Jason Pearce

One of the exciting aspects about getting a job is that I get to “come back to society.” All this time I’ve been operating without a car, cell phone, high-speed Internet connection, and more. Being a gadget guy, I now get to have fun picking out some toys.

My newest edition will be a cell phone. Today I ordered myself a Motorola V66 phone with T-Mobile service.

While it’s not the most modern phone, lacks a color screen, and doesn’t wirelessly sync with other devices via Bluetooth, I think I’ll still enjoy it. A $150 value, T-Mobile was giving it away for free.

It does have one very cool feature. It has a built in FM stereo radio. The additional headset, powered by the phone’s battery, turns the phone into a stereo FM radio. Using the phone’s navigation keys, I will be able to change stations and store up to nine favorite stations. Plus, the radio automatically mutes for an incoming call and resumes playing when the call has ended.

It should arrive in a few days. Can’t wait.

It’s official. As of yesterday’s phone call with Khalid Gourad, I will soon be an employee of Gourad Media Group located in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Two weeks ago, February 12, I flew up to Norwalk to meet Khalid, his staff, to see his office, and to explore the area. Since my visit, we’ve been in mild negotiations, which concluded when he returned from a business trip to Morocco.

Khalid is Moroccan and offers several free online services for Moroccan’s who have relocated to the US, like the website Wafin. It is likely that I’ll have the opportunity to make a trip to Morocco some time during my career with GMG. Here are some quick facts about Morocco

• Full country name: Kingdom of Morocco
• Area: 447,000 sq km
• Population: 29 million
• Capital city: Rabat
• People: 55% Arab, 44% Berber, 0.7% foreigners
• Languages: Arabic (officially) with Berber dialects, as well as French, Spanish and English.
• Religion: 98% Muslim, 1% Christian, 1% Jew
• Government: Constitutional monarchy
• King: King Mohammed VI
• Prime Minister: Abderrahmane El Youssoufi

Speaking of facts, I should also shed some light on Norwalk, for I’ll be moving there by April 1. Located 50 miles from downtown New York, NY, it will take an hour and 20 minutes to drive between the two cities under normal traffic. There are train stations in Norwalk, so I should be able to use public transportation if I choose.

Here are a few links to websites that provide some more information about the area:

• Norwalk, Connecticut U.S.
  Norwalk, CT community site, includes local merchants and weather.
• South Norwalk (SoNo)
  Restaurants, bars, shops, attractions, and events in the historic South Norwalk area.
• Norwalk Transit District
  Public transportation services in Norwalk.
• Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
  City’s aquarium.
• Norwalk City Hall
  Norwalk CT Government, Living in Norwalk, Norwalk Tourism & History, and events.

Stay tuned, for I’m sure I’ll keep you posted as things develop.