OT--Good start for the New Year
 

Unemployment Claims Lowest Since Bush Became President
By Jimmy Moore
Talon News
January 1, 2004

Unemployment claims dropped last week to the lowest level since George W.
Bush was inaugurated president, according to the latest jobless benefits
report released by the Labor Department on Wednesday.

New unemployment insurance requests fell to 339,000 for the week ending
December 27. Jobless claims have not been this low since January 20, 2001,
the day President Bush was sworn into office as president of the United
States.

Economists credit this good news in the job market to an increase in
consumer confidence in the U.S. economy. They also say that business owners
have ceased the layoffs and are beginning to hire new workers again as the
economy continues to get better. Also, businesses are investing more capital
in the economy, which will help the economy recover even faster.

In fact, a recent Conference Board report estimates that more than one
million new jobs will be created in 2004 as unemployment continues to fall
significantly.

Ken Mayland, president of ClearView Economics, says he sees job creation
ready to explode.

"There is clearly reason for optimism that we are getting on a significant
job-generation track," he told the Associated Press.

Talon News reported on a recent AP poll that found there to be optimism by
the American people about the job market in 2004. The poll showed that 57
percent are either as confident or more confident in their job security than
they were six months ago while only 42 percent say they are less confident.

Most economic experts have been confounded by the noticeable fall in
unemployment benefit claims over the past few months, which have been
substantially better than any of them predicted. In fact, jobless claims
have been below the 400,000 mark for 13 weeks in a row. Most economists view
unemployment insurance claims below the 400,000 mark as a sign of a stable
and strengthening job market.

Talon News has reported on the steady decline in jobless claims since last
spring. In mid-April, new jobless claims grew to 459,000, but the decline
has been clearly evident ever since. Even Federal Reserve Chairman Alan
Greenspan commented recently that he believes the decline in the job market
has stabilized.

Some credit the increased confidence in the economy to the tax cuts passed
by Congress and signed into law by President Bush last year.

Unemployment, which was as high as 6.4 percent over last summer, fell to 5.9
percent by the end of 2003.

However, economists have long contended that the job market is the slowest
part of the economy to recover after a recession.

Regardless, Talon News has previously reported the economy grew at an
astounding 8.2 percent in the third quarter, which was the best since the
Reagan administration. And although the fourth quarter is not expected to be
that high, the growth rate will likely be close to 5 percent and would
propel the economy forward in the new year.

A USA Today survey of 57 economists recently predicted 2004 will be the best
year for growth in the American economy in a decade and that unemployment
will dip to 5.5 percent.

Additionally, these economists were unanimous in their belief that Bush will
be reelected in 2004 because of the improvements in the economy and the job
market.

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

NOYB wrote:

Unemployment Claims Lowest Since Bush Became President
By Jimmy Moore
Talon News
January 1, 2004

Unemployment claims dropped last week to the lowest level since George W.
Bush was inaugurated president, according to the latest jobless benefits
report released by the Labor Department on Wednesday.

New unemployment insurance requests fell to 339,000 for the week ending
December 27. Jobless claims have not been this low since January 20, 2001,
the day President Bush was sworn into office as president of the United
States.



What's the real count of those still unemployed, those who are
underemployed and those who've given up? Biggest numbers since the
1930s, I'd bet.

The Bush Economy is a failure. Just like its namesake.


--
Email sent to is never read.

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
NOYB wrote:

Unemployment Claims Lowest Since Bush Became President
By Jimmy Moore
Talon News
January 1, 2004

Unemployment claims dropped last week to the lowest level since George
W.
Bush was inaugurated president, according to the latest jobless benefits
report released by the Labor Department on Wednesday.

New unemployment insurance requests fell to 339,000 for the week ending
December 27. Jobless claims have not been this low since January 20,
2001,
the day President Bush was sworn into office as president of the United
States.



What's the real count of those still unemployed, those who are
underemployed and those who've given up? Biggest numbers since the
1930s, I'd bet.

The Bush Economy is a failure. Just like its namesake.

Or... the dems are a failure and this time next year there will not be many
in office! Good news for America.

