Detroit's Unemployment Rate Nears 50%

Posted by Chris Campbell at Wednesday, December 16, 2009 0

According to The Detroit News.

This may be the most staggering statistic I've heard since Bush and Wall Street imploded this economy. Fifty percent?!?!??! It's almost unimaginable. How is this city not under 24 hour riot alert? When folks can't feed their kids, themselves, find shelter, etc., how does civic turmoil not ensue? Even as I type this, I can't get that statistic out of my head. This truly sounds like a completely failed city, despite the auto industry bailouts that have helped stabilize some of these companies.

On the home front, sometimes San Francisco doesn't feel far off. I usually spend about one hour every other day walking around different parts of the city taking pictures. Every trip seems to bring on more boarded-up shops, for sale signs and homeless folks sleeping in retail entrances that were open just weeks ago. Although people downtown and venture capitalists are tossing parties, this city, at least while walking its streets, appears to be crumbling. It's widely known that Gavin Newsom is a disaster of a mayor. This week's SF Weekly actually covers Newsom's horrific reign in depth. But any resident of the city can walk just a few blocks and see it all firsthand (above photo was taken on Market Street a few months ago). A stroll through The Tenderloin is a chilling experience, and just about every neighborhood is now touched by desperation, drugs and social services that have been unbelievably poorly managed.

I have rambled. But this story on Detroit has me wondering more and more where we're headed as a country. I know folks who work on Wall Street, and just like the media portrays them, they're all doing just fine. Actually, better than fine. It's the rest of the country that's spiraling, and it's happening at a rapid, rapid pace. When will this turn around? The more frightening question may be, will it turn around?

Greenberg

Posted by Chris Campbell at Wednesday, November 25, 2009 0

Thanks FDR

Posted by Chris Campbell at Monday, May 18, 2009 0

In 1935, Franklin Roosevelt signed into law the Social Security Act. Tossed into that bill were provisions that basically forced the states to pay unemployment compensation under certain conditions. No, I did not know this history offhand, and yes, I pulled it from Wikipedia.

For the first time in my career, I have been a beneficiary of this legislation, and I must say, my standing would've been far more troublesome had it not been for this help. Add to this Obama's stimulus package, which reduced my monthly COBRA payments from about $340 to $125, and well, I suppose I should thank my government for the assists.

On June 1 it looks like I can tip my cap and move on. These seven months have passed by mighty fast and I've certainly grown in many respects. Sure, I wish I did some traveling, but not knowing when I'd land the right job again had me moving about things pretty conservatively.

Not only am I grateful to have had some help during this period of uncertainty, but I feel incredibly lucky to have found not just a job, but one that should prove to be challenging and rewarding.

Six Months Unemployed

Posted by Chris Campbell at Wednesday, April 22, 2009 0

Unless I am offered and accept a position in the next six hours and eight minutes, tomorrow will mark my six-month anniversary without a job. I've generally kept quite on this here blog regarding my employment search (or lack thereof), but I suppose I can share a few of the developments over the past half year.

For one, I imagine I've hit the ranks of the unemployed at perhaps the worst time in my lifetime. And as far as business development jobs go, well, there just don't appear to be many out there. I have had interviews at five or six companies and every HR person I've met with claims to have received hundreds of resumes. Some of the folks applying are overqualified, many underqualified, and an enormous number fall within the normal level of experience. Competition is fierce.

There was one job that I was after ever since SNOCAP headed towards sale. My love for the site last.fm has never been a secret. It is the one music site that I check daily. I've always loved statistics and when a site combines stats with tunes, videos, a little interaction and so forth, well, you've fit my needs. After numerous phone and in-person interviews, covering a year of pursuing a job with last.fm's parent company, CBS Interactive, I knew that my answer was coming soon. One afternoon last week as I walked home from the park, my phone lit up "CBS Interactive." With but a few words from the other end, I could surmise my fate. It was a long chase, but it had come to an end. As far as I know, the role is still open. If you're looking for a BD job in music/games, here's the job info.

