From Australia:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1523376.htm
Monday, December 5, 2005. 9:32am (AEDT)
Internet job ads rise

A group that monitors the number of jobs advertised on the Internet has reported a 2 per cent rise over the past month.

The Olivier Internet Job Index says more than 183,000 positions were posted on major job sites in that time.

The director of the index, Bob Olivier, says the 2 per cent rise is significant.

"This is the first time in five years that we've actually seen a raw increase in the month of November when it's usually slowing up for Christmas," he said.

"Job seekers may be distracted but employers are not there's an incredible skill shortage out there still and this is probably all going to be well for the new year."

Mr Olivier says the November increase corresponds with a decrease in petrol prices.

"I think the big change between October and November has been that with the decrease in petrol prices there's been a bit of a return of confidence for consumers just at the right time for retailers for Christmas," he said.

"And I think that just follows through to business confidence and employers are more confident on hiring."

I listened to this interview, and the guy from the Olivier Internet Job Index sounded absolutely astounded that fuel prices could affect employment.

Boy is HE in for a shock.

I just started a new job in Missouri. The company seemed desperate to hire me. They payed for everything, plus several months living expenses. There has been a gross lack of generational knowledge sharing.

YES, I cannot agree more - there is now almost ZERO "across-the-generational" sharing of knowledge, thanks to those most stupid of ideas: Political Correctness and Economic Rationalism.

One of the most enjoyable things in my life is talking to my parents about the old days.