• Starting with moments that matter:"Outlook of the U.S.Economy"
• 2Odds&2Ends:Three Tables One Server(Quarterly Review)
• About Our Economy/Learning the Lingo
• Geared for Thinking(sample business math questions)March Only
• 2009 Nightly Business Report Highlights
• Job layoffs 2008,2009,&2010
• News Watch
• Trend Watch/Trend Watch II

The economic recession of 2008 affected million of Americans in their wallets, described as one of the worst economic crisis in US history, the recession of 2008 caused million of Americans to lose their homes, jobs and for some even their life savings. At the same time that consumers were losing their jobs and homes, the economic crisis quickly gained national attention as major corporations and banks began to file bankruptcy (chapter 11). For many American consumers, the impact as well as the magnitude of the devastation caused by mismanagement of top business executives, discriminatory and predatory lending of certain financial institutions and the of stocks on wall Street did not become apparent until the Federal Government intervened with a bail out plan specifically for banks and businesses and a stimulus plan to assist American consumers. As result of the economic crisis in 2008, American consumers began to rethink, re-evaluate, and analyze their spending habits. During the economic crisis of 2008, American consumers began to spend less and continued to look for ways to save money. While the number of jobless consumers proliferated at the time of the recession, American consumers who remained unemployed began a national movement of conserving energy and saving money. From gas to food, uncertain of how long the economic recession would last or when the stock would return to normal; many American consumers took their financial matters into their own hands. Fixed and determined to save, American consumes began clipping coupons, counting gas mileage, dining out less, and even buying fuel efficient cars. In some instances, consumers sought the assistant of food pantries and local churches to feed as well as clothe their families. Ultimately, the economic recession of 2008 brought about a national resurgence of conservation that included not just conserving energy but natural resources, fuel and money. Eventually, American consumers became frugal, improvident, and prudent. Today, almost 2 years after the recession millions of Americans continue to feel the affects of the economic crisis. Although, a large number of unemployed consumers have returned to work at least part time,the American job market has shifted thus causing a large number of consumers tofind new vocations or go back to school. Through out the economic crisis, student,teens, and children have been heavily affected by the recession. Now in the 2nd quarter , the senate has announced they will not extend unemployment benefits as Democratic party proposed to them in earlier weeks.

Geared 4 Thinking only in March

(31) Sample Business Math Formulas &Questions:

31.Steven was offered a job downtown that would give him araise of $78.00 over his current salary,but his commuting costs would be $2 a day more. If he works 22 days a month,what would be his net monthly increase?

30.Find 25% of 80=

29.Find the total: +17-12+8+7-10

28.There is enough candy in a bag to give 12 pieces of candy to each of 20 children,with no candy left over.If 5 children donot want any candy,how many pieces of candy can be given to each of the others.?

27. Find the Missing Average(X) of the scores:

87+81+68+x=80

26.If 48 of the 60 seats on a travel bus were occupied,

what percent of the seat were not occupied?

25.Bus A averages 40 kilometers per gallon of fuel.

Bus Baverages 50 kilometers per gallon of fuel.

If the price of fuel is $3.00 per gallon,

how much less would an 800 kilometer trip cost for Bus B than for Bus A?

24.Three trucks weigh 5,7,and 14 tons,respectively.

What is the difference in weight between the heaviest truck and the average (arithmetic mean) weight of the three trucks?

23.A drill on an assembly line works at a constant rate and drills 2,200 every 5 hours.

At the same rate,how many hours will it take to drill 11,000 holes?

22.By babysitting,Carol earned $15.00,Ann earned 4/3 the amount Carol did, and Nancy earned threetimes what Ann earned. What's the ratio of Carol's earnings to Nancy's?

21.The difference between the sum of two numbers and the difference of the two numbers is 6.Find the larger of the two numbers if their product is 15?

20.There are16 pages in a book. Last night, Ron read of the book.This morning,Ron read of the remaining pages.

How many pages does Ron still have left to read?

19.If m=94 and n=6, then 23m+23n=

18.If the average(arithmetic mean) of 40,40,40 and z is 45, then z=

17 Adding Decimals : (add )2.46+.005+ 16

16.Subtracting Decimals:(subtract)15.2-.184

15.Ms. Smith has three bank accounts.The balances are $436.12,$1,78.05,and -$375.88.

How much money does she have altogether in these three accounts?

14.Mr. Philips's checking account statement shows a balance of -$25.17.His records say his balances is $14.75.

How much difference is there between the numbers?

13.During 5 days of trading, a stock's value lost money so that the average change per day was -$1.75.

What was the total change in the stock's value over the 5 days?

12.What percent of 300 is 65?

11.80 is what percent of 18?

10.What is125% of 40?

09.After buying three shirts, each for the same price, and spending $3.50 on lunch, Angela had spent a total of $60.4. What was the cost of each shirt?

08. If the product of a number and 3 is increased by 17, the result is 131. Find the number.

07.The difference between 67 and 5 times a number is -28.

Find the number:

06.If Robert buys 6 tomato plants at a certain price, he will have $2.00 left over.In order to buy 7 plants, he needs an additional $2.50. What is the cost of each plant?

05.Solve; i=prt when i=600, p=2500, r=0.04

04.A salesperson earns $900 per month plus commission of 3% of sales .

How much must the salesperson sell to have a monthly income f at least $2,400?

03.Alicia now make $100 per weekplus 8% of sales She has a job offer that pays $400.00 a week no commission

For what range of sales does her present job pay more than the new one?

02.Ben can purchase 100 pens and 200 pencils for $125.00 from Acme Wholesale. Grant St. Supply will sell him500 pens and 200 pencils for $425.00. Assuming that the pens and pencils are the same price at both companies,how much will Ben pay for each pen and pencil?

Resources: Geared 4 Thinking (31)Questions sampled fromGrubers Sat Preparation,Kaplan Sat MATH, Student Alegebra Workbook

Starting with moments that matter:"Outlook Of the U.S. Economy"

Congress appropriated $787 billion dollars to stimulate the American economy

85,000 jobs lost during the month of December

Unemployment remains at 10%

Unemployment benefits extended

President Obama met with G-summit leaders in 2009

President Obama awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

President's Obama Health Care Bill Enacted

Airport Securitytightened after an incident onChristams DayDecember

Airport Security a major concern for holiday travelers

General Motors,Chyrsler,&Ford announce autos 2 be discontinued in 2010&2011

iGoogle introduces its first smart phone

Compendium"Outlook Of the U.S. Economy":

4th quarter(October,November&December):Economist Prognosticate Economic recover in the fourth quarter;however, the trickle down effect from Federal intervention and the reboundingWall Street could take some months before middle class Americans began to feel the effects of a recovery.

3rd quarter(JulyAugust,&September): Economic Recovery

Towards the end of third quarter anyalst and economist began to prognosticate economic recovery;although, many of the job loss in 2008 as stated by anaylst more than likely will not return,the job market in 2009 has proliferated since the announcement of the recession in 2008.

Small or Big Beginnings for the economy in 2009?: the 3rd Quarter (July,August,September)officially began with Cash for Clunker's Bill.