I have one other job in play, but things have quieted on that front. I've had four interviews at this company, and after the final one, over a month ago, I thought it was a sure bet. There's been very little since. Perhaps the job's been nixed? Maybe they're being acquired? These are the questions that swirl in the heads of the unemployed. Many things remain unknown.

On a positive note, I have made a good amount of progress on my "book." I still intend to have it completed before we hit 2010, and I'm 99% certain that it will be. In all likelihood, I will just self publish it (order 100 or so copies via some company that does such things) and see where it goes. In addition, I have taken thousands of photos and discovered almost endless amounts of new music.

Although it's been a long while since I've had a regular paycheck, I can still say that I feel incredibly fortunate. I still have a little safety net that can carry me a little longer. Our president has helped me out by lowering my COBRA payments and chucking a few more bucks for unemployment. No, I don't go out for nice dinners anymore and aside from records, I haven't really bought any leisure items in six months. But I've come to realize that I really don't need these things anyway.

All in all, given that many in this country are in far dire positions, things are moving along just fine. I'm very pleased with our new president, there's a new Wilco record on the way and Eastbound and Down has been renewed for another season. Things could be worse.

The Best Seats at Yankee Stadium

Posted by Chris Campbell at Wednesday, April 22, 2009 0

Face Value: $2,625. Almost three grand to watch a baseball game? You could knock the first 2 off this number and I still wouldn't *consider* it, regardless of my salary, which right now is $430/week via Obama. What a joke.

Back to That Job Thing

Posted by Chris Campbell at Wednesday, March 25, 2009 2

I've now surpassed five months without a job. On a personal and potentially professional front, I can say that I'm proud of what I've achieved during this downtime. Unlike many folks worldwide, I have been lucky to have planned for the possibility of this reality by saving a little bit. I can't say I have much, but I've been able to get by.

Now to the job search. Given that I have a bit of a temporary security blanket, and considering my growing interest in continuing to explore other areas as a possible "career", I have been pretty selective in my search, which, given this economy, hasn't led to much. There have been phone calls, some interviews, a bunch of subsequent interviews, no call-backs, repeated refreshes on the gmail, calls out of nowhere and so forth.

Tomorrow I go on a fourth interview for a job I've coveted for just shy of a year. I initially connected with these folks back in April of 08 (well before finding myself unemployed), and although there was an interview back then, given some internal shuffling, there wasn't a good fit at the time. But about three months ago a job opened up. And as far as I can tell, there was/is a lot of interest, which results in a lot of competition.

Four interviews (granted, not all have been face-to-face) certainly means that I've made it to a narrower bunch of applicants, but my guess is that I still sit among a number of highly qualified and bright folks. I would imagine that tomorrow is my final run-through and I expect to know my fate in the coming week or so. It's a job that I've wanted for a long time, and it's now somewhat within reach. But I've made a bit of an internal pact with myself. Given my evolving interest with respect to other areas, if this job doesn't come through, and there's obviously a good chance that it won't, I will commit myself completely to the other areas that I've been developing. I will take three months or so and lock down. See where it goes. Hopefully have a few things complete when that quarter-year is up. And if I do get the job, the year-long wait will have been worth it.

I must admit, I do kinda see it as a win-win (sweet lord, I hate that term). Well, aside from not having an income if the offer doesn't come, which I suppose helps pay the rent.

We'll see how it unfolds.

A Reason To Believe

Posted by Chris Campbell at Tuesday, March 17, 2009 0

I am back East visiting my sister in Mahwah, New Jersey. I grew up a few towns over and whenever I think of Mahwah, I think of the Springsteen line, "They closed down the auto plant in Mahwah late last night." And that line could not be more fitting than right now.

