After some amazing former co-workers of mine at my old paper were either laid off this week or are now ramping up their job search as a result of said layoffs, I’ve decided to devote another post to business. Entertainment stuff will resume soon enough.

Network for Work is a volunteer organization that supports professional networking and career development through networking forums — online and off. The group has scheduled a free seminar at the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19, titled “From Employee to Entrepreneur.”

The session will basically help participants determine if they should try to start their own business and then give them the resources they need to do so successfully, including discussing format options, selecting business options and financing.

Maybe you’ve been considering breaking out on your own but you don’t know where to start. Or maybe your job circumstances, like so many people in this current economy, have suddenly changed. This could be an opportunity to go after your dream of being your own boss.

Sound good? Did I mention it’s free? Sound better?

I thought so. Check out the details here.

I saw Up in the Air last night and it was a pretty solid reminder of the uncertainty of both the current economy and life in general.

It’s difficult to find anyone who has been entirely insulated from the recession, and many excellent writers I know are trying their hand at freelancing to get by. But it can be difficult to get a freelance career off the ground from your own home — too many distractions.

That’s why I think it is incredibly awesome of Float Left Labs in Manchester to open Archimedes Space, which gives freelancers and small companies a space to work, connect and mentor students of Float Left Labs.

Freelancers can use the space for free until Jan. 14, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Membership after that is quite reasonable, but it’s a good opportunity to check out the space and see how well you can work in it.

The Seacoast of New Hampshire is a fun place to be in the winter, partly because of the variety of events that nudge you out into the cold.

If you want to get the blood pumping and extend a little bit of the goodwill of the holiday season, check out the Cocheco Valley Community Skate Days at the Whittemore Center in Durham.

Today and tomorrow, the skates happen from 6-8 p.m. On New Year’s Eve, you can skate from 5-7 p.m. Bringing along pet food for the Cocheco Valley Humane Society gets you a discount to the already reasonable rate. Bring three or more items for $2 off the family rate of $10, or $1 off the adult rate ($5) and the children younger than 12 rate ($3) with a pet food donation each.

The Cocheco Valley Humane Society seeks donations of canned and dry adult cat food; canned and dry adult dog food; hay for small animals (no straw); rabbit hay racks; small litter boxes for rabbits; cat and small animal toys; and non-clumping clay cat litter.

I can’t imagine the holidays (or any other day, for that matter) without my little fuzzy friend. I’ve had my rescued cat for eight years now. I know so many people who talk about getting a pet but they always come up with some excuse not to.

Well, no excuses. The Salem Animal Rescue League has a great deal on kittens and cats through Jan. 6. While the pricing is in effect, you can bring home a new furry companion for a reduced rate.

Check out the details here.

Southern New Hampshire University this weekend hosts the NorthBEAST Regional competitive poetry event. Nationally registered slam venues from New England and beyond are invited to compete for bragging rights, poetic glory and a spot at the 2010 National Poetry Slam.

The events take place at Robert Frost Hall on the campus of Southern New Hampshire University on North River Road in Manchester.

Beginning at 6 p.m. tonight, poetry teams from all over the northeastern U.S. deliver storytelling, theater, stand-up comedy and cold, hard poetry to wheedle points from judges selected from the audience. I judged the NH slam finals a few years ago, and let me tell you, it’s an AWESOME job, but ridiculously hard with such talent.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, daytime workshops and open mics give attendees a hand at trying performance poetry. On Saturday night, the top eight scoring poets of each team from Friday, plus two wildcard poets from the Lizard Lounge and Lowell poetry slams, battle for the NorthBEAST 2009 individual title!

Tickets to both nights’ events will be available at the door for $5 per night (with a two-night pass available on Friday night for $8).

This event is co-sponsored by Southern New Hampshire University and The NH Writer’s Project.

I know this blog is supposed to be about New Hampshire, but it’s also for people in New Hampshire, and some of us can get to Massachusetts lickity-split.

Soooooo, I just had to tell you about the Tyngsboro Elizabeth Grady Salon’s special tomorrow. The staff will be doing manicures and makeup at Smokey Bones on Daniel Webster Highway from 8-10 p.m. For just $12.49, you get a martini and a manicure or makeup application. You also get free appetizers and a chance to win some pretty nifty raffle prizes.

How awesome is that? It’s less than $20, and it’s not that far over the state line. Smokey Bones is practically in New Hampshire. It’s not like you need to pack a wagon train or ford a river.

I’m bummed that I’ve already got plans tomorrow, but you should totally go. And tell Liz, the owner, that I sent you.

Are you sick of turkey yet?

Me too.

That’s why I’m looking forward to welcoming December today with lunch at the Commercial Street Fishery in Manchester.

It’s tucked away a bit in an old mill building near Merchantsauto.com Stadium, and serves up lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. Take a look at some of the scrumptious, out-of-the-sea offerings on their lunch menu here.

Want to join me? Today CSF is offering a buy one, get one free lunch deal — an even better reason to leave the dregs of your leftover stuffing in the refrigerator and enjoy a fresh fish meal.

I invested in cross-country skis a few years ago. Although New Hampshire has some great options for downhill skiing, to me nothing beats cross-country skiing. There is something serene about swishing along a trail and taking in all the beauty of the New England countryside in winter. Plus, it’s a great workout and a great way to get out and enjoy the cold instead of huddling up inside.

That being said, last year I realized my skiing could use some help, so I am planning to take a lesson this winter. So I am particularly looking forward to this coming weekend’s Cross Country Center Open House at Gunstock.

Guests can participate in raffles, check out the new yurt, partake of free refreshments and hike the snowshoe trails for free.

Speaking of skiing, today is the last day to take advantage of big discounts on the 4 NH College Pass and Threedom Pass, which opens up discounted skiing at there mountains. Check out the details here, snow bunnies.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so the song goes. But it can also be a stressful time, particularly if you’re on a budget.

I know how easy it is to get off track and start adding names to your list, but don’t get carried away. Make like an after-school special and resist the peer pressure.

That’s not to say you can’t have fun this holiday season. Free fun happens to be coming out the wazoo this time of year.

And first up is one of my favorite events: The Nashua Holiday Stroll.

It’s held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in downtown Nashua, and it’s free. First you take a candlelit stroll down to Railroad Square where the city lights its holiday tree. Then the evening gives way to a bevy of free musical and theatrical performances in venues downtown. It’s a wonderful community event that marks its 16th year.

My favorite aspect of the Stroll is its focus on charity. You can bring canned goods, disposable diapers, and new, unwrapped toys for local charitable organizations, and drop them off in front of Citizens Bank.

It is impossible to leave the Stroll without feeling touched by the true spirit of the holiday season. And if this warm weather keeps up, you won’t even have to bundle up to enjoy it.

Elm Street just got a little sweeter — at least for tonight.

Do you like chocolate? How about wine and chocolate?

I thought so.

Van Otis on Elm Street in Manchester is hosting a Thanksgiving wine and chocolate event tonight (Thursday, Nov. 5), from 5-8 p.m.

And it’s free. We like free here.

A representative will be on hand to provide wine education and answer questions about pairings, like what wine goes with a Snickers bar. (OK, that’s my question.)

There will be live music and a drawing for a gourmet gift basket, as well as special savings for participants.

R.S.V.P. by calling 627.1611.