Cash for Clunkers a bill passed under President's Obama adminstration was initiated in the month of July. During the economic crisis of 2008 the Auto industry heaviest hit received devasting blowsin sales and layoffs.Chyrsler,GM, andToyota are few Big names in auto makers industry that bill was designed to helpauto sales in addition to promoting "Going Green."

"Recently, an important new program was created called Car Allowance Rebate System. The program is designed to help you purchase a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when you trade in a less fuel efficient vehicle between the programs July launch and its end on November 1, 2009. GM is pleased to take part in this program with many outstanding new, fuel-efficient vehicles. A more green, fuel-efficient fleet is a core element to our ongoing reinvention and the CARS program supports that mission...Eligible trade-in vehicle/new vehicle combinations offer buyers U.S. Government-issued vouchers for amounts between $3,500 and $4,500 off the purchase price of a new vehicle. "

Information provided by http://www.gm.com/cashforclunkers&

http://www.cars.gov

*Minimum wage increasesJuly 2009 to $7.25/The National Minimum wage increase.

About our Economy/Learning the Lingo:From beginners to experts,whether your opening a simple savingsor checking account , planning for a wedding or your early retirement,or even a first time home buyer,terms to know, a list of terms thatevery American consumer should know about our economy.Since the recession began in 2008, Economist and Consumer Analyst have used terms fromboth the Financial and Business Worldin addtion to frequently used terms on Wall Street,below is list terms and acronomys/Terms to Know:

CD's: certificates of deposit

FDIC: Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

SEC: Securtiy Exchange Commission

NYSE: New York Stock Exchange

NASDAQ: National Association of Securties Dealers,now, Financial Industry Requlatory Authority

(S&P 500) Index: Standard &Poor 500 consist of 500 stocks" chosen for market size,liquidity,industry grouping," the S&P 500 is designed to be an leading indicator of US equities.

stocks&bonds:There are several types of stocks and bonds ,however, bonds are most commonly used by companies,municipalites,states and US as well as foreign governments to fund an array of projects,the term bond refers to a debt investment in which investors loan money to an entity(corporate or govermental)that borrow the funds for a defined period of timeat a fixed-interest ratebonds are also known as fixed-income securities. Throught out the years stocks have out performed other types of investments,Stocks are a part of most portfiolios,and represents a person ownership in a corporations earnings and assests.

balance sheet: a statement showing the financial status of a business

commodity: any useful thing bought or sold

inflation:an increase amount of money or credit in relation to the supply of goods and service.

deflation: a reducing in prices resulting from severe economic decline.

Equity: An American consumer can have equity in a house or a car once all debts are cleared. Thus, a consumer can think of equity of as ownership in any asset after all debts associated with the item ownership has been paid then can be sold for cash.

LBO(Leverage Buy Out): Acquring another company by using a large amount of borrowed money.

Derivatives: A very broad definition of derivaties is because there are several different types of derivatives the basic term derivatives "a secuirty whose price is dependent upon or derived from one or more underlying assets"

Liquidity:There are several different types of liquidity, in broad terms the definition for liquidity is the ability to turn an asset into cash quickly.The other is a degree which an asset can be bought or sold without affecting the asset's price.

Liquid Assets: Assets that can be easily bought or sold.

prime rates: establish rates for person in good standing with creditors.

subprime rates: To lendersubprimes rates are the most profitable,in many instance,lenders will offerconsumers with fair or bad credit subprime rates. As a result, subprimeare usually higherbecause of the risk to lenderfrequently determined by the consumers credit history. Subsequently, subprime interest rates are more profitable because lenders can demand higher interest higher,also lenders take a greater riskby basing their lending or borrowing onthe consumers ability to pay. The ability for a subprimemarket to be profitablerelies onwhetherAmerican consumers are able to sustain and maintain their jobs. Consumers that earn a decent wage are more like able to repay debts.

Free Market: A very general term of free narket is when an exchange of goods takes place in society. The exchange that takes place isoften a voluntary agreement between two parties that trade goods and services,although, the agreement between the parties are still under the latitude of government intervention in the form oftaxes,and price control, a free market is an exchange of variety of goods and services.

Bear Market: a conditon of the market when the prices of securtiesare falling ,evenutally,leading to skepticism,thus making it difficult for investors to make gains unless they are short sellers.

Information provided by www.investopedia.com and affiliate of Forbes.com

A In Depth look at the 44th President & ASynopsis of President ElectObamaaddress to the 111th congress that was telecasted Tuesday,February 24th 2009:*Postpone until March 17th:

At 46 years old Barack Obama was able to convince the American people that he was best candidate for president,he graduated from Columbia University with B.A, and then he continued his education earning a juris doctor from Harvard Law School . While at Harvard Law school he became the first Black President of the Harvard Law Review. He served four years on the senate in the state of Illinois.Before becoming a presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama help to register 150,000 of 400,000 of Illinois unregistered voters. Eventually, he continued his political career and won the democratic parties nomination for Presidential candidate over Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton a democratic from New York.After winning the democratic parties nomination, he continued to lead a strong campaign against Republican Party nominee John McCain. Se si puede the slogan used throughout his campaign became widely popular with the American people. Although, he encountered difficulties with Rev. Jeremiah Wright the former pastor at Presidents Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago,he was able to move beyond the inflammatory remarks of the pastor to focus on the campaign. Barack Obama campaign focused on making significant changes to help improve the economy for the middle class and working families. His oratorical skills have been compared to those of Martin Luther King. With overwhelming support from minorities, especially, the Afro-American community, on November 4^th, 2008 the American people voted for a change by electing Senator Barack Obama as President. Indeed, with major corporations and financial institutions facing bankruptcy and economic uncertainty, Barack Obama campaign pledge to take immediate action to alleviate the economic troubles of the American people. He stated throughout his campaign that his priorities will be to focus on clean energy, technology, creating jobs, and investing infrastructure (roads and highways). In 2009, he entered the White house during a turbulent economic period in American economy. Throughout the economic recession of 2008-2009, economist and consumer analyst reported that the American economy began experiencing difficulty as early as of August 2007. As job layoffs and closing of major businesses continued in the latter part of 2008 and the early part of 2009, analyst began comparing the recession to the 1930s stock market crash. The recession of 2008, thus, became the focus of news media, radios, magazines, work place/offices, and unemployment lines. The American economy reached it nadir at the end of 2008 that continued with the proliferate numbers of job losses and the rise unemployment throughout the United States in 2009. Yet, president elect Barack Obama continues to be the spokesperson for the middleclass, working poor and small businesses. He has remained consistent with his campaign by taking immediate action in the first few weeks promoting and emphasizing the importance of a Stimulus Plan to help to get credit flowing back into the economy.

*cacjohnson is currently working to update and change the look of web site in(Read in its entirety OnFebruary 28th)cancelled.

"Geared for Thinking"starting in March Jobs,Work,& Careers will feature sample business math questions.

Sample Business Math Question V:

1. Stephen's weekly salary is $70.00 less than Pamela which is$50.00 more than Xavier's. If Xavier earns $280.00 per week,how much does Stephen earn per week?

2.If it takes William twice as long to earn$6.00 as it takes George to earn $4.00, what is the ratio of William's pay per hour to George's pay per hour?

