This headline unemployment number (9.7%) is what we see when we read the paper. What we typically don’t see is the real number of unemployed. For instance, if you haven’t actively looked for a job in the last four weeks, even if you would like one, you’re not counted as unemployed. Instead, you’re called a “marginally attached” or “discouraged” worker. Often there are very good reasons for this. You could be sick, dealing with a family emergency, going back to school, or have no transportation.
Right now, about one-third of marginally attached workers actively want jobs but haven’t bothered to look because they believe there are none in their area -- at least, not for them. If you add that extra 758,000 to the unemployment data, you get what’s called U-4 unemployment, which today is 10.2%. If you count all marginally attached workers, the unemployment number is 11% (U-5 unemployment).
And if you add those who are employed part-time for economic reasons (i.e., they can’t get full-time jobs), the unemployment number rises to 16.8%. (That’s called U-6unemployment.)
Unemployment: Welcome to the New Normal-Minyanville
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Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Significant personal occurrences in the past year
In retrospect, a year's time since September 08, it is/was marked with fast paced change. Not unusual for the likes of uber wired and Oaklandish types.
Pause is necessary to assimilate what has happened, random as it seems, try to find a thread that tie them together and somehow conceive as coherent. This compulsion is driven in part by living real and in the moment.
TIMELINE:
Hurricane Gustav NOLA 2008 Sept
Small Pox OAK 2008 Oct
Obama Inauguration DC 2009 Jan
Attempts at romantically dating seriously OAK 2009 Feb/Mar
Personal Financial AHA OAK 2009 May
Decision to sell OAK 2009 July
List home for sale OAK 2009 Aug
3 weeks away 2009 Aug-Sept (Atlanta, NYC, Utica, Provincetown, Hyannis, Boston)
Home with the Flu "H1N1" possibly OAK 2009 Sept
The before and after are more intriguing, given the buoys lying behind me.
NOLA: Family love and friendship, a move to help a dear and old friend who has seen more trouble than most can bear. A (identity to be maintained anonymous) has survived breast cancer, knee surgery, hysterectomy prior to Katrina. In a period considered to be among the prime of our generative years. She was a College professor in Percussion, witnessing her reach and impact on young inner city aspiring musicians finding themselves in an elite institution was breath taking. She returned to her parent's and ancestral home in search of peace and feelings of comfort. She is the most resilient person I know. She faces adversity with a bring it on attitude, she laughs, continues to create and build community and rebuilt her home with a little help from her wide network of friends and friends yet to be made. Energy drawn from inner reserves and sheer cannot take me down ideals.
POX: As an adult, a challenge to self concept. Faced with a serious potentially disfiguring adversary, having never encountered acne as an adolescent nor as a young adult, I practiced equanimity. Days when sunlight was a burden to bear was a novelty. Sunglasses in my darkened home became a newly affected style. There were personal moments of irrationality. Do I not live a life of service or a Karmic life?
OBAMA: Inauguration, a shared venture with D (da BF), the coldest days of a NY winter, co-discovering qualities that make NY a city it is. Dinner with Bay Area friends, former NewYawkers was convivial and fraught with pooch drama and the subzero temperature. The Chinatown Bus to Wash DC, saved money and a telling experience ON cross cultural perspectives regarding money, customer service, elation of the advent of a changing America. What a thrill to be among the crowds assembled seemingly everywhere. Swearing in ceremony crystallizes a dream made real for immigrants like myself, who could not imagine a time/possibility of a Black man or any man of color being elected Prez.
Romantic Dating Wow. The possibility seductive. An undercurrent in a middle age man calling to wade into the waters. The pull was kept at bay with the realities of great recession fact. The experiences seem to flow easily and naturally. Yet, unnerving and unspoken small personal conflicts come to play and serve as a breaker cutting the flow. A sweet beginning ends in silence and retrenchment.
Fiscal AHA When does one realize, .."cannot keep working something in order to have it." Tell tale signs include lost of full time employment and moved into part time plus independent contracting as default. Parents on fixed income, whose housing is subsidize by a guy trying to be a good son. Unlearning lifestyle habits on a dime (cutting dining and entertainment expenses too nominal). The fast eroding savings, funded mostly by a past equity line of credit paid by "appreciation." Unsustainable two mortgage payment on a P-T plus Independent contracting work. Though living simply and not large, with no credit debt, the recession comes home and plops on the floor. The last straw, a neighbors unit sells with a probate price almost 100k less than my own homes purchase price. Sell and cut your losses.