I just went for a long run around her neighborhood and I can't recall witnessing first-hand what's happening in this country like I did in the past hour. Yes, I'm currently unemployed and my state of residence has one of the highest unemployment levels in the country, but seeing these homes in the condition that they are is utterly disheartening. It seems as if every 3-4 homes is either up for sale, in a state of utter decay or undergoing massive renovations (and who knows how long they've sat stagnant). And on that same square of a few blocks, I passed about five churches, all of which were in need of major renovations. I saw very few people, very few lights on in homes and just a lack of life all around. Perhaps it's my mind playing games after reading story after story about this collapse, but it appeared live and real in the span of a 30 minute run. As I was rounding the corner and had my sister's home in sight, I turned up the music and ran about as fast as I could. For a few moments, I felt great.

Tomorrow I plan on taking the same exact trip around the block, but this time with my camera. I hope to share a cluster of shots on my flickr page tomorrow.

Bruce Sprinsteen "Johnny 99"
Well they closed down the auto plant in Mahwah late last month
Ralph went out lookin' for a job but he couldn't find none
He came home too drunk from mixin' Tanqueray and wine
He got a gun shot a night clerk now they call him Johnny 99
Dawn in that part of town where when you hit red light you don't stop
Johnny's wavin' his gun around and threatin' to blow his top
When an off duty cop snuck up on him on from behind
Out in front of the club Tip Top they slapped the cuffs on Johnny 99
Well the city suplied a public defender but the judge was mean John Brown
He came into the courtroom and stared poor Johnny down
Well the evidence is clear gonna let the sentence fit the crime
Prison for 98 and a year will make it even Johnny 99
A fist fight broke out in the courtroom they had to drag Johnny's girl away
His mama stood up and shouted judge don't take my boy this way
Well son you got any statement you'd like to make
Before the bailiff comes to forever take you away
Yes judge I got debts no honest man could pay
The bank was holdin' my mortgage they was takin' my house away
Now I ain't sayin' that makes me an innocent man
But it was more than all this that put that gun in my hand
And your honor I do believe I'd be better off dead
If you can take a man's life for the thoughts that are in his head
Then won't you sit back in that chair and think it over one more time
And let 'em shave off my hair and burn Johnny 99

Withdrawal

Posted by Chris Campbell at Wednesday, March 11, 2009 1 comments

I have now gone about an entire week without my iPod. I seem to have misplaced it at some point and I simply can't find it. I can't say that I've searched all that much, since I have tunes on this here computer and about two feet from me via my turntable and stereo, but it has still yet to surface. I bought this iPod back in Oct of 05 and it still works just fine. But now that I'm at about 18k tracks, I've gone way over my limit.

Even when unemployed there are certain essentials. We need food, shelter, water, coffee and tunes. I'm giving serious thought to dropping the $250 for the 120gb classic. I am at a loss here. Barry should chuck this into the next stimulus.

Dow Closes at 6763.29

Posted by Chris Campbell at Monday, March 02, 2009 0

And Here It Comes...The Barack I Voted For

Posted by Chris Campbell at Saturday, February 28, 2009 0

I've been pretty happy with Barack's first month in office. I expected a few minor stumbles and even perhaps inconsistencies early on, yet he's done pretty well. Then came his forceful, realistic and graceful speech before Congress last week. This was a fantastic address, one that outlined in clear words many of the reasons why I was so enthusiastic about Obama during the campaign. He talked directly about health care, education and the wars. He said that, yes, he would be raising taxes on those making over $250,000, something that irrespective of my salary (clearly not a factor right now), is something that I've supported.

And then came his words this weekend regarding the lobbyists who will work to derail his massive and nation-changing plans with respect to health care, energy and a slew of others issues.

"I know these steps won't sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they're gearing up for a fight," Obama said, using tough-guy language reminiscent of his predecessor, George W. Bush. "My message to them is this: So am I."

