Line up line up

So, it's official, I'm an unemployed bum. I signed on a couple of weeks ago and this week was my first visit to the finger scanner. Oh yes, technology galore these days, you just place your finger on the scanner, wait for the OK and then get a little slip that tells you whether you need to go and see a clerk who may have a job for you or whether you can go home (nice little home icon!). But first, you have to wait in the bleedin' long queue, there's a lot of unemployed Tel Avivians out there!

For the first time in my time in Israel, it has to be said: Israel has grasped the queue concept (just maybe). I was quite impressed with the orderly fashion and speed in which they got through the line. Oh yes Israeli bureaucracy - we feckin' love you!

And you will be relieved to know that I got the home icon.

I'll give you a ring sometime

Rings from Carmel Market, Tel Aviv

End of the winning run

So, this unemployment malarky is actually not too bad. The best part about it is not having to rush into a place every morning that you don't give a toss about. The worst part is having to worry about paying for the petrol and actually having to think twice about driving somewhere. That is a killer, especially when for the last 9 years or so I've had my petrol bills taken care of.

What am I up to? Well, a few things, including a lot of work on http://www.igoogledisrael.com/, a fair bit of tweeting, and a top secret project or two that have actually got started and may even prove profitable. Needs more work though, of course. I will divulge more when the time is ready.

I also went for a Tech Writer interview last week at a 3-letter named company. Really didn't want the job but felt I had to go, 1) to get some practice and 2) to show the HR company that I made an effort. Interview went well, just couldn't see myself working for a boss who couldn't even look me in the eye when he was talking to me. Fucking mad. And not even sure I want to go back into cubicle world, it will only be for a part-time position that suits me, nothing else. Anyway, got a call a couple of days ago, they didn't want me, were looking for someone with more experience in their industry, "No worries" was my reaction. But I think this is the first time I've been rejected for a job I went for in the last 9 years. So, my almost perfect streak has come to an end...damn shame. But my beers are tasting sweeter these days, which is so much more important, innit.

Big Dicks

The salesman said "Hold a dick in your hands" without even blinking. Spotted somewhere in south Tel Aviv.