3.Successive discounts of 20% and 12% are equivalent to single discount of:

Sample Business Math Questions IV:

1.If a man earns $200.00 for the first 40 hours of work in a week and then is paid 1.5 times his regular hourly rate for any additional hours,how many hours must he work to make $230.00 a week?

2.The retail selling price of a video recorder is $1022.00 what is the cost to the dealer if he sells at 40% markup on the cost?

Sample Business Math Questions III:

1.After receiving a 30%discount on the selling price, Andrew Nixon paid $35.28, including 5% sales tax for a running suit. What was the price of the suit before the discount?

2. A retailer discounted all merchandise in her shop by 40%. What is the discount and sale price on a suit regularly priced at $135.50?

SampleBusiness Math Questions II:

1.Andrew has $15.25 and spent $7.50 at the sporting good store. How much money does he have left?

2.Vincent spent $7.00 in order to buy baseballs and tennis balls. If baseballs are .70cent each and tennis balls are .60cent each,What is the greatest possible number of tennis balls that Vincent could have bought?

3.A salesman bought 2 dozen television sets at $300.00 each. He sold two-thirds of them at 25% profit,but was forced to take a 30% loss on the rest.What was his total profit(or loss)on the television sets?

4. A merchant marks a certain lamp up at 30% above cost. Then he gives a customer 15% discount. If the selling price of the lamp was $86.19,what was the original cost?

5.A factory cuts it labor force by 16 percent,but then increased it by 25 percent of the new amount.What is the overall change in size of the workforce?

Sample of Business Math questions I:

• 1."A boy planned to buy some chocolate bars at .50 cent each but instead decided to purchase .30 cent chocolate bars. If he orginally had enough money to buy 21 of the .50 cent bars, how many of the less expensive ones did he buy?"

• 3."A businessman has ten employees; his salary is equal to six times the average of the employees salaries. If eleven of them received a total of $64,000 in one year, what was the businessman's salary that year?"
• 4. "A store usually sells a certain item at 40% profit. One week the store has a sale, during which the item is sold for 10% less than the usual price.During the sale, what is the percent profit the store makes on each of the items?" 

 5."A5.A 5. A businessman buys 1440 dozen pens at $2.50 a dozen and then sells them at a price of.25cent a piece.What is(his) total profit on the lots of pens?

• 6. "If 8% tax on a sale item is .96 cent What is the final price(tax included) of the item?"

• 7."A merchant buys an old carpet for $25.00. He spends $15.00 to have it restored to good condition and then sells it(the rug) for $50.00 What is the percent profit on his total investment?"

For the entire month of February Nightly Business Report with Suzie Gharib& Paul Kangas will air a segment called "Reviving the Economy" for more information about this month long segment airing in February 2009 American Consumers can visit www.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbrwww.pbs.org/nbr.

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Day 5:Nightly Business Report with Suzie Gharib and Paul Kangas concludes the month long segement "Reviving the Economy/Jobs"Concludesthe segment with Jobs"Job Hunt" and correspondent Diane Eastabrook who follows up with jobseeker Rick Nelson who was looking for a job in November of 2008.

Nightly Business Report begins March with "Reviving the Economy What Should Businesses do?

The American Economy Gets an AnticipatedFacelift inthe Form of 2009 Economic Stimulus Plan:

In February after President's Day, Congress arrived at an consensusand approved the 2009 economic stimulus plan,well after January 20th,inauguration of the new Presidential cabinet and two weeks into the month ofFebruary.Not surprisingly, the American people as well as lawmakers are waiting tosee how much ofan effect the plan will have on saving jobs, creating jobs, education, health care, & IT. Since the latter part of 2008, many economist and consumer analyst has been reluctant to compare the economic recession of 2008 to the Great Depression. Yet, it can be stated that the economy of 2008 has been one of the most saturnine periods thatAmerican economy has endured since World War II. Throughout the United States, a record number of job losses occurring in 2008 ,thus prompting several analyst to make reference in addition to compare the similarities of 2008-09 recession to the year 1945. The reference to the year 1945 is one of several comparison that some economists and consumer analyst has referenced in past months,citing that the American economy lost 1.9 million jobs in four months more than 1945. Nonetheless, the number of job loss in the latter part of 2008 and beginning part of 2009 exceeded 1.9 million to a cumulative total of 2.6 million jobs lost in 2008.Moreover,to conciliate the growing concerns of the American population, the Federal Government intervened in the latter part of 2008 during the Bush and Cheney administration. Surprisingly, economist stated the economy began to show signs of a recession as early asAugust 2007 as commented by Rich Karlgaard in his article Boomers make the Fear Worse he states, An economy growing at 2.1%, as it did for the second quarter of 2007 to the second quarter of 2008 was described by most as a recession. The 2007-08 stock tumble, which resembles 197374, is instead compared with 1929-32. The analogy is not remotely close .Before stocks began falling a year ago, they were not in a bubble. Digital Rules: Boomers Make The fear Worse by Rich Karlgaard p.25 Forbes Mag.

The ability of the American economy to recovery quickly from the demise of certain financial institutions such as the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy, AIG or the Bernard Madoff scandal is contingent upon the federal governments ability to get credit flowing back into the economy as well as provide stability to the remaining existing financial institutions. Subsequently, the precipitous decline in the (GDP) gross domestic product culminated from the proliferate number ofpoorly managed business, the inflation of several corporations balance sheets, in addition toincrease unemployed individuals, the rise in gas and food prices towards the end of 2008.Although consumer spending equates for three-quarters of the $14 trillion U.S economy, consumer spending has waned as Bernard Condon and Daniel Fisher state in their article Whats Next Consumer Spending, the corollary to consumer spending states Even people who hold onto their jobs may well turn stingy. Thats because of the so called wealth effect the tendency of people to spend more (or less) based not only on how much money theyremaking but also on how wealthy they feel. Whats Next In Consumer Spending Bernard Condon and Daniel Fisher

