In a down economy

As I have read through your 10 year plans, with great joy I might add, I do notice a theme. Uncertainty paves your path, perhaps as well it should. My question for you is "Are things worse today than they were 30 plus years ago when I graduated from Maryvale High School?" For a glimpse into the world then and now, take a look at this:
http://inflationdata.com/Inflation/Inflation_Articles/2000_vs_1970s.asp

Next, let's talk about inflation. Yes, things do cost more and yes, they do eat away at your precious pocket change but how are we in the USA fairing with regard to inflation? Are the costs for things today rising expotentially like they are say in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Greenland? Take a look at this site and then tell me where you'd rather be.
http://www.indexmundi.com/map/?v=71

Now for a little light reading:

US Income Gap widens
Half of U.S. workers earned less than $26,364 last year, reflecting a growing income gap between the nation’s rich and poor. According to the Social Security administration, there were fewer jobs, and overall pay was trending down — except for the wealthiest Americans. The number of people making $1 million or more soared by more than 18 percent from 2009. There were 5.2 million fewer jobs in 2010 than in 2007, when the recession began.
Jobless claims
Applications for unemployment benefits dropped last week by 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 403,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. The four-week average fell for the fourth straight week, to 403,000, a six-month low. Some economists said the steady decline signals fewer layoffs and possibly stronger job growth in the months ahead. But they cautioned that employers are not yet hiring at healthy levels.
Home sales
Home sales are on pace to match last year’s dismal 4.91 million sold — the worst in 13 years. The National Association of Realtors said Thursday that home sales dropped 3 percent last month, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.91 million homes. That’s below the 6 million that economists say is consistent with a healthy housing market.

What say you? Better or worse today than then?

And now for something completely different.

It's time to start sketching out some ideas regarding your connections endeavors. I want you to focus on your current internship or, in some cases, your future internship. You are being asked to identify a challenge in your area. I want you to begin a preliminary sketch of what problem or activity focus is targeted.

Email this idea to me along with the intended effects or perceived benefits. Please include the answer to the question above too, What say you? Better or worse today than then? Give me your opinion, along with the reason for your stance. Tell me why you feel this way.

If you are having trouble please make sure that you talk to me about it. I would like to have this by the end of the day, today, Monday Oct. 24.

Lastly - There is an expectation that you come to school tomorrow, especially if you do not have an internship. There is a scheduled Gallery Walk after lunch. I realize that some of you are scheduled to be at your internships on Tuesday but want to minimize your travels. Rather than have you come here to log out indicating you are going to your internship, use this link to the Internship Sign Out form.