Action After speaking with friends, lenders, and self, attempts at loan modification, refinancing, within a month signed agreement with T (friend since teen years who also assisted me in purchase) to put condo on the market. Open house to happen while I was away on 3 week joint work and vacation travel. A summer vacation, to refuel and stop running on fumes.
Time Out Crediting myself in knowing how to fund time away, spending what would have been spent at home while working and turning it to a calgon moment. Atlanta as a place to come for work, mercifully the draw of city in the confines of country is not enough. Subjectively, a place to be on your way somewhere else. Claimed as one of the largest cities in the South, city/country are co-existing uncomfortably.
New York, while Manhattan seemed overwhelmingly depressed, except for tourist, is still a place holding much personal fascination. Remembering this is my 2nd trip in a year -- perhaps an unlikely repeat showing in the future. Love the High Line Park. It symbolizes respecting how a place has evolved due to human neglect. Nature seemed to have recreated it, humans followed suit to further enhance. No memorable deal, meals, shows on this outing. The visit reminded me of earlier visits, when walking and taking in what was around was the primary directive.
Utica visit was a surprise jewel. Long time friends, both artist L and D have began to settle into a slower pace of life. Less bustle, more 2 lane roads than highways or expressways, limited "scenista" options though great potential since it is a remarkably "Collegiate" town. Proximity to Adirondacks, an Olmstead designed park needing attention, the pre war big city architecture was all pluses. Worth a second and longer stay.
Provincetown A playground for graying gays (read earlier post). A few trips to browner beach towns are in order prior to returning here for a summer weekend. Though it has not lost all its appeal, it was drawn of creative/spontaneous enjoyment. The Cape as a whole along with Boston, its tone and presentation disappoints.
FLU The annual reminder to rest and if possible reduce contacts with large groups of people is ever present. 4 days into it, feeling more like the person I recognize, realize energy drain, real life stresses are part of the gift of life. Sleep is a great friend when ill, dreams and real life experiences blend, I awake perplexed that having dreamt conversations with friends or witnessing day to day events.
More musings to follow.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Earth calling Pentagon and Jt Military Chiefs
WOW! what does the Military not get? Isn't the plan for transition and decreasing troop size and mission.... Yeah, we are in a recession, and historically money can be made with conflict and engagement.
FOOLS.
September 16, 2009
Military Chief Says More Troops Needed for Afghan War
By THOM SHANKER
WASHINGTON — The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, told Congress on Tuesday that success in Afghanistan would probably require more troops, and certainly much more time, a position seconded by a top Republican but challenged by a top Democrat.
The debate, at a morning hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, previewed the intense national debate expected over coming weeks as the White House considers how best to pursue its new strategy in Afghanistan.
The committee chairman, Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, insisted that increased efforts to train and equip Afghan security forces should precede any deployment of American troops beyond those already committed by the Obama administration.
But the committee’s ranking Republican, Senator John McCain of Arizona, his party’s most experienced voice on military affairs, countered by declaring that more troops were “vitally needed” in Afghanistan — and that any delay in ordering more combat troops to the fight put lives at risk.
The hearing was called to consider Admiral Mullen’s nomination to serve a second tour as chairman of the Joint Chiefs, but it immediately became an opening public debate about whether more American combat forces should be sent to Afghanistan.
Admiral Mullen said that no specific troop request has yet been received from Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the senior American and NATO commander in Afghanistan.
“But I do believe that — having heard his views and having great confidence in his leadership — a properly resourced counterinsurgency probably means more forces, and, without question, more time and more commitment to the protection of the Afghan people and to the development of good governance,” Admiral Mullen said.
“We will need resources matched to the strategy,” he added.
Admiral Mullen acknowledged the importance of the training effort as advocated by Mr. Levin, but carefully pointed out that such a mission cannot quickly provide sufficient levels of security required by the counterinsurgency strategy.
“I share your view that larger and more capable Afghan National Security forces remain vital to that nation’s viability,” Admiral Mullen said. “I share your view — and have stated publicly — that the path to achieving the president’s goal is through our training efforts there. We must rapidly build the Afghan Army and police.”
But he cautioned that sending more trainers more quickly might provide “a jump start, but only that.”
“Quality training takes time and patience,” Admiral Mullen said. “Private trust by the Afghans — so vital to our purpose — is not fostered in a public hurry.”
Mr. Levin, who met with commanders and troops in Afghanistan during the congressional Labor Day recess, said that focusing on training Afghan Army and police units “would demonstrate our commitment to the success of a mission that is in our national security interest, while avoiding the risks associated with a larger U.S. footprint.”