Meanwhile in 2008- 09 under the new administration, the intervention of federal government to prevent further losses to American economy in banking institutions, employment and the housing market has become the focus of lawmakers, and the Presidential cabinet, yet, because consumer spending has drop off in 2008 the gross domestic product (GDP) declined, thus, leaving analyst with a feeling of uncertain on whether those who remain employed along with federal government intervention will be enough to get the American economy back on its feet. As stated previously, economic growth in the public and private sectors as well as job creation has become the central focus of lawmakers and the American people, but most important economic growthplays a significant role in Americas ability to compete in the global market; as stated by former Secretary of Commerce Barbara Hackman Franklin US exports manufactured goods, services, and agriculture productsaccount for 13% of the US GDPand supports an estimated 10 million American job.. Nightly Business report interview Reviving the Economy/Jobs As consumer spending declines, it affects the retail industry, agriculture industry, manufacturing jobs such as making clothes or making auto parts, and the automobile industry, which causes job layoffs and increase in unemployment all of the following event create a perfect atmosphere for a domino effect. Furthermore, the prodigious amount of foreclosure stilling loom over the heads of lawmakers and the new presidential cabinet while both race against time to assist homeowners.Asa result of the federal government's intervention to assisting Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to help keep current homeowners stay in their home;some economist has questioned the validity as well asthe impact of the federal government intervening or aseconomist and consumer analyst has statedin the past months"bailing" them out to keep the economy afloat such actions has caused dissension among lawmakers. Yet,the continuing efforts in 2009 to assist homeowners remain in their homes as well as to preclude such disasters dealingsfrom reoccuring in the near future hasbeen one of the many issues addressed by lawmakers, and state officials. Freddie and Fanniehas often been called andknown to American people as providers of affordable housing; however,as explained by Steve Forbes in the article Intelligent Investing: How Capitalism will Save us" he states that Freddie and Fannie had little or no positive impact on helping the housing market and they were also reeling politically from egregiously accounting scandals. The companies, therefore decided they could justify their existence by becoming champions of affordable housing They guaranteed $1 trillion of less than prime mortgages and kept more than 100 billion of this suspect paper on the balance sheet Apparently, the federal government felt the ills of Freddie and Fannie could be cured andthat the problems facing Freddie and Fanniewith the help of government invertentioncould be remedybut should not be view asan irremediable problem, thus, stepped in the federal government to helpbegin paying back mortgages in effort to reduce mortgage rates to assist homeowners.

Although,the President elect Obama stimulus plan has been approved by Congress, some lawmakers and economist feel the $787 billion dollars appropriate to help get the economy off its feet is only a fraction or small amount of funds required to jumpstart the economy and willcreate or produce very little economic growth. In fact, many of the analysts believe the billion dollars appropriated by the new President is only throwing money at the problem. A continuing rife among lawmakers and the American people during the recession of 2008-09 is Federal government regulation to keep existing businesses and corporations from falling to the same demise/plight, the number of unemployed individuals, foreclosures ,and the growing increase in health care. The plan entails a $282 billion tax breaks and $507 billion towards infrastructure (building roads, highways,) Analyst prognosticated that the corollaries from assisting failing corporations, businesses, and financial institutions will help to create new jobs and help workers in their current jobs. For the year 2009, economist has prognosticatedthat the stimuluswill create and save at least 3.5 million jobs.With Unemployment Moderinaztion Act filling in the gapsby providing asisstance for unemployedindividuals who might not have otherwised qualified for unemployment benefits and the federal government intervening in stablizing the banking industry, housing market, and financial institution ,eventually, the ultimate question remains,should their be a cap on the amountgovernment intervention infinancial markets andwillthe economic stimulus plan of 2009revive or bouy the economy?I do not confess to be a experteconomist or a expert consumer anaylst,however, as an American consumer,voter in 2008 election, a memeber of the ACLU and someone who has been unemployed ,who has received unemployment benefits as well as lived in transitional housing,I feel informedenough on the issues to state,after listening to the President address the 111^th Congress Tuesday evening, I would say that the 2009 Economic Stimulus Plan is more of a nip&tuck to keep the seams, threads and fabric of the economy from unraveling, whereas the American Recovery Re-Investment Act will give an overall facelift to the economy with in the following years.

by cacjohnson

Correction: some economic analyst stated the finacial crisis of the American economybeganin August of 2007

Correction:(UIMA) Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act

Month long segment"Reviving the Economy/Jobs"

Day 1: Began with a report from SuzannePratt:Sharing Sound Advice ( consumers should keep the jobs they have even if they are not satisfied with their current job position. Also, it was stated that consumers should consider part time work for extra income (moonlighting) if it does not interfere with primary job. Most profound statement stated by the Economic/Consumer Analystthat unemployed consumers should accept most acceptable from of work to keep basically get income flowing into your household.

Day 2: Jobs: Reviving The Economy /Jobs: Suzie Gharib reported that unemployment has reached over 7% in the United States and as predicted in 2008 some states are reporting uneployment in the two-digit numbers.

Day 3: Reviving the Economy/Jobs: Wednesday Feb.4th What's in Number?with NBR Correspondent Suzanne PrattExplained U3 and U6 and how unemployment numbers are calculated; subsequently,the unemlpoyment rate does not tell consumers everything they should know,for instance,the joblossrate in the United States is closer to 14%.than 7%.The perctange rates are not exactbecause part time workers are not include.

Day 4: Feb. 5th(not viewed as regularly televised/i.e world wide web with Darren Gersh)Feb 6th:(willbe reported Saturday Feb 7th due time scheduling

Unemployment Insurance Reform with NBR'S correspondentDarren Gersh

Correction:OnThursday February 5th NBR reports in its segement "Reviving the economy/Jobs" focused on Unemployment Benefits: Darren Gersh states that the unemployment insurance has not changed much since it was first establish during the Great Depression. Unemployment benefits only allocate funds to about 38% of part time workers who employers pay into the system.Subsequently, because of the recession unemployment are the highest they've been in the last 25 years. Consequently, lawmakersare working to implement the Unemployment Modernization Act.

Unemployment Insurance Reform with NBR'S correspondentDarren GershCorrection:OnThursday February 5th NBR reports in its segement "Reviving the economy/Jobs" focused on Unemployment Benefits: Darren Gersh states that the unemployment insurance has not changed much since it was first establish during the Great Depression. Unemployment benefits only allocate funds to about 38% of part time workers who employers pay into the system.Subsequently, because of the recession uneployment are the highest they've been in the last 25 years. Consequently, lawmakersareworking toimplement the Unemployment Modernization Act.

Feb 6th:(willbe reported Saturday Feb 7th due time scheduling)as of Sunday February 8th Fridays report willbe dispalyednext week.

Day 5:Friday Feb 6th:Susie Gharib One on One with John Simons editor of Black Enterprise:

Mr. Simons recommends that older and unemployed workers utilizes the social networks such as facebook and Linked In.com by placing their resumes on the social network sites "keep it professional";his most prolific statement recommends unemployed and older workers up-date-resumes and"get an escape plan"

Additional Information provided by NBR: Economic/Consumer Analyst recommends for older workers

1.Volunteer for Projects

2.Be willing to learn new things

3.Arrive Early

4.Stay Late

5.Be open

A synopsis of the second week of the month long segement Nightly Business Report with Suzie Gharib and Paul Kangas"Reviving the Economy/Jobs"

Day1-February 9th,2009. Surviving Unemployment with NBR's correspondent Dana Bate: Mondays segment focused on Surviving Unemployment withBeverly Pierce a Nurse and Mind Body Specialist also with commment from Melanie Miles,VP&COO,Miles Lehane Companies.

Nurse and Mind Body specialist Beverly Pierce stated the following:

• Get out of the house
• Be with friends
• Find people that have or are experiencing the same situation
• Join a support group
• The best recommendation given by Nurse andMind Body specialist Beverly Pierceis not to focus on job lost.

Cacjohnson recommends unemployed consumers should surround themselves with peoplethathave similar goals,upbringing,plus try the social networks as previously recommended by John Simons editor of Black Enterprise.

Day2-Feb.10th,2009. Looks at the importance of Trade&Jobsas Suzie Gharib interviews former U.S Secretary of Commerce who is now President of Franklin Enterprise,Barbara Hackman Franklin.

