Lower Your Internet Bill

Greetings,
I came across this article on Yahoo! Finance called Easy Ways to Lower Your Internet Bill.  In addition to the suggestions offered, I'd like to add the library.  Whether it's library on a college campus or a public library, many institutions offer internet access for free.  A growing number of public libraries are keeping their wireless access available even when the library is technically closed.  While there can be issues with this, it's one way to allow virtually any library card holder access to a wireless network at any time.  Most libraries offer this service for free* and it's definitely one way to lower your internet bill.  Until next-time, catch me in the library.

*Okay, it's not technically free.  These resources cost money.  Many have argued that well-funded public libraries enhance the value for those who live and work in the community.  On page 3-5, figure 3-4 a Florida-based survey shows that the vast majority of Floridians agree that libraries contribute to economic prosperity in the community.  The survey also reveals that libraries help the business community and in general increase financial well-being.  Whether or not that's the primary goal or outcome of libraries is certainly debatable.  Nonetheless, people see value in their public library and libraries cost money to run.

Economic Data

Greetings,
Every month a number of economists (and others) wait to hear the latest unemployment data and job creation numbers in the United States.  Typically, the data is released within the first few days of the month.  Today, those economic figures came out and unemployment is officially under 8 percent.  It's making a lot of headlines because unemployment is at its lowest level in about four years.  If you go to the government web site that supplies the data, you'll see that's only one portion of the data that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) complies.  They also put together regional, state, and city/MSA data.  These figures have considerable variation by location and it's worth checking out.  The BLS also puts out an Occupational Handbook which serves as an online guide for career outlooks.  While these other resources may not make big headlines, they're definitely worth checking out.  Until next time, catch me in the library.