Hi everyone: Sorry I have been away!  I write business feature articles  for The Business Journal of Milwaukee, so I have been spending time there recently on various assignments.

But back here in Chicago LaidOffCamp Chicago is taking place June 10, 2009, at Loyola University Chicago’s Water Tower Campus. The free gathering follows an "unconference" format in which the meeting's agenda is derived from participants.  The meeting is open to job seekers, entreprenuers, freelancers, and others looking for new opportunities

The first-ever LaidOffCamp drew about 400 professionals to network, promote their skills, and most importantly, learn what to do next in this tough economy. Since the initial launch, LaidOffCamp has been held in New York City, Los Angeles, CA and Dallas, TX.  Topics of discussion include building a personal brand, transitioning to a new industry, launching a new business, freelancing, interview techniques, and finding affordable health insurance.

Lance Macon, one of the organizers of the Chicago event, said LaidOffCamp concept originated earlier this year in California.

"The unconference format encourges an open, participatory discussion forum designed to educate, empower, and connect community members," Macon said. "You get out of it whatever you put into it. Discussions are lead by participants, and there will be several break-out areas for smaller groups to gather," he said.

LaidOffCamp Chicago is free, but it requires registration to attend.  For more information, see laidoffcampchicago.eventbrite.com. The event will be from 1-5 pm at 25 E. Pearson, Kasbeer Hall, 15th Floor, on Loyola’s Water Tower Campus. 

Also, the Chicago Pink Slip Networking Event/Party is taking place Thursday, June 4, 5:30 - 8:00pm at Martini Park, Chicago.

What to Expect: Industries represented will include Finance, Accounting, Law/Law Services, Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Packaged Goods, IT/Tech. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with HR Managers, Hiring Managers, Executive Recruiters, Entrepreneurs, and Business Professionals.

Cost: $25 for pre-registration. Includes sponsored bar & complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Registration: Don't forget to submit your resume to be included in the events resume book for participating companies to review ahead of the event. For more info: www.ChicagoPinkSlip.com

Know before you go: A few weeks ago I went to the Harold Washington library to return some books. While I was there, I ventured to the computer/internet access section. As I walked around the area, I noticed several men using the library's computers to watch internet porn movies. Perverts in the library are nothing new, I suppose. And, while I'm all for the First Amendment, etc., I couldn't help but think: c'mon, watching porn in the library??? Think about the bathroom activity...

A spokesperson for the library said this: "We can't control or try to control what people look at on the computer. Illegal pornography involving children is forbidden and viewers will be arrested. Other than that we don' t try to control what people watch."

Library internet usage guidelines attempt to manage this activity by limiting the length of time people can reserve computers. Guidelines posted clearly indicate that viewing of sexually eplicit material involving children is illegal. A security guard I spoke with about it emphasized that the library has added security, both undercover and uniformed,  to keep an eye the area. She said visitors are encouraged to report any pornography viewing activity that involves children.