Former US Secretary of Commerce, Barbara Hackman Franklinexplains the importance trade and jobs.Mrs. Hackman states "Trade makes an important contribution to U.S economic growth and job creation...account for 13% of U.S GDP (Gross DomesticProduct) and supports an estimated 10 million American Jobs." Ostensibly, the recession that the American people are experience is global and has affected all areas of economic growth in the United States. With Economist and Consumer analyst reporting uemployment rate at 7.6% and in some states such as Califorinaand Michigan theunemployment rate has been reported at 9.3%;Former Secretary of Commerce Barbara Hackman Franklin further stated"If the US restrict trade..." it would only"prolong the global recession, and lose many more jobs here in the U.S."

Day 3-Feb 11th 2009,Nightly Business ReportswithWall Street Personal Finance Columnist Jason Zweig who states"never have a basket which all the egss break at once" ; hemakes the distinction between financial capital and human capital.Hefurtherevinces an important reminder thatAmericans should remember when trying not to put all their(monetary gains)oreggs in the samebasket that"one of the eggs is you."

Day 4- FEB,12th 2009.Nightly Business Reports correspondent Jeff Yastine explores Health Insurance Options for the Unemployed and economically disadvantage.

Health options for the unemployed and indviduals severely impacted by the economic recession currentlyconsist of utlizing public clinics, and medical programs offered by Universities that allow students in training under professional supervision to perform basic procedures.Althought,the unemployment numbers continue to increase, providing basic health care to many Americans still remains an issue,yet,for someunemployed Americans the alternatives for health options are too costly ,for instance, unemployed workers are given the choice of keeping the current company-sponsored health plan from the Federal governmentknown as Cobra which cost a thousand a monthper familyor they have the option of Private insurance, however, it excludes those with pre-existing health conditions both are expensive;ultimately,in making a decision for health care Dr. Erwin Vesaque strongly advise unemployed individuals to stay out of the emergence rooms; he states"...not to go the emergency room because that is not the best place for them...."

Day 5/Feb.13th:Correction(will post after President's Day in the month of February) Correspondent Erika Miller dicusses How to Find Jobs:

One of the recommendations given in the report is for job seekers to attend Career Fairs, also to maxmize the potential of getting the job, job seekers should research the company before attending the fair.Subsequently,perspective job seekers should not present ambiguous information on their resumes, Eric WineGardner states that job seekers should make sure" that theexperience you have listed is real." In fact,most experience Career Developers and Professional Staffing Agencieswill advise job seekers thatthe information listedon their resume should be veritable and actual not a verisimilitude of what the job seeker thinks the perspective employeris seeking.Most importantly, to get noticed,job seekers should research the companies of interestplusprepare a cover letter. In the final analysis, a resume that stands apart from other resumesis a resume that has anaccurate representation of the workthat perspective job seekershas performed,ultimately, itis one thatoptimizes the opportunityof getting recognition by perspective employers.

A synopsis of the third week of Nightly Business Report the month long segement with Suzie Gharib and Paul Kangas"Reviving the Economy/Jobs"

Day 1/Feb.16th Presidents Day:(not yet viewed via internet)

Top 4 of 30 Innovations as provided by NBRreporter Suzie Gharib.

4. e-mail

3. mobile phone

2. desktop

1. internet

Day 2: Feb 17th/American Recovery and Reinvestment Law

The economic crisis of 2008 that cast a nebulous over the economy of 2009 is set to receive help from the Federal Government with another stimulus plan by the new Presidential cabinet. As the effortto jump start the economy with a stimulus plan continues, the stimulus plan is said to appropriate $787 billion dollars to taxpayers andbusinesses,included in the Presidents' Stimulus plan the allocation of billions of dollars to retrain many of American unemployed.Because of the mass job losses in 2008 that has continued in 2009, many of the unemployed are nowfocusing oneducation.In most instances,retraining for many unemployed individuals means more income in the future. Unemployed workers are not receiving retraining in specified areas many are continuing their educatuion to receive Bachelors,Masters,and Phd's.

Day 3:Feb 18th Advice from Harriet Johnson Brackeydiscusses 401K plans.

Before youcash outyour 401k Harriet Brackey Johnson states" And this is the worst choice:you cash it out.Try not to do that.." If youhave beenlaid off from a job and have a401K,she strongly recommeds not to cash out 401k'sbecause tax and penalties. Let the 401kaccount rollover to the next employer.

Day4:Feb 19th Nightly Busines Report correspondent Darren Gersh report on the nationsJoblesss Benefits.The proliferate number of job layoffs has caused unemployed Americans to seek jobless benefits because of the increaseunemployed benefits are being depleted rapidly. In many states the the number of unemployment claims was unexpected by state officials thus causing a strain on the system.States such as NorthCarolina,Michigan,Ohio, and New York borrowed from the Federal Government to pay unemployment benefits, consequently, at this rate the unemployment bank will be completeexhausted within three years.

Day 5: February 20th Nightly Business Reports correspondent Suzanne Pratt looks at "Where the Jobs Are" Suzanne Pratt takes a look at Where the Jobs are in the America economy in her findings she reveals that the American people will continue to see growth in education,health care, and IT(information technology.)

A synopsis of the fourth week of Nightly Business Report the month long segement with Suzie Gharib and Paul Kangas"Reviving the Economy/Jobs"

Day 1: Nightly Business Report correspondent Stephanie Dhue reports on "Social Networking"

The use of social networks hasincreasedbecause ofthe current economic recession,however, in Stephanie Dhue's report she states its not enough to just utlize social networks. Eventhough, social networks are good tools for meeting people and perspective employers,as Tory Johnson,Ceo of Women for Hirestates"Resource like Likned in can get you that name"and as stated by Stephanie Dhue earlier in the progam "facebook will help you get your feet in the door", but attending job and career fairsplusmeeting people in person gives job seekers the added assurance of finding employment. At the end of her report Stephanie Dhue states in todays economy "it'snot about who you know, but who knows you."

Day2:Nightly Business Report with Suzie Gharib and Paul Kangas correspondent Jeff Yastine looks at Jobs in HealthCare.

Day3:Nightly Business Report with Suzie Gharib and Paul Kangas Present a special segment of "Reviving the Economy"in its segement Money Filestitled "Taking Charge of Finances"with Chicago's Tribuneand Personal Finace ColumnistguestGail Marks Jarivs who gives several suggestions to viewers on surviving the current economic crisis ,for instance,instead ofputing aside 3 months wages for unplannedjob loss it is now recommend that employees set aside at least a year of wages. She also recommendsAmerican consumers tobuild an emergence fund firstwhile paying the minimum ontheir credit cards.

Day 4: Nightly Business Report with Suzie Gharib and PaulKangas correspondent Dana Bate informs view on"Jobs:Getting Green From Green Jobs"

FromPotomac Maryland to Michigan, Dana Bate talks with Tony Clifford President & Ceo of Standard Solar and with Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow about the future of solar energy and the effects it will haveon the economy. Tony Clifford states that he has had to hire several people in all types of positions from workers to management position. Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow states that"seventy percent jobs in wind comes from building wind turbine."Concluding the segment with economist David Montgomery who makes inferences to Dana bate;he does not believe green jobs willincrease employment.The segement ends with Dana Bate in stand in Washington D.Cour state capital and the place that passes bils,and enact laws.Dana Bate states"Economists estimates it will take five to 10 years to create millions of green jobs..."

