New skateboard shop rolling into Cape

Know what an ollie is? If not, you probably have never heard of a kick-flip, a front-side 50-50 or a backside noseslide quicktime.

I really haven't either, but I know that they're daredevil moves that skateboarders try to do. The ones who do these moves exceptionally well are the ones who care more about performing the trick than their own hide.

Well, people who care about these sorts of things -- and chances are I'm talking about your kids and not you -- will be glad to know that a new "skater" shop is opening in Cape Girardeau in the next few weeks.

Owner Carol Kellison hopes The Alternative View, at 51 Plaza Way, will be open by Christmas. The shop will have skateboards, accessories and skater clothes and shoes. (Yes, that does mean the baggy pants that make you want to pull your hair out.)

Kellison got the idea from watching her kids skateboard and realizing that it's hard to find decent skating equipment in town. She found that odd, considering how popular skateboarding has become in recent years.

But Kellison will correct you if you just call it a skateboard. They will sell "pro skateboards" at Alternative View.

"You can get a skateboard at Wal-Mart, but it won't be a very good one, not one that professional skateboarders use," she said. "But we're going to have those."

It will also have skateboard wheels, bearings and other things.

"There's really no store in town for skaters," she said. "That's why I wanted to do this."

The gift of unemployment

It's a truly Grinchian reality: The boss hands you a pink slip for the holidays. Now what?

Mass holiday job cuts are no longer taboo. Don't try to hide unemployment from family and visiting friends, and be diligent about not feeling sorry for yourself, according to Meridian Resources, a career-transition agency based in Greenville, S.C.

"You'll need the support of family, friends, and colleagues to launch an effective job search," said Ron Grant, Meridian's president.

Be sure to ask your soon-to-be ex-employer about any job assistance the company can provide, and inquire about severance benefits.

Also, some companies will offer more if, for example, your job is disappearing some time early in the new year but you agree to stay on until then.

Holiday job hunting

Contrary to popular perception, the holiday season can be a fine time to begin scouting a new job.

January is often the peak hiring month at many companies, making December an optimal time to get your resume before a hiring manager, according to The Five O'Clock Club, a career counseling agency.

Also, many managers reduce their travel toward the end of the year, so they're more likely to be in the office with time to peruse your resume or take your phone call.

Other factors in your favor are the abundance of holiday parties at which one can network, and the relative lack of competition, said Richard Bayer, the company's chief operating officer.

"Competition in November and December is minimal because most people still mistakenly believe that companies are just not interested during the holiday season," he said.

Briefly

It's going to be a few more months until the opening of the new Chinese restaurant going into the old Western Sizzlin' on South Kingshighway.

China Town Buffet owner Kevin Zheng said he's waiting to get proper licenses before he can open. (He's waiting to get approved for a liquor license, for one thing.) He also is remodeling the place, he said.

S&S Wholesales has opened at 1015 W. Jackson Blvd., across from the skating rink. Owner Scott Schnurbusch is delving into retail auto sales after spending a few years in the wholesale business. The used car lot has trucks, SUVs and campers.

Scott Moyers is the business editor for the Southeast Missourian. Send your comments, business news, information or questions to Biz Buzz, 301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0699, e-mail smoyers@semissourian.com or call 335-6611, extension 137.