He said emphatically that “these steps should be urgently implemented before we consider a further increase in U.S. ground combat troops, beyond what is already planned to be deployed by the end of the year.”
Mr. Levin said new goals should be established for Afghan security forces: The Afghan Army, he said, should grow to 250,000 by the end of 2012, and the police to 160,000 by that date. The current target is 134,000 army personnel and 96,000 police by the end of next year.
Although Mr. Levin and Mr. McCain have a cordial working relationship on the committee, they were blunt in expressing completely opposing views on the troop numbers.
Mr. McCain recalled that initial attempts in Iraq to shift the security burden to local forces was a colossal failure. “I’ve seen that movie before,” he said.
He lauded Mr. Obama’s decision earlier this year to send 21,000 additional troops to Afghanistan. Those extra combat troops, Mr. McCain said, were the correct priority — and he has said that more troops are “even more necessary now.”
Additional combat troops “are vitally needed,” Mr. McCain said, and warned that each day of delay “puts lives in danger.”
“We will need more U.S. combat forces in Afghanistan, not less or the same amount we have today,” Mr. McCain said.
The final brigade of fresh troops ordered to Afghanistan — a group of about 4,000 trainers — is scheduled to land by November, bringing the American troop level there to 68,000.
FOOLS.
September 16, 2009
Military Chief Says More Troops Needed for Afghan War
By THOM SHANKER
WASHINGTON — The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, told Congress on Tuesday that success in Afghanistan would probably require more troops, and certainly much more time, a position seconded by a top Republican but challenged by a top Democrat.
The debate, at a morning hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, previewed the intense national debate expected over coming weeks as the White House considers how best to pursue its new strategy in Afghanistan.
The committee chairman, Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, insisted that increased efforts to train and equip Afghan security forces should precede any deployment of American troops beyond those already committed by the Obama administration.
But the committee’s ranking Republican, Senator John McCain of Arizona, his party’s most experienced voice on military affairs, countered by declaring that more troops were “vitally needed” in Afghanistan — and that any delay in ordering more combat troops to the fight put lives at risk.
The hearing was called to consider Admiral Mullen’s nomination to serve a second tour as chairman of the Joint Chiefs, but it immediately became an opening public debate about whether more American combat forces should be sent to Afghanistan.
Admiral Mullen said that no specific troop request has yet been received from Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the senior American and NATO commander in Afghanistan.
“But I do believe that — having heard his views and having great confidence in his leadership — a properly resourced counterinsurgency probably means more forces, and, without question, more time and more commitment to the protection of the Afghan people and to the development of good governance,” Admiral Mullen said.
“We will need resources matched to the strategy,” he added.
Admiral Mullen acknowledged the importance of the training effort as advocated by Mr. Levin, but carefully pointed out that such a mission cannot quickly provide sufficient levels of security required by the counterinsurgency strategy.
“I share your view that larger and more capable Afghan National Security forces remain vital to that nation’s viability,” Admiral Mullen said. “I share your view — and have stated publicly — that the path to achieving the president’s goal is through our training efforts there. We must rapidly build the Afghan Army and police.”
But he cautioned that sending more trainers more quickly might provide “a jump start, but only that.”
“Quality training takes time and patience,” Admiral Mullen said. “Private trust by the Afghans — so vital to our purpose — is not fostered in a public hurry.”
Mr. Levin, who met with commanders and troops in Afghanistan during the congressional Labor Day recess, said that focusing on training Afghan Army and police units “would demonstrate our commitment to the success of a mission that is in our national security interest, while avoiding the risks associated with a larger U.S. footprint.”
He said emphatically that “these steps should be urgently implemented before we consider a further increase in U.S. ground combat troops, beyond what is already planned to be deployed by the end of the year.”
Mr. Levin said new goals should be established for Afghan security forces: The Afghan Army, he said, should grow to 250,000 by the end of 2012, and the police to 160,000 by that date. The current target is 134,000 army personnel and 96,000 police by the end of next year.
Although Mr. Levin and Mr. McCain have a cordial working relationship on the committee, they were blunt in expressing completely opposing views on the troop numbers.
Mr. McCain recalled that initial attempts in Iraq to shift the security burden to local forces was a colossal failure. “I’ve seen that movie before,” he said.
He lauded Mr. Obama’s decision earlier this year to send 21,000 additional troops to Afghanistan. Those extra combat troops, Mr. McCain said, were the correct priority — and he has said that more troops are “even more necessary now.”