Day 5:Nightly Business Report with Suzie Gharib and Paul Kangas concludes the month long segement "Reviving the Economy/Jobs" and begins March with "Reviving the Economy What Should Businesses do?

*:Energy,Education,and Health carethe targets of President's Obama speech to the111thCongressinFebruary.Certainly,President elect Obama's address was one to conciliate the worries of the American people. Without question,President Obama speech focused on the troubling economy,and the growing number of job losses in 2008-2009 as well as the Stimulus Plan to restart credit in America .The highlight of his speech to the 111thCongresswas the statement that "America , wewill recover"and "it's not about helping banks but helping people."

Breaking the Ice Feb (2009):

Remaking History-

Light at the end of the tunnel-

Analyst reports, the recession the American people are experiencingis notjust concentricin The US but has become aglobal issue. Although, United States has for many years been considered one the wealthiest nations in the world, and economic power house; the collapse of certain financial markets has caused a cessation to the 17(seventeen year shopping spree that initially brought prosperity world wide. Now that Americanspending has been simmering on reduce heat, in other words, "the shopping spree has been reduced to charitygiving anda newconsciousness to saving for a rainy day". Its great that more American are saving during the economic crisis, however, American saving more of their money does not help Gross Domestic Product(GDP) or create jobs. "Consumer spending accounts for three-quarters of 14 trillion dollars in the US economy. But this time spend thrift Americans" (Bernard Condon and Daniel Fisher)may not be able buoy the economy back to health.

Remaking History-The United States had two infamous economic crisis The Great Depression of the 1930's and The Great Inflation of the 1970's, it has been incongruous among economic and consumer analyst on whether or not to compare the economic crisis of 2008 to the Great Depression of the 1930's."We've been here before. The experiences of two big economic disasters of the 20th century The Great Depression in the 1930's and the Great Inflation of the 1970's--dramatically demonstrate how government mistakes can lead to economic stagnation... Intelligent Investing "How Capitalism Will Save Us" The economic crisis that was not prognosticated in 2007,yet, some analyst suggest that the tell-tell signs were ostensible in 2007. Between the early 1980's and 2007 we lived in an economic Golden Age. Never before have so many people advanced so far economically in so short period of time as they have in the last 25 years... as stated by Steve Forbes in the Forbes magazine.Now in 2008 and 2009the economic crisis"we are experiencing the devastating consequences of a chain of major economic policy errors, which, to use a current clich, created the perfect storm. These government blunders temporarily paralyzed the global credit system and are now sending the U.S. and Europeintorecession..."Intelligent Investing "How Capitalism Will Save Us"It became more ostensible in 2008 that the economy was in a recession. At the end of 2008 the American economy reached its nadir. Light at the end of the tunnel: On November 4th 2008 American from all walks of life went to the polls and casted their votes. After the eight years of the Republican Party with President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney at the helm, the American people voted for change. As a result of the America peoples vote, change came in the form of "Si,se puede" which translates into "Yes, we can," referring to his overall theme and message of bringing change to the United States, thus it was apropos that President Elect Barack Obama took immediateaction as President upon entering officewith the signing of the Fair Pay Act. First and foremost it should be stated that President elect Obama has been a staunch supporter of the Fair Pay Act since the inception of the bill. Secondly, the Republican Party opposed the bill because they felt it might lead to frivolous lawsuits. Who is Lily Ledbetter and what is The Fair Pay Act? Although,the Republican Party opposed the bill in April of 2008; after the inauguration of President Obama, the Fair Pay Bill was brought back to the111th congress in January 2009. The Fair Pay bill passed both the Senate and the Congress. The signing of theLiliy Ledbetter Fair Pay Act emphasizes his campaign slogan and up hold the President Elects campaign slogan "Si, se puede","Yes, we can". It was his campaign slogan throughtout the 2008 electionsthat gave the American people hope; he gave eloquent and forceful speeches stating that American does not need another 4 (four) years of the same administration policies and the America people agreed. He upheld the creed that our country was founded upon " that all people are created equal" he illustrated by signing the Fair Pay Restoration Act, a bill that promotesequal pay for women, and women of color. The signing of the bill signifiesestablishing equal pay for should be preceived asjust as equally important to helping rebuild the American economy.

Breaking the Ice:

An unexpected turn for American Businesses, Employers,and Employees;consumer analyst reportsepic numbers of job loss that has not been reportedsince the stock market crash of 1929,not surprisingly,American workersare not new to suchdevastation with several natural disasters for instance,Hurricane Katrina,as well as theterriorist attackin New York September,11th); theeconomic downturn of the American economyhas been one the many devastating blows the American people have had to endure within the last eight years. 2008, the economy and wall street in the latter part of the year was unable to recover, thus,the day afterThanksgiving known as Black Friday did not give theretailers the extra stimulant they prognosticated as in recent years; subsequently,shortly after Black Friday,economic anaylst and consumer anaylst official announced that the economy was in a recession.The economic drought of 2008 has been considered one of the maleficencesepoch of American History withover 1.9 million jobs loss asthenumbersproliferatein 2009. On January 20th,2009,the 44th president of the United States who happens to bethe first Afro-American President was inaugurated. Consumer Anayslt and American Consumer are watching to see if the new presidential cabinet will be ableto put America back on the road of economyrecovery after such mass losses in the last past eight years under the Bush and Cheney Adminstration. The first few week are crucial; thenew presidential cabinet must show that they have a sound plan to help the get the economy moving in the right direction.

Solutions:

Massive job layoffs have American Consumersseeking work in places that theymight not have ventured, if the economy had not taken abrupt turn in the middle of 2008.American Consumers are now looking for alternative solutions to finding, gaining, and maintaining employment. Solutions such as; home base business, internet businesses, are the future for employment for many recently laid off Americans. In many instance, American consumers are taking lower paying jobs and receiving less than one-third of their income to make ends meet. Incontrovertibly, in order for American families to survive the economic downturn of 2008 that has now cast a nebulous over the economy of 2009 both parents must seek gainful employment.

Job Layoffs (2009)

CAT

CHKD

Sprint /Nextel 8,000 layoffs(14% of staff)

Nextel

Home Depot

GM

Texas Instrument

IBM

WYETH

Pfizer

Disney

Dell

KBG Toys-15,000 expected layoffs

Sprint Nextel--8,000 layoffs(14%of staff)

Home Depot--7,000 layoffs

Starbucks--6,700 layoffs

General Motors--additional 2000 layoffs over 2008

John Deere--200 layoffs

Big Lots-unspecified number expected layoffs

Neiman Marcus

Pep Boys

Stein Mart

Ethan Allen

Time/Warner 1,500

Smithfield Foods to cut 1,800 jobs and close 6 plants by December 2009

For more information about the 2008&2009 job losses visit the following site:

http://www.sunad.com/index.php?tier=1&article_id=15105

http://www.nowpublic.com/tech-biz/layoffs-list-job-lossess-2008-and-2009-ongoing

News watch:

The Super BowlXLIII as reported by news media has also felt the effects ofa slowing economy.Frugality in consumer spending plusthe economic recession has caused many Americans to cogitate on how they spend their dollars;for instance, the number of luxury jets rented for the event has reported a 30% decrease from a previous years.Nonetheless,this years' Super Bowl XLIII that is to be held in Tampa, Florida as reported by news mediais sold out. The event expects to bring over 100,000 visitors to the city of Tampa. Inspite of the event being sold out many of the planned socialgatherings has been canceled because of the economic recession.

