 12.7 million, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Watch "Down" from Blink 182.  Their last single and video together.

There aren't many of the class of Summer 2007 still blogging here, more's the pity.

We used to have spats and reconciliations with other bloggers; now it's all skirmishes with vulgar trolls whose only interest is to destroy MyT.

Trolls of course have no opinions which they are prepared to debate, only the good old 'ready fire aim' garbage which they dig up from their cess-pits.

As for humour - that's now off-limits even among some older hands here. The Legal Eagle lost his rag at the weekend in a cloud of alcohol and can't seem to face us, except in the guise of a daring 'Anon' identity.

I shall be happy to continue my efforts to find amusement among public and private figures of all sexes and cross swords with some regular pains in the derrière here. And I hope others will return to join me.

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair made his first-ever fanfest appearance (Wow!) this past August and we had old-school wrestling fans from a record 44 states and four foreign countries in attendance!

(Checkout photos from the 2008 festivities here on WWE Universe!)

Thanks to everyone for making our most recent fanfest weekend a tremendous success, helping us celebrate the extraordinary wrestling tradition of the National Wrestling Alliance, and we hope you'll start making plans now so that YOU can be with us for next year's excitement!

Our 2009 NWA Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend, highlighted by the third annual Hall of Heroes dinner banquet and awards ceremony, takes place Thursday through Sunday, August 6-9 at the Hilton University Place hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Fanfest Weekend is a wonderful experience for a lot of people, and this is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relive childhood memories -- and create some new ones -- and join other folks from all over the world, all coming together in Charlotte for our remarkable weekend.

VIP "All Access" Passes and Hall of Heroes dinner banquet tickets for the 2009 NWA Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend are on sale now!

For more information, please visit NWALegends.com

To the 14th Cartoon Art Trust Awards dinner in the Mall, sponsored by the Cartoon Museum. (Which apparently is the most successful small museum in the country, with 30,000 visitors a year. Pretty impressive.)

A great turnout, hosted as usual by the increasingly "relaxed" Kenneth Baker ex MP, and a fantastic meal with perfect service. 

Among others, awards went to our own Alex creators Charles Peattie and Russell Taylor for The Pont Prize for drawing 'The British Character'. Obviously apt in the current financial climate.

The Cartoon Art Trust Lifetime Achievement Award went to Raymond Briggs, creator of Fungus the Bogeyman and The Snowman. Books I grew up with and influenced me hugely. He was superbly grumpy, and demanded his award was brought forward in the proceedings so he could catch his last train home. Brilliant.

Our Nick Garland won the prestigious Saatchi Political Award, which was presented by old timer Ken Clarke, who must - I'm sorry - possess the largest stomach I've ever seen. 

Other awards were:

Young Cartoonist: Emilia Franklin

Pocket cartoonist: (unusually snatched from Matt...) Grizelda (who is very good.)

Strip cartoonist: Stephen Collins, who, from what I've seen, is a great upcoming talent at The Times.

Cheers to the Daily Mail, Times and Guardian who apparently had free adverts for Young Cartoonist of the Year. And and a big Booo to the Telegraph for not.

As usual on these occasions, cartoonists mingled post dinner, and moaned and grumbled about our lot, but ended up agreeing it could be worse. We could be working for a living.