I got chills when I read these words, because not only do I think he truly plans on taking on and winning this fight, but I think that in the end, on many fronts, he will barrel through victorious. And this is something that "liberals" (whatever we/they are) have been dreaming of for oh so long.

Dinner at My Home (Video)

Posted by Chris Campbell at Monday, February 23, 2009 0

Saying Goodbye Almost a Year Later

Posted by Chris Campbell at Monday, February 23, 2009 0

Today marks exactly four months since I've been day job-less. Although it was imeem that employed me for the last seven months of my daytime work life, it was SNOCAP, the company purchased by imeem in early 2008, that brought on those five stages. Once I was let go, my almost three-year connection to a job and company that I truly loved came to an end. In retrospect, perhaps I should've cut ties when SNOCAP was acquired, especially given that imeem really didn't have a good fit for me, but a feeling of responsibility to SNOCAP's partners and the building recession made it hard to walk away. And just like SNOCAP, I did go in with high hopes to contribute and grow.

Since late October, I've gone through the stages of trying to let SNOCAP go. This was the job of a lifetime, one where I worked alongside some people who inspired me, taught me, and remain some of my closest friends to this day. Oh, we certainly weren't perfect, but while it lasted, this was a truly fantastic place to work. Some of my colleagues were really in it for the music. Others weren't as fanatical about tunes, but provided personalities, intelligence and individuality that made this place so interesting and inspiring. And the people I met and places I went due to my role within SNOCAP will never be forgotten. There was the fantastic dinner in France with the CD Baby and Koch folks. A bunch of us hung out and chatted with The Buzzcocks in Austin. A seemingly mundane breakfast with a partner in LA was far from mundane. There were the many happy hours with co-workers, many of whom have left the area. There was Avenue B with Eric and Gerald. There were the joys of nailing down deals. The memories are truly, truly endless. We were always surrounded by music, a passion for what we were doing, and despite mixed results on the business front, a deep desire to help the musicians and labels we were working with.

It was certainly high-stress at times. Many nights I couldn't find much sleep due to the pressures and mounds of work that the next day would bring, but such a workload and responsibilities were always met with excitement and a feeling that I was being tested. And for perhaps the first time in my career, I truly felt the challenges and ups and downs of a business in its embryonic stages. And this was thrilling.

I'm still trying to figure out what's next, but one thing's for certain, landing in work that is as rewarding and challenging as my days at SNOCAP will not be easy. The wins, the losses, the frustrations, the celebrations, the agreements and debates all fell together to leave a lasting impression.

Contributing to the Huffington Post

Posted by Chris Campbell at Thursday, February 12, 2009 0

Most who read my blog likely already know that I've started contributing to the Huffington Post. Thus far I've had three pieces published, the most recent being this morning's take on the Alex Rodriguez fiasco.

Since I've now been out of work just shy of four months, I will soon have to make some pivotal decisions. But for now, I will continue to write on this blog, via the Huffington Post and on other projects. If you'd like to follow me on the HP, here's my homepage. And please feel free to comment on my posts.

WIith the End in Sight...Mike's Spirit Remains

Posted by Chris Campbell at Thursday, February 05, 2009 4

With a little over a week left, and an uncertain future to arrive the day it ends, my good buddy Mike remains spirited. This morning, as we bantered about various crap, I asked Mike to kill the radio and put on one of my CDs. He went for his favorite, the first one I made. He loves the song "Freeway" by Aimee Mann and always sings along to "Where Were You Last Night" by The Traveling Wilburys. The latter even got a little juke out of him. One of the customers was tapping his foot to "Fireman's Wedding" by Joe Henry.

Obviously taken with the music and excitement Mike asked if we could just start the going away party right then. I told him that I'd love to, but I need to head to Golden Gate Park this afternoon to search for my future home. Seems as if he's moving there as well. We're looking into electricity options. If you're around on Sat, Feb 14 at 5pm and would like to come bid Mike good wishes, stop by.