Bob
4 more Jr. and 8 Jeb Can Senior run again?

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

Can Senior run again?



Yes


That good to hear. I've always admired George H.W. Bush. He was good to the
Coast Guard when I was on active duty. The "coasties" always helped him out in
Kennebunkport whenever he asked.

Butch Ammon

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

"Robert White" wrote in message news:H1FJb.2581

Can Senior run again?




Yes

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

"Butch Ammon" wrote in message

That good to hear.

Of course, 41 would be eighty-four in '08. Hardly likely.

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...

What's the real count of those still unemployed, those who are
underemployed and those who've given up? Biggest numbers since the
1930s, I'd bet.

The Bush Economy is a failure. Just like its namesake.

What the heck is "underemployed?"

And, why are you posting through a German news server?

Bert

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

On Sat, 3 Jan 2004 19:57:27 -0500, "Bert Robbins"
wrote:


"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...

What's the real count of those still unemployed, those who are
underemployed and those who've given up? Biggest numbers since the
1930s, I'd bet.

The Bush Economy is a failure. Just like its namesake.

What the heck is "underemployed?"

And, why are you posting through a German news server?

The Berlin server is probably the best text only free news server on
the planet hands down. No binaries, the retention is excellant and
they are right on top of posts - almost no delay.

It's a good server.

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
----------
"I object to fishing tournaments less for
what they do to fish than what they do to
fishermen." Ted Williams - 1964

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 03 Jan 2004 18:37:16 GMT, "NOYB" wrote:

Unemployment Claims Lowest Since Bush Became President
By Jimmy Moore
Talon News
January 1, 2004

Unemployment claims dropped last week to the lowest level since George W.
Bush was inaugurated president, according to the latest jobless benefits
report released by the Labor Department on Wednesday.

Please have your polyana-ish predictors help our local economy.... we
need the help..... in 1Q 2004 predictions 13% will hire new workers
(there's your good figures to quote) and 23% will lay off.....

2:42 PM EST Wednesday
Triad's unemployment rate rises in November
The unemployment rate for the eight-county Triad Metropolitan
Statistical Area was 6 percent in November, up from 5.8 percent in
October, according to statistics released Wednesday by the state's
Employment Security Commission.

In all, rates rose in 86 of the 100 North Carolina counties, though
ESC Chairman Harry Payne Jr. said he wasn't worried by the monthly
results.

"Minor monthly fluctuations in the unemployment rates are not
unusual," he said. "In fact, economic trends still point the way of
modest employment growth across our state."

The state's unemployment rate was 6.2 percent in November, up from 6.1
percent in October. The Charlotte metro area had a 6.9 percent
unemployment rate, up from 6.6 percent in October, while the
Raleigh/Durham area posted a November unemployment rate of 4.3
percent, up from 4.1 percent in October.

Guilford County remained one of the counties receiving the most
unemployment insurance benefits, ranking third behind Mecklenburg and
Wake counties. Guilford residents received $4.5 million in
unemployment benefits in November, the ESC said. This was despite the
fact that the unemployment rate in Guilford County actually decreased
in the last month.

Here's a county-by-county breakdown of November unemployment rates in
the 12-county greater Triad compared to October rates:

Alamance: 6.7 percent, up from 6.4 percent;
Caswell: 8.4 percent, down from 8.5 percent;
Davidson: 8.2 percent, up from 7.5 percent;
Davie: 5.8 percent, up from 5 percent;
Forsyth: 5.3 percent, up from 4.9 percent;
Guilford: 5.8 percent, down from 6 percent;
Montgomery: 8.8 percent, up from 8.3 percent;
Randolph: 5.5 percent, up from 5.2 percent;
Rockingham: 10.2 percent, up from 9.9 percent;
Stokes: 6.1 percent, up from 5.5 percent;
Surry: 7.7 percent, up from 7.2 percent;
Yadkin: 5.9 percent, up from 5.7 percent.

