At one point or another in most jobs, you ask yourself fundamental questions like "am I happy?" "am I making a difference?" or "I wonder if this rash is cause for a sick day."

As the "youth culture" columnist I've often wondered when I'll age out of the job. (We'll settle that one in a few weeks when I turn 28.) But at the rate things are going in the industry, it may be better to ask if the "youth culture" is actually reading the paper.

So, things have been in a constant state of flux down here at Press Herald Plaza in the last week.

The NXT Desk did not go unaffected.

As some of you may have noticed, I popped up over to the iHerald section today talking about some of my favorite Web sites. I do so love the Internets.

It’s not that kids are allergic or afraid of sunlight, it’s just that some don’t see the need for it. Why go outside when the Internet can bring you the real world, and your Xbox 360 can bring you a fake one...with explosions and car chases?

Is it strange that whenever someone mentions awards one of the things I think of is the “Montgomery Burns Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence” from the Simpsons? Anyone else remember that episode?

Immigration. Right now in America that’s a loaded word that can inspire anger and frustration, as well as compassion...and frustration.
There is a national debate going on about who’s in this country illegally and what we are going to do with them.
And unless Lou Dobbs is lying to me, it’s a pretty big deal.

I’ve never built a boat, and my knowledge of boating has faded over the years (those summer camp sailing/rowing/kayaking lessons disappear fast), so I have a great deal of appreciation for people who can do either, and do it well.

The Weekly Scanner - enough pop culture and bizarre news to smuggle in a speeding lobster boat.

Remember - if you've got weird news, websites, events or anything funky you catch online, send it my way it'll get in the Scanner.

We got a lot to get through today, first off, I think I look ripe for a guest spot on the Simpsons:

If I was a gambling man – and my strict adherence to $10 blackjack tables rules that out – I could have bet that a column on ideas from young people to attract their peers to the paper would quickly turn into a conversation about what’s wrong with the Old Gray Mare, or Gray Lady. Actually, I don’t know if the Press Herald/Telegram has a nickname (or at least a printable one).