In a rather dour Friday morning surprise, the U.S. unemployment rate hit 10.2%. There have been predictions for months that the unemployment rate would exceed 10%, but as the economy started showing signs of life, hope was emerging along the lines of thinking that maybe that psychologically important level could be avoided. This morning’s non-farms payroll data destroyed all such thoughts.
However, even though the news sent stocks a little lower initially, they are inching up, desperate to remain in the black, even with the news. Even though the unemployment rate is higher, job loss is moving at a slower pace, …read more

One of the best parts of a college football game is the “team spirit” atmosphere. Whether your team is good or bad, it’s fun to scream on the top of your lungs with the cheerleaders or sing The Hey Song with the band. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen at Florida International anymore.
FUI has recently reported that they’d be cutting the band program, and following that announcement, they decided to cut the cheerleading program as well. They have one the the worst historic records in major college football, and have been dealing NCAA penalties and problems stemming from playing ineligible …read more

I already mentioned here how the economy is causing a number of schools to cut or consider cutting printed media guides from their budget.
While this decision does make sense, since the information is readily available online, many conferences are now looking at other ways to save money. One thing that’s on the chopping block? Media Day.
Media days, usually held in summer or early fall, give reports the chance to meet players and coaches, have lunch with key staff members, and ask questions. A number of mid-major conferences have announced that they won’t be holding these meet-and-greet days.
Even some FBS conferences …read more

I started thinking this evening about the current economic situation in the United States and wondering about the impact of technology and the Internet on the current recession. Is it possible that the powers of technology and the Internet could help keep businesses and individual more productive and efficient?
My thoughts were just wondering if the features and benefits of the World Wide Web and Internet provide a little bit more of an opportunity for cushion on the ups and downs of someone’s personal and professional finances. Is the ability for a business of any size to really market itself to …read more

It’s a sign of the times when ticket prices for college football games are actually going down, but that’s exactly what’s happening in some places – and for some schools, it isn’t a moment too soon. Michigan and Michigan State both announced slight decreases in ticket prices, which is good news considering that this state is leading the pack in unemployment.
For the record, Ohio State is also lowering their ticket prices, and although I haven’t heard anything official, I’m sure there are other schools lowering prices as well.
The savings aren’t mind-blowing. For example, In Michigan, tickets are going down to …read more

The economy is taking its toll on all industries, all countries. It is like a ripple effect where all points are disturbed sooner or later, if not shook up. It’s my turn now. Again. I completed college and joined a job only a year and a half ago and in this short period, I have survived a couple of layoffs, including this one, but never felt fortunate.
When a person you daily see has to leave, is forced to leave, there is a looming sense of guilt and gloom over the place. Have I survived only because of he or she? …read more