News Watch II:

Oh baby! baby! it's Super Bowl XLIII "sugar pie honey bun I can't help myself I am love with you and nobody else...,sugar pie honey bun" the Cardinals vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, I don't keep tabs on football games or football players but if I could bet a Pomerania pooch I would say the Cardinals have a good chance of winning the game, then again, I am not a sports writer but a Consumer Affairs Consultant, Sales & Service Manager ; therefore, I will stick to something I do know something about for instance there will be a lot of consumption in food, drink, music, and fan paraphernalia as with most major events such as the Super Bowl that brings in large crowds to major cities and states which means revenue ; Yes folks we definitely want tocreate a positive flow(cash flow),especially in the area of sales, with consumers purchasing large screen televisions. Super Bowl XLIII is being held this year in Tampa Floridathe home of Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James auditorium with over 1 million viewers expected to watch the game in HDTV. On other hand, if I had a York shire terrier I would say the Pittsburg Steelers have the game all cuddled. correction ;coddled

News Watch (February 2009)

"The steps we are taking today will never again be taken in exactly the same way. Thoughts we are thinking are fresh, never to be repeated.All these moments offer will never pass our way again."

--May 10th, Each Day A NewBeginning

The above mention quote might express the sentiments of many disappointed Cardinal fans Sunday night after a close game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Amazingly, and remarkable,on Sunday,February 1st, 2009, in Tampa Florida , at the Raymond James Staduim,the homeoftheTampaBayBuccanners,and host to Supper Bowl XLIII the Pittsburgh Steelers win their sixth Super Bowl. The stadium was filled with fans from both teamsanticipating the next Super Bowl team "who will be the next Super Bowl champions"Super Bowl XLIII steps are never be to made played thesame, the game plays,and touchdowns are never to be played exactly the same way again, except on large screen TV with DVR and remote control that has afast forward and rewind button.The Pittsburgh Steelers beats the Arizon Caridnals 27 to 23 with some outstanding performances by Santiono Holmes,Ben Roethlisberger,Larry Fitzgerald,and James Harrison.

Correction: it was the Pittsburgh Steelers sixth Super Bowl not sixth consectuive win (Super Bowl.)

Part II.Trend watch:

American Consumers are eschewing homelessness by being frugal, delaying gratification, and altering their lifestyles to avoid further attrition of financial resources. At the same time, the relevancy of watching the numbers of Americas homeless population after the mortgage crisis of 2008 : (1) proves that American Consumers are altruistic when the country(United States)experiences devastating losses from natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or failing Financial Institutions; furthermore, it proves that American Consumer are earnest and capable of delaying gratification to help the less fortunate Americans (2) also, it proves that Americas homeless are not hopeless; (3) at the same time, it proves the homeless in America are capable of being viable citizens; (4)lastly, it proves that homelessness in America should not be viewed as impasse. Certainly, the frugality of American Consumers shows that consumers are cognizant of the importance and significance of the economic crisis in 2008 that has caused some American Consumers to become abased. Moreover, many American Consumers are abdicating their affluent lifestyles until more favorable and stable economic climate develops on Wall Street and within Financial Institutions. In fact, many americans are being abstemious because of the economy. In many instances, families are eating out less while more American families are utilizing stated funded food pantries to supplement monthly groceries. Unfortunately, in 2008 towards the latter part of the year, many of these state funded food pantries reported shortages in supplies. Not surprisingly, many of the people utilizing these state funded pantries consist of Americans from all walks of life and not just Americas homeless population. Subsequently, the economic downturn of 2008 proved American Consumers are not impervious; without question,the economic recession has affected Americans from all walks of life whether directly or indirectly. Although, the American economy has for years thrived on democracy and capitalism, the recent attenuation in consumer spending contributed to; however, not to be mistaken as the primary cause for job loss and job layoff that has now extended into 2009.Consequently, because of the economic downturn of 2008 American Consumers are being resolute to not profligate resources. In past years observers, onlookers, and working Americans has subjugated homeless people to their prejudices, presciences , and bon mots to classify and categorize Americas homeless as lazy people who do not want to work, or persons with a penchant for drugs, alcohol, and promiscuity. As a result of the economic crisis in 2008, circumspect observers, onlookers, and working Americans are more likely to think twice before making gibes at America s homeless. In many instances, the disparity between Americas homeless population and Americas working population are precarious to becoming homeless, destitute, or impecunious ; in most cases, homelessness results from job loss, poor financial planning, as well as, health related issues, or the death of a love oneoften precludes the ability of homeless person to maintain, work and stable housing. Conversely, it would be fallacious statement to state that all homeless people are impertinent or incorrigible. Instead, reducing the number of homeless people in America should remain at the forefront along with affordable housing and health carefor all Americans, not affronts, quips, burlesque or brusque colloquies; most importantly, homelessness in America should not be viewed as impasse.

Trend Watch:

After the economic drought of 2008 left a nebulous over the economy, watching America s homeless population during economic challenges of 2009 should be a great concern to many Americans. State Representatives, Senators, Congress men and women should work assiduously to providing affordable housing for the Nations homeless population, at the same time, while lawmakers work incessantly on rebuilding the economy, providing affordable housing for these disenfranchised individuals should remain at the forefront and part of Congress agenda for 2009. The 2008 economic drought in effect enlighten many Americansthat inevitably each American in the United Stateshad been either directly or indirectly affected the economic climate of 2008.For many,"....doing without cable TV and other convinences are unbearable. Would you accept having to live with nothing but the clothes you have on and what little you can carry."www.homelessamerica.com (link unavailable)

Envision, American one the worlds wealthiest nations with a growing population of homeless person. Who are America s homeless people? They are fromthe veneer people just like you and me; they are the disenfranchised, they areoverworked and underpaid, they are middle class families, they are youngand old; and theyrepresentall walks of life.According to Bill O'Reily, who exclaimed during the broadcast of his syndicated radio show he tells his audience that homeless people are homeless because they will not support themselves, they want to get drunk or they want to get high, or they don't want to work because they're lazy."www.mediamatters.org (link unavailable)

Although,a number ofhomeless people manyproject or portend such attitudes to the general American population; many ofAmerican homeless population are homeless fordifferent reasons other thannon- condign or insubordinate behavior.Many of American homeless became homeless because of health related issues or mental illness such as; (schizophrenia, manic depression, physical and sexual abuse.)Subsequently, the growing population of homeless persons in America 1 out of 4 homeless persons are Veterans,consequently, veterans make an over representation of the nations homeless, nearly "40% of veteran men are homeless" ;"homeless veterans are more likely to be white better educated, and previously or currently married than non veterans" ----www.nationalhomeless.org(link unavailable)adding to this population are American Families, whichincludes young adolescences "As many as 3.5 million people are homeless at sometime over the course of the year.."www.homelessamerican.com (link unavailable)

A study completed byHUDin January 2005 released 2/28/07, indicated that 744, 313 homeless in the US," also California was the highest and Nevada had the highest percentage...." www.homeless.america.com(link unavailable)

Conclusion Of Trend Watch:As reported by the National Resource and Training on Mental Illness thatstatesmany of Americas homeless population report health problems, the following list shows the percentage of homeless with substance and health related issues:

38% alcohol abuse

26%drug abuse

39% have some form of healthrelated problems

20%-25% meet the requirements for mental illness

66% have substance or mental health problems

3% have HIV/AIDS

26% have acute health problems (HIV/AIDS, Pneumonia, Sexually Transmitted Diseases or Tuberculosis)

46% have chronic health problems (high blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer)

23% "...

are veterans compared to the general population."