Financial services tanks...

http://triad.bizjournals.com/triad/s...22/story1.html

and this is our best effort to try and stem the tide......

http://triad.bizjournals.com/triad/s...08/daily4.html

for workers displaced from NAFTA disasters that were making $25/hr now
hoping to make from $7-$10/hr.... just to keep their heads above
water. Note that not only do I have hourly employees in my classes, I
have at least one ex-mill owner. In his words.... "I could have
stayed in business if I wanted to move to China, but who the f*ck
wants to live in China?" It might also help to point out that he and
his partner in the (failed) knitting mill were naturalized
citizens..... when America *was* a place people wanted to move to make
a good living. Now, it is just better than China. Gack.
(Oh, yeah, by the way...... the mill was successful from the late 60's
until NAFTA.)
Can you imagine the far reaching effects this has on a state's tax
base?

Your polyana-ish outlook on the economy distresses me...... but not as
much as the human suffering does that was created by poor
political/economic decisions. Quit posting half-truths... it does
nothing for your credibility.

You know what, Gene? I believe you've made up your mind that the economy
stinks, and no statistic will convince you otherwise.

The loss of manufacturing jobs has very little to do with the economy, and
more to do with free trade in a world economy. In fact, during Bush's
watch, and despite a recession, almost every jobs sector has had a net gain
in jobs except for manufacturing.. That being said, manufacturing just
posted its biggest month of growth in two decades.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp..._ge/economy_11

Manufacturing Sees Best Month in Decades
Sat Jan 3, 1:35 PM ET

By ADAM GELLER, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK - The nation's manufacturing sector, thrashed by the recession and
achingly slow to recover, finished 2003 with its most robust month of growth
in two decades.



The Institute for Supply Management reported Friday that its manufacturing
index jumped to 66.2 in December from 62.8 the previous month, strong
evidence that the economic turnaround continues to pick up steam.


The new figure was the highest since December 1983 for a sector that has
shed millions of jobs over the past three years. The reading, which marks
the sixth consecutive month of expansion in manufacturing, was significantly
higher than the 61 forecast by analysts.


An index reading above 50 indicates expansion; one below 50 indicates that
manufacturing activity is contracting. From March through June, the
manufacturing index was below 50.


Economists said the index shows that while the beleaguered factory sector
still has much ground to make up, it is now firmly in recovery mode, helped
along by low interest rates and a falling dollar that makes U.S.-produced
goods cheaper overseas.


"Manufacturing is really the last piece of the puzzle that is falling in
place to produce broad-based, sustained economic growth," said Sung Won
Sohn, chief economist with Wells Fargo & Co. in Minneapolis.


The momentum is particularly evident in new orders to factories, said
Norbert J. Ore, chairman of the institute's manufacturing business survey
committee. A component index tracking new orders reached its highest level
since 1950, rising to 77.6 in December from 73.7 in November, he said.


"The strength in December's data provides significant encouragement for
prospects in the first quarter of 2004," Ore said.


An index measuring factory production also rose, to 73 from 68.3 in
November. ISM's measure of factory employment rose to 55.5 from 51.


Of the 20 industries making up the sector, 17 reported growth, led by
instruments and photographic equipment, leather and furniture. Two
industries, paper and chemicals, did not see a pickup in their business. ISM
did not gather enough responses from the last remaining industry, petroleum,
to gauge growth.


"The month-over-month growth from November to December indicates a rapid
recovery taking place in the sector, though there are still some businesses
lagging and wondering when they will see the improvement that others are
experiencing," Ore said.


But economist Sohn noted that the growth comes in a sector that remains far
from what it was a few years ago, with millions of jobs lost. Job growth at
factories will continue to be limited in the coming year, with manufacturing
continuing to shift overseas, he said.


Stocks rose strongly following the release of the report, but major indexes
ended the mixed after a bout of late-day selling. The Dow Jones industrial
average ended 44 points lower at 10,410. Broader stock indicators were
mixed. The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 3 points to 1,108, while the
Nasdaq composite index was up 3 points at 2,007

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

Bert Robbins wrote:

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...

What's the real count of those still unemployed, those who are
underemployed and those who've given up? Biggest numbers since the
1930s, I'd bet.

