Boost this summer for the ailing tourism industry? David Glanzer, Comic-Con International’s spokesman, tells a source that all systems are go for another congested gathering July 23-26 at the Convention Center. Registrations are apace with the 2008 convention, which posted a record-breaking crowd of 123,000, and most exhibitors, including the major Hollywood movie studios and computer game makers, have chipped in for 2009. The gathering will be the convention’s 40th, the first being held at the US Grant Hotel in 1970. Glanzer is saying attendees will combine their attendance at the highly entertaining Comic-Con with personal vacations, promising a sorely needed shot in the arm for hotels and restaurants No balls and no chains in the 21st century! The U.S. Navy has revived an age-old tradition, the floating brig, according to a recent story in the Navy Times. The Military Sealift Command supply ship Lewis and Clark, built at the local General Dynamics Nassco shipyard, is now serving as a jail of sorts, at last report holding 16 pirates captured from those fast-moving speed boats on the Gulf of Aden. A detachment of Marines serve as guards aboard the ship, which continues its mission of providing fuel and other supplies to our warships at sea Four national journalists covering clean-tech were in town Feb. 25 to get a firsthand look at area alternative energy activities, including a dinnertime briefing about Del Sur, the environmentally friendly 1,800-acre, 3,000-home development due north of state Route 56. Fred Maas, founder of Del Sur who acted as host (and also serves as interim head of the Centre City Development Corp.), said despite the downturn, builders are still interested in buying lots and putting up homes. In fact, he says he has offers from several builders , a signal that while new-home construction may be down, it’s not out The March 11 North County Business Showcase promises a day of networking and marketing for the hundreds of business owners who’ll attend at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Last year, the event featured 130 booths with 800 attendees. This year, organizers project having 200 booths and 1,000 attendees. Now that’s something to brag about in the malaise. Details and registration at NCBusinessShowcase.com Executive placement consultant Steve Harvey, president of The McGuire Group, offers a series of tips for the jobless who have tried everything but find that it’s not working. One of his top tips? Customize all communications to fit each prospective employer, he advises. “Not just your cover letters, but your resumes and e-mails must also be customized to showcase your experience that is related to the job opportunity,” says Harvey. Another tip? “Target jobs for which you have at least 75 percent of the stated qualifications.” Many people are wasting their time by applying to jobs regardless of their actual experience. He has more job-hunting advice at oipartners.net. Seeya!
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