54%...were incarcerated at some point

Jobs,Work &Careers

"I've never met anyone who became instantly mature.It's a painstaking process that God takes us through, and it includes such things as waiting, failing, losing, and being misunderstood --each calling for an extra dose of perseverance."----Charles Swindoll

An Excerpt From: God Can Handle It Day By Day

"Swimming in the Dark"

In May 1997, Susan Maroney became the first woman to swim the 118 miles from Cuba to Florida...Have you ever felt as if you were Swimming in the Dark? Perhaps, growing weary, and you felt like giving up.Here are a few things we can learn from Susan Maroney's experience:

(1)Work hard to accomplish your dreams

(2) Surround yourself with people who believe in you and will stay with you, even during the"dark" times

(3)Keep your goal insight, even if you imagine things that aren't there. (God Handle It Day By Day)

 http://www.brightfuse.com/jamala-m--johnson

ConsumerAffairsConsultant,Sales&ServiceManager

contact sales@cacjohnson.com

Independent Consultant/Personal Shopper

Effective Keys to Career Development: 

The keys to effective Career Development are assessing,evaluating strengths and weaknesses,most importantly, listing  employable skills.   In addition to answering specific questions pertaining to employability, skills and interest that helps narrow the choices of careers,I have  observed that listing strenght and weakneses before answering questions like "what  skills do I currently have?","what jobs or career interest me most?" and "what skills will I have to acquire for the job or career of my choice?" helps to effectively direct your choice in choosing careers.

What is a Career? A career as defined by webster dictionary is "a profession or occupation"for which a person plans to be employed for a long term   and often "requires a skill or advanced training." What is a job? A job as defined by webster dictionary is " a piece of work done for pay" which the person might be employed for a short time.

www.jobsearch.about.com

www.msn.careerbuilder.com

http://www.msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1745-Career-Growth-and-Change-5-ways-to-Attain-Your-Year-Career-Resolutions

"While I was unemployed, I reviewed my interviewing skills and worked on professional development. In the process of strenghting my skills, and minimizing my weakness; I learned the "Twenty Five Reasons" that will cause an employer to hirer an individual." cacjohnson

Twenty-Five Reasons Why You Will Get Hired provided Browards Workforce One Staff:

1.You arrive 10 minutes early at the interview

2.You make a good personal appearance

3.Your application form is neat and easy to read

4.You appear mature, confident and poised.

5.

6.You are able to express information clearly

7.You don't make excuses

8.You are interested and enthusiastic about the job

9.You can show your career path, and goals are planned

10.You use appropiate body language

11.You are assertive, not overly aggressive nor too passive

12.You show genuine interest in the company and the job

13.You are willing to start at the bottom

14. You have a positive attitude about your last employers

15.You are tactful and courteous

16.You offer clear responses to the interviewer's questions

17.You show good sense of humor

18. You ask questions about the job

19. You know the kind of work that excites you

20. You do not over emphasize money

21. You know what you want and will not take anything

22.You sell yourself as an company assest

23.

24. You express appreciation for the interviewers time

25.You follow up with a thank you card or letter

Alternative Solutions to Finding Employment:

www.flipdog.com

www.monster.com

www.ajb.dni.us

Job Layoffs 2008-2009

Citigroup 59,000

BankOfAmerica(35,000)over 3yrs

HP Electronic Data Systems 24,500 layoffs(over-3 years-to 2011)

Linen n Things  21,250 layoffs

General Motors

Lehman Brothers

Alcoa

Starbucks

AT&T

Wachovia

BT(British Telecom)

JP Morgan/Washington Mutal Acquisition

JP Morgan/Bear Sterns

Dell -8,900 layoffs

Sony (USA)--8,000 layoffs

Circuit City-7,305 layoffs

American Express -7,000 layoffs

NASA --7,000 layoffs

Google--6,00-4,300 layoffs

Sun Microsystem 6,000 layoffs

Credit Suisse--5,000

Yahoo --1,500-1000 layoffs

Nokia(US Sales)--650 layoffs

Merrill Lynch(trading division)500 layoffs

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co --850 layoffs

Google-6,000

Merrill Lynch--5,150

GMAC-5,000

Sprint Nextel--4,000

Goldman Sachs--3,260

Nokia(Manufacturing division)--2,300

Bank of America--928 layoffs (Management)

E-trade Financial Corp--278 Layoffs

For more information about the 2008&2009 job losses visit the following site:

http://www.nowpublic.com/tech-biz/layoffs-list-job-lossess-2008-and-2009-ongoing

Jobs,Work,&Careers I

Alternative Solutions to Finding Employment:

www.flipdog.com

www.monster.com

www.ajb.dni.us

Money,Credit,Debt

Alternative Debt Solutions:

www.mint.com

www.wesabe.com

www.geezeo.com

Job Layoffs 2008-2009

Citigroup 59,000

BankOfAmerica(35,000)over 3yrs

HP Electronic Data Systems 24,500 layoffs(over-3 years-to 2011)

Linen n Things  21,250 layoffs

General Motors

Lehman Brothers

Alcoa

Starbucks

AT&T

Wachovia

BT(British Telecom)

JP Morgan/Washington Mutal Acquisition

JP Morgan/Bear Sterns

Dell -8,900 layoffs

Sony (USA)--8,000 layoffs

Circuit City-7,305 layoffs

American Express -7,000 layoffs

NASA --7,000 layoffs

Google--6,00-4,300 layoffs

Sun Microsystem 6,000 layoffs

Credit Suisse--5,000

Yahoo --1,500-1000 layoffs

Nokia(US Sales)--650 layoffs

Merrill Lynch(trading division)500 layoffs

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co --850 layoffs

Google-6,000

Merrill Lynch--5,150

GMAC-5,000

Sprint Nextel--4,000

Goldman Sachs--3,260

Nokia(Manufacturing division)--2,300

Bank of America--928 layoffs (Management)

E-trade Financial Corp--278 Layoffs

For more information about the 2008&2009 job losses visit the following site:

http://www.nowpublic.com/tech-biz/layoffs-list-job-lossess-2008-and-2009-ongoing