The Bush Economy is a failure. Just like its namesake.

What the heck is "underemployed?"

Insufficiently employed, not used to the optimum capacity. Chiefly of
persons or machinery.

As when a top industrial designer is laid off, cannot find new work in
his field, and is forced to accept a job doing whatever it is you do for
a living.


And, why are you posting through a German news server?

Bert

Because it is a great news server and offers portability. Why, does it
bother you? If so, why? Why do you post via Comcast?



--
Email sent to is never read.

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Bert Robbins wrote:

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...

What's the real count of those still unemployed, those who are
underemployed and those who've given up? Biggest numbers since the
1930s, I'd bet.

The Bush Economy is a failure. Just like its namesake.

What the heck is "underemployed?"

Insufficiently employed, not used to the optimum capacity. Chiefly of
persons or machinery.

As when a top industrial designer is laid off, cannot find new work in
his field, and is forced to accept a job doing whatever it is you do for
a living.

Nobody "is forced to accept a job", you choose to accept a job. Professions
and lines of work have come and gone throughout time and their is no
guarantee that your particular profession or line of work will be in demand
in the future. How many wheelwright jobs are there today?


And, why are you posting through a German news server?

Because it is a great news server and offers portability. Why, does it
bother you? If so, why? Why do you post via Comcast?

Just curious.

Bert

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 02:06:34 GMT, "NOYB" wrote:


You know what, Gene? I believe you've made up your mind that the economy
stinks, and no statistic will convince you otherwise.


When you are peeing on my leg and telling me it is raining, I'm
supposed to believe it is cloudy because somebody said there was a 98%
chance of rain? You are stranger than I thought.... and I'd be a
total idiot if I bought into your scenario. Geesh...


The loss of manufacturing jobs has very little to do with the economy,
and
more to do with free trade in a world economy.

That is the most incredible "fact" I have ever heard. You are simply
not a rational person. There is nothing in this world that would
indicate to you that this economy is not as good as the statistics you
choose "proves" it to be. This is crazy.

Are you kidding me? *EVERY* single economic indicator that we've used to
gauge our economy for the last 50 or so years have been trending upward.
What is crazy is that you choose to ignore *all* of them...and then try to
prove that you know better than all of the indicators because of what's
happening your small corner of the world. A few anecdotal stories don't
paint the whole picture. I thought you were smarter than that. Look at the
national overall trend of the major economic indicators...and then tell me
the economy hasn't been improving for the last 4-6 months.

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

"Gene Kearns" wrote in message

Been boating lately?

Sure. I put 45+ hours on the motor since the 17th of December...and went
out fishing at least 6 times. How about you?

Any
boating stories to share?

As crabby as you doomsayers have been lately about the strongly improving
economy, I was afraid to depress you further with wonderful boating stories
while you guys are in drydock for the winter...but here goes:

Seas were the calmest I've ever seen them the past week. Red and gag
grouper bite is tremendous, but you have to go out at least 20 miles before
you start to consistently see keeper-size fish. Got my first "keeper" black
tip shark yesterday (about 5 foot long). Took my 2 and 4 year old, and my
mom out today and caught a half-dozen snapper. Is that better?

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 23:04:37 GMT, "NOYB" wrote:


"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
.. .
On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 02:06:34 GMT, "NOYB" wrote:


You know what, Gene? I believe you've made up your mind that the economy
stinks, and no statistic will convince you otherwise.


When you are peeing on my leg and telling me it is raining, I'm
supposed to believe it is cloudy because somebody said there was a 98%
chance of rain? You are stranger than I thought.... and I'd be a
total idiot if I bought into your scenario. Geesh...


The loss of manufacturing jobs has very little to do with the economy,
and
more to do with free trade in a world economy.

That is the most incredible "fact" I have ever heard. You are simply
not a rational person. There is nothing in this world that would
indicate to you that this economy is not as good as the statistics you
choose "proves" it to be. This is crazy.

