Unemployment

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-april-jobs-report-20110506,0,6724981.story

The private sector surges forward adding 268,000 jobs as the government continues to shed jobs(14k)

These gains were not enough to reduce the Unemployment rate though as more people return to the work force, it inches up .2% from 8.8% to 9% flat.  Although a rise in the unemployment rate may seem bad, it comes in the light of the fact that the economy is adding plenty of jobs (although still not enough for a full recovery) so there's still reason to stay optimistic.  These jobs were added when stocks were stagnant and oil prices rising, a result of government inaction on debt and deficit issues and turmoil in the middle east.

Personally I think if Qaddafi abdicates and we get real deficit reduction measures put into action we can expect a speedier recovery. However whether or not either of those things will happen is quite up in the air.

>>10
How on earth am I living above my means? Learn to read.
The point I made is that I make sacrifices for _very small_ luxuries. I live directly WITHIN my means: being the only person I know, rich or poor. who is not in debt.
Food costs have risen to an insane degree, so that in order to feed my family healthy simple food, I have to budget a large amount. And I am happy about the choices that I have made: I'll put up my quality of life any day against anyones. Our family is happy spending meaningful time together, enjoying music and friends and nature. We don't need the  luxuries so many consider necessary.

>>12
Maybe some of us don't want to be rich. Some of us reject the treadmill and choose simplicity.