Additional combat troops “are vitally needed,” Mr. McCain said, and warned that each day of delay “puts lives in danger.”
“We will need more U.S. combat forces in Afghanistan, not less or the same amount we have today,” Mr. McCain said.
The final brigade of fresh troops ordered to Afghanistan — a group of about 4,000 trainers — is scheduled to land by November, bringing the American troop level there to 68,000.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Ostentatious Wealth
Dateline: Provincetown MA Sept 8, 2009
I walked, waded, and traversed through street, highways, and dunes to arrive at the beach.
No less than 30 minutes of arriving, a pair of middle age men rode in with their horses. They proceeded to pace the horses into the bay, walking them to the depth of the horse's shoulder.
In the 4days of my Lower Cape visit, I've seen many typical white gay male "consumer" status symbols. The matching pair of dogs, one for each half of the couple. The more benign logo clothing (Polo, Lacoste), initialed sunglasses (DG) or brand name (example: Prada), the logo sneaks (Puma, Adidas, Diesel), the ubiquitous so 2000 and late symbols --the sport watch and designer swim trunks. European cars (BMW seem most popular, Rover, and a smattering of Benz) were aplenty parked or parading on Commercial Street. And the often heard murmur of the Cape house, while picking up coffee, a cocktail, or meals. A bona fide 200 or so feet of floating luxury was docked at the pier when I arrived and it left for another port the same afternoon of the horse's arrival to the beach. Speed boats, yatchs, horses, papered dogs an accumulation of symbols. Do they know they are mimicking a lifestyle that is not theirs in originality. The lives of the rich and famous.
Of note, many of those bearing the noticeably "trendy" accessories and possessions are middle age white gay men. Grey haired, bic headed, some buff from gym and diet regimen, while others squeezed into under sized TShirts or are bellicose from sedentary life.
Why is it that many of these urban gay men can adamantly renounce the "stereotype" of affluence, when it is in full display. Living large at a time of great recession. Where retirement funds, home values, other securities have lost value.
Is it really, disposable income resulting from having no children? Are there that many stock brokers, lawyers, physicians, real estate agents or financiers among this set? Or is the ugly hidden truth of consumer debt that fuels keeping up with the (fill in the blank). Yes, men make more money than their female counterparts. It can be argued for this group, men spend more than women.
Noticeably, few gay men of color can be seen amongst this crowd. Of those participating are attached to white men. MSM or gay Men of Color are they creating their own enclaves and its sense of brand style? Do they congregate in Atlanta, Los Angeles or New York City?
How much does the gay male community look to the boys who frequent Fire Island, Palm Springs, South Beach Florida, or San Francisco as iconic of the perceived gay role model to emulate?
How do aging men, who still hold to their ideas of a twenty something lithe body give themselves a sense of mastery. Can we say their pursuit and acquisition of possessions are the golden handcuffs keeping them in their place. Consumerism affirms their attractiveness and success.
I walked, waded, and traversed through street, highways, and dunes to arrive at the beach.
No less than 30 minutes of arriving, a pair of middle age men rode in with their horses. They proceeded to pace the horses into the bay, walking them to the depth of the horse's shoulder.
In the 4days of my Lower Cape visit, I've seen many typical white gay male "consumer" status symbols. The matching pair of dogs, one for each half of the couple. The more benign logo clothing (Polo, Lacoste), initialed sunglasses (DG) or brand name (example: Prada), the logo sneaks (Puma, Adidas, Diesel), the ubiquitous so 2000 and late symbols --the sport watch and designer swim trunks. European cars (BMW seem most popular, Rover, and a smattering of Benz) were aplenty parked or parading on Commercial Street. And the often heard murmur of the Cape house, while picking up coffee, a cocktail, or meals. A bona fide 200 or so feet of floating luxury was docked at the pier when I arrived and it left for another port the same afternoon of the horse's arrival to the beach. Speed boats, yatchs, horses, papered dogs an accumulation of symbols. Do they know they are mimicking a lifestyle that is not theirs in originality. The lives of the rich and famous.
Of note, many of those bearing the noticeably "trendy" accessories and possessions are middle age white gay men. Grey haired, bic headed, some buff from gym and diet regimen, while others squeezed into under sized TShirts or are bellicose from sedentary life.
Why is it that many of these urban gay men can adamantly renounce the "stereotype" of affluence, when it is in full display. Living large at a time of great recession. Where retirement funds, home values, other securities have lost value.