Are you kidding me? *EVERY* single economic indicator that we've used to
gauge our economy for the last 50 or so years have been trending upward.
What is crazy is that you choose to ignore *all* of them...and then try to
prove that you know better than all of the indicators because of what's
happening your small corner of the world. A few anecdotal stories don't
paint the whole picture. I thought you were smarter than that. Look at the
national overall trend of the major economic indicators...and then tell me
the economy hasn't been improving for the last 4-6 months.


Do you mean to tell me that when NBC interviews Billy Bob in West
Virginia who says, " My brother has been out of work for six months
and can't find nothin' to do...," that his statement doesn't represent
the entire USA? NBC seems to imply that it does!

What gives here?

John H

On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD
on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay!

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 23:18:53 GMT, "NOYB" wrote:


"Gene Kearns" wrote in message

Been boating lately?

Sure. I put 45+ hours on the motor since the 17th of December...and went
out fishing at least 6 times. How about you?

Any
boating stories to share?

As crabby as you doomsayers have been lately about the strongly improving
economy, I was afraid to depress you further with wonderful boating stories
while you guys are in drydock for the winter...but here goes:

Seas were the calmest I've ever seen them the past week. Red and gag
grouper bite is tremendous, but you have to go out at least 20 miles before
you start to consistently see keeper-size fish. Got my first "keeper" black
tip shark yesterday (about 5 foot long). Took my 2 and 4 year old, and my
mom out today and caught a half-dozen snapper. Is that better?



Where, dammit???


John H

On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD
on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay!

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

"John H" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 23:04:37 GMT, "NOYB" wrote:


"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
.. .
On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 02:06:34 GMT, "NOYB" wrote:


You know what, Gene? I believe you've made up your mind that the
economy
stinks, and no statistic will convince you otherwise.


When you are peeing on my leg and telling me it is raining, I'm
supposed to believe it is cloudy because somebody said there was a 98%
chance of rain? You are stranger than I thought.... and I'd be a
total idiot if I bought into your scenario. Geesh...


The loss of manufacturing jobs has very little to do with the economy,
and
more to do with free trade in a world economy.

That is the most incredible "fact" I have ever heard. You are simply
not a rational person. There is nothing in this world that would
indicate to you that this economy is not as good as the statistics you
choose "proves" it to be. This is crazy.

Are you kidding me? *EVERY* single economic indicator that we've used to
gauge our economy for the last 50 or so years have been trending upward.
What is crazy is that you choose to ignore *all* of them...and then try
to
prove that you know better than all of the indicators because of what's
happening your small corner of the world. A few anecdotal stories don't
paint the whole picture. I thought you were smarter than that. Look at
the
national overall trend of the major economic indicators...and then tell
me
the economy hasn't been improving for the last 4-6 months.


Do you mean to tell me that when NBC interviews Billy Bob in West
Virginia who says, " My brother has been out of work for six months
and can't find nothin' to do...," that his statement doesn't represent
the entire USA? NBC seems to imply that it does!

And Gene just goes right along agreeing with Billy Bob, NBC, and Harry.

OT--Good start for the New Year
 

"John H" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 23:18:53 GMT, "NOYB" wrote:


"Gene Kearns" wrote in message

Been boating lately?

Sure. I put 45+ hours on the motor since the 17th of December...and went
out fishing at least 6 times. How about you?

Any
boating stories to share?

As crabby as you doomsayers have been lately about the strongly improving
economy, I was afraid to depress you further with wonderful boating
stories
while you guys are in drydock for the winter...but here goes:

Seas were the calmest I've ever seen them the past week. Red and gag
grouper bite is tremendous, but you have to go out at least 20 miles
before
you start to consistently see keeper-size fish. Got my first "keeper"
black
tip shark yesterday (about 5 foot long). Took my 2 and 4 year old, and
my
mom out today and caught a half-dozen snapper. Is that better?



Where, dammit???


Caught the black tip about 8 miles SW of Sanibel Island. Caught the red and
gag grouper (over 70 of them total...but just one keeper) about 30 miles
west of Ft. Myers Beach. Water temps had fallen to 60 degrees the week
before Christmas, but were back up to 68 degrees yesterday. The fish are
starting to come out of their lethargy.