Bush v Obama at the Animal Shelter

Posted by Chris Campbell at Monday, January 26, 2009 0

I spent most of my Saturday afternoon training at San Francisco Animal Care & Control. Lending some time to work with animals has been something I've always wanted to do, and now is clearly the perfect time to do so. As anyone who knows me is aware, if there's a dog within 200 feet of me, everything else goes blank: I must go hang with said dog. I've had a few run-ins over the years. I walked out of a restaurant in Brooklyn once, went right up to a resting Pit Bull and nearly lost a hand. I've had a few owners give me fierce looks after finding me hanging with their tree-tied pup.

I grew up with four consecutive German Shepherds: Greta, Guard, Axel and Apollo. At times, these dogs were my closest friends. I'm sure that many kids of broken families can understand the importance of an animal. When things are confusing and, at times, lonely, there was always one of the dogs. This comfort of sorts has ingrained in me a love not just for dogs, but for all animals.


Apollo at Christmas, 2004

I will defend a dog to no end. My love for them has had consequences that some may find extreme. I have a family member who's incredibly irresponsible with pets. She has had countless dogs, and every single time, after a few months, she grows bored and away goes the dog. There will be one excuse after another, but in the end, she just doesn't care enough. People like this should not have animals, under any circumstances. We had a verbal run-in about 18 months ago when she adopted her 23rd dog. I was slightly irate as I knew the dog would end up a goner in just a few short months. She attacked me for judging. The dog is now gone. Our phones remain silent.

To the subject matter. While touring the shelter yesterday, I inquired about the effect of the economy on the number of pets arriving. Our extremely kind teacher told me that the drop-offs have increased substantially over the past year or so. They attribute it to the economy and people's inability to pay doctor's bills. Since many of those surrendered are older animals, it's clear that the majority are let go due to bills that can't be paid.

Our instructor then turned to the positive. She said that since Obama's inauguration, the number of people signing up to volunteer has reached an almost uncontrollable level. The majority of new folks she speaks with say that they're inspired by Obama's call to service. She said that without this inspiration and the resulting volunteer influx, there wouldn't be the people or time to care for all of the animals.

It hasn't even been a week and we're already worlds away from where we were. I don't expect miracles from our new president, but from the top down he's charting the right course. Even dogs, birds, cats, and hamsters are benefiting.

Battle Lost : Fillmore Grind to Close

Posted by Chris Campbell at Monday, January 26, 2009 1 comments

Saturday morning, I made my daily stop into Fillmore Grind for a bagel and a coffee. During these uncertain times, the $4 I spend at Mike's coffee shop is one thing I just can't surrender. It's not just the jolt of caffeine or the toasty bagel that forces me out of the apartment every morning. It's actually not that at all.

On Sunday, as happens about once a month, Mike took the day off. I walked down Fillmore a few blocks, found a local shop and sat down with the Sunday Times. And although the coffee was better and the bagel tastier, it just wasn't Mike's. After one article in the paper, I gulped down my food and drink and headed home.

Back to Saturday. When I walked into Mike's, ready for our morning discussions about the Middle East, Obama, his business and other topics that bring on debates and laughs, I saw Mike's landlord sitting at a table with two other gentleman going over mounds of paper. I didn't need to ask. That quick sight revealed the end.

Mike has been at this location for 12 years. Prior to this, he spent 15 or so years running a coffee shop in Brooklyn. I don't know, maybe the Brooklyn to SF move created the initial bond. Mike could actually pinpoint the block where I lived in Brooklyn. In the two years that I've lived on Fillmore, Mike has become one of my closest friends. When he doesn't show up on a certain day, I worry. When he's in one of his hilarious and uplifting moods, it makes my day. When I sense that business is struggling, I try and figure out ways to bring in more money.

Many local folks have chipped in to try and revitalize the place. We've painted, provided music, cleaned, re-arranged, built a website and so on. His friend and former neighbor Amy has led the charge. Her and I exchanged e-mails this weekend. They were short, somewhat resigned and seemingly deep in sorrow. There's no more fight.

