Either that or people are having their unemployment claims run out so they aren't counted anymore.

Personally, I don't think F. Knuckles is up to the task.

He didn't realize that we were in a bubble while we were (still are, really) in it. He didn't realize the bubble had burst once it burst. He didn't see the sub-prime mess spilling over into the general financial industry while it was spilling over. He didn't see that the bailouts/stimulus wouldn't lower the unemployment rate. But I'm sure he's got this one right.

So they basically make excuses until actual growth takes place...

Possibly 6 months, maybe a year, maybe two...

Then they'll claim that they are responsible for the growth and act like they knew exactly when it would happen all along...

Gotcha.

ScubaDude1960: He didn't realize that we were in a bubble while we were (still are, really) in it. He didn't realize the bubble had burst once it burst. He didn't see the sub-prime mess spilling over into the general financial industry while it was spilling over. He didn't see that the bailouts/stimulus wouldn't lower the unemployment rate. But I'm sure he's got this one right.

[citations needed]

You go tell Rafael that I ain't taking no jive from no Western Union Messenger!

/Life is a state of mind
//Slashies are too!

Being There.

There is alot of Chance the Gardnerin that headline.

But then he wore inherited tailor made underware.

eddyatwork: Either that or people are having their unemployment claims run out so they aren't counted anymore.

There was a big article about how 100,000s of Americans were going to run out of unemployment on Labor Day. Sure enough, a month later the media touts about lowered unemployment rates.

Only in Obama's America can tax cheats become Treasury Secs. Funny how all of the fat Total Farker rage for Joe the Plumber being late on taxes vanished.

Treasury Secretary Geithner oughta be fired. I'm amazed he's still around.

This is exactly why guys shouldn't be secretaries

eddyatwork: Either that or people are having their unemployment claims run out so they aren't counted anymore.

Pretty much.

Most of the "experts" out there (seriously, how can forecasting this stuff be any different than financial forecasting?) are stating that Q3/4 for FY 2010 at the earliest, but most likely around Q2 FY 2011.

A great barometer is to see what the HR staff is doing at the larger companies (i.e., slashing benefits and other perks). That's not something you do if you expect the job market to pick up in the next few months (because it's a quick way to drive your folks out). It's something you do when you know things won't be looking good for some time to come.

There are a few optimists out there, but I can't find data (save for a few industries) where they plan on increasing job reqs in the next two fiscal quarters.

Is there anywhere to go but up at this point?

Remember, Tim... Spring is also the time that you need to PAY YOUR farkING TAXES.

It's amazing that this guy still has a job. Wait, no it's not... looking at the dysfunctional administration he's in, he fits right in.

eddyatwork: Either that or people are having their unemployment claims run out so they aren't counted anymore.

Nemo's Brother: There was a big article about how 100,000s of Americans were going to run out of unemployment on Labor Day. Sure enough, a month later the media touts about lowered unemployment rates.

Eh, not really. There are two widely-watched sources of data for employment: the weekly Department of Labor Initial Claims Report, and the monthly BLS Current Population Survey. The initial claims are what they sound like - the number of people who have newly filed unemployment claims since the last report. That's obviously unaffected by the expiration of benefits. It's not a direct measure of the employment rate, and even during a jobs expansion hundreds of thousands of people will be filing new claims (but more people will be getting hired). It's useful - particularly the 4-week moving average - for observing the trend in the rate of job losses, and recessions/recoveries tend to have very clear Initial Claims patterns.

The Current Population Survey is done by calling up households and asking them questions like how many family members are employed/unemployed/underemployed, and using that to generate (among other things) the official unemployment rate (the thing that went from 10.2 down to 10.0 at last measure). Again, not affected by the expiration of benefits.

brap: Guess you had to Being There?

There is no Chauncey was.

I like to watch!

haemaker: If you farkers haven't seen it. You must before you die.

+1 subby for the reference. Obscure, but shouldn't be.

A prophetic old movie about the future we inhabit.

Number41: Is there anywhere to go but up at this point?

Yes, I like to watch.

brap: Guess you had to Being There?

I came for this and will leave incredibly satisfied. I just watched it a couple of weeks ago and it's now one of my favorite movies.

I even like the use of the name Ben:

President "Bobby": Mr. Gardner, do you agree with Ben, or do you think that we can stimulate growth through temporary incentives?
[Long pause]
Chance the Gardener: As long as the roots are not severed, all is well. And all will be well in the garden.
President "Bobby": In the garden.
Chance the Gardener: Yes. In the garden, growth has it seasons. First comes spring and summer, but then we have fall and winter. And then we get spring and summer again.
President "Bobby": Spring and summer.
Chance the Gardener: Yes.
President "Bobby": Then fall and winter.
Chance the Gardener: Yes.
Benjamin Rand: I think what our insightful young friend is saying is that we welcome the inevitable seasons of nature, but we're upset by the seasons of our economy.
Chance the Gardener: Yes! There will be growth in the spring!
Benjamin Rand: Hmm!
Chance the Gardener: Hmm!
President "Bobby": Hm. Well, Mr. Gardner, I must admit that is one of the most refreshing and optimistic statements I've heard in a very, very long time.
[Benjamin Rand applauds]
President "Bobby": I admire your good, solid sense. That's precisely what we lack on Capitol Hill.

KarmicDisaster: Number41: Is there anywhere to go but up at this point?

Yes, I like to watch.

I'll go get Warren.

Chauncy Gardner MUST become the President of the United States!

To which I ask "How doe we know he isn't?"