Is it really, disposable income resulting from having no children? Are there that many stock brokers, lawyers, physicians, real estate agents or financiers among this set? Or is the ugly hidden truth of consumer debt that fuels keeping up with the (fill in the blank). Yes, men make more money than their female counterparts. It can be argued for this group, men spend more than women.
Noticeably, few gay men of color can be seen amongst this crowd. Of those participating are attached to white men. MSM or gay Men of Color are they creating their own enclaves and its sense of brand style? Do they congregate in Atlanta, Los Angeles or New York City?
How much does the gay male community look to the boys who frequent Fire Island, Palm Springs, South Beach Florida, or San Francisco as iconic of the perceived gay role model to emulate?
How do aging men, who still hold to their ideas of a twenty something lithe body give themselves a sense of mastery. Can we say their pursuit and acquisition of possessions are the golden handcuffs keeping them in their place. Consumerism affirms their attractiveness and success.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
A well placed week plus away
Though many in the USA dream of taking time off from work,I have made a habit of it. I am now in Cape Cod, after almost a week in Atlanta (work), 3 days in NYC (play), 4 days in Utica (play), and now 4 days play in the lower Cape before 4 days of work up Cape. Since leaving the Bay Area on August 22nd and now as I see the few remaining days of time away from work-- summer has been the focal point.
Atlanta was hot, it left me feeling/smelling all is fried, the scent overpowered my senses. Though a few hardy meals, the last 3 days there I ate almost exclusively a salad or a variation of no fried food and certainly no more meat diet.
NYC for a long weekend, never disappoints. High Line park, Manhattan's newest attraction; reconnecting with one of two remaining friends still in the big apple. Familiarizing myself with the revised Hells Kitchen and being on the subway reminds one of what "teeming masses" can be like --so long as they are employed and have good hygiene.
Utica, Central NY was full of surprises. It is a town with city aspirations. Greenery everywhere. Visiting with Laticia, David and Wuscius (neurotic dog) was joy filled. Hikes in the Adirondacks, Laticia's vegan cooking, and a place never visited was full of treats. Country vs urban life are ones of the dichotomy(ies) plaguing us American urbanites.
Cape Cod, reminds me what summer can be like, among the working upper middle class. Walks, strolls in moon lit evenings, summer breezes, and autumn chill have been the constant. 3 hour ferry ride, allows for one to decompress and initiates one for land's end living. Red Inn is the big surprise, lunch of a simple BLT became an unexpected olfactory extravaganza. Window seating by the shore, lapping waves, a dry glass of white wine -- purrfect. Lucky me to have the opportunity to walk safely in a town, mix with New Englanders, day trippers, and the curious.
Tomorrow at some point, a walk to the beach (approx. 3 miles one way), a little sun, a nice lunch is the plan.
Meanwhile, I did do some work today. Prepared for a workshop to be given on the 11th.
If I could continue with the reality of balance between work and time away, I will.
Atlanta was hot, it left me feeling/smelling all is fried, the scent overpowered my senses. Though a few hardy meals, the last 3 days there I ate almost exclusively a salad or a variation of no fried food and certainly no more meat diet.
NYC for a long weekend, never disappoints. High Line park, Manhattan's newest attraction; reconnecting with one of two remaining friends still in the big apple. Familiarizing myself with the revised Hells Kitchen and being on the subway reminds one of what "teeming masses" can be like --so long as they are employed and have good hygiene.
Utica, Central NY was full of surprises. It is a town with city aspirations. Greenery everywhere. Visiting with Laticia, David and Wuscius (neurotic dog) was joy filled. Hikes in the Adirondacks, Laticia's vegan cooking, and a place never visited was full of treats. Country vs urban life are ones of the dichotomy(ies) plaguing us American urbanites.
Cape Cod, reminds me what summer can be like, among the working upper middle class. Walks, strolls in moon lit evenings, summer breezes, and autumn chill have been the constant. 3 hour ferry ride, allows for one to decompress and initiates one for land's end living. Red Inn is the big surprise, lunch of a simple BLT became an unexpected olfactory extravaganza. Window seating by the shore, lapping waves, a dry glass of white wine -- purrfect. Lucky me to have the opportunity to walk safely in a town, mix with New Englanders, day trippers, and the curious.
Tomorrow at some point, a walk to the beach (approx. 3 miles one way), a little sun, a nice lunch is the plan.
Meanwhile, I did do some work today. Prepared for a workshop to be given on the 11th.
If I could continue with the reality of balance between work and time away, I will.
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