Prior to the economic collapse, the Bush years taught people to consume, consume, consume. Unlike Obama, Bush never mentioned the need to work within our communities. Starbucks, Wal-Mart and Exxon were our friends. Some of us never bought in. But not enough people looked for alternatives. With Obama's national call to service and community development, suddenly everyone appears to want in. As much as this is good for our nation, I really wonder where these people were the past eight years.

The closing of the Fillmore Grind has brought on those five steps. I've felt anger, heartbreak and now perhaps, acceptance. Ok, I haven't made it to that final step yet. I just returned from my morning visit. As happens almost every day, Mike asked me to watch over the store while he went to the bathroom. As I watched over, not one person walked through the doors. In about two weeks, those doors will be closed. And in a short while, just like Mike, I will bid farewell to the neighborhood.

I Suppose I Can Cancel Cable...

Posted by Chris Campbell at Thursday, January 22, 2009 0

after dropping $51.50 for two Josh Ritter tickets. This is a purchase that absolutely had to be made, especially since he's going to be backed by a string section. If you've heard his versions of "Girl in the War" and "Empty Hearts" from his performance with the Boston Pops, you'll know what I mean. Add to that the fact that Ritter is the one artist who N and I 100% agree on. The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter was basically the soundtrack for our first year together. We listened while sitting at a duck pond in Oregon, while on the way to Mendocino, and on just about every trip together.

All this will take is a little shuffling around of needs. I mean, now that Obama's won the election, I really don't need cable. I listen to NPR on the radio every morning, and have my internet to scour the rest of the day's news. I watch TV for "The Office" (available for streaming the day after airing), "Flight of the Conchords" (can wait on Netflix), and CSPAN (online). There's really no need to for me to maintain this bill. On the Monday after the Super Bowl, it's a goner.

Welcome back, Josh.

We passed the time with crosswords that she thought to bring inside.

Apollo Sunshine LiveDaily Sessions (Videos)

Posted by Chris Campbell at Thursday, January 15, 2009 0

Pretty

I'll Take Credit, Please

Posted by Chris Campbell at Wednesday, January 14, 2009 1 comments

For the first time ever, today I sold back some CDs. I only brought in a little over 20 and most were throwbacks from the 80s and 90s. I'm talking some real garbage: Skynyrd, Henley, Crash Test Dummies and so forth. The very kind fella at Amoeba ended up taking about half and offered up either $40 in store credit or $20 in cash. For some reason, (the economy? my look of homelessness?), before even asking which I'd take, he went to the register. "I'll take credit, please", I said. Surprised, he turned over to the receipt machine and printed out a piece of paper that opened up my mini shopping spree.

I used to walk into Amoeba (while employed) and limit myself to $50-$75 in goods. I usually made such trips about three times every two months. Today is the first time since the day of the ax that I felt like I could have some fun. I walked up and down the two prominent vinyl aisles about five times, through country once, through the CDs once and made a quick run through the DVD room. After about 50 minutes, I had to bolt outside and refill the parking meter. And then I went back to vinyl and went below. You know, the area where all the cheapo records reside. I'm talking stuff that makes the CDs I turned in look like Abbey Road. But if you spend the time, I surmise that just about anyone can find something worth picking up. Amoeba's red label stickers are $1.99 each and they toss in a freebie if you pick up three. After about 30 minutes shuffling my ass around the dusty floor, I held records by Syd Straw, Scruffy the Cat and Steve Forbert. I really can't count how many times I've held a Forbert record in-hand knowing full well that I'll chuck it back in the bins when it's time to go. I've purchased three copies of the classic Alive on Arrival but the others just never make it to the register. I think that one with Pizza in the title actually made it to the front once, but at the last moment, I put it aside.

I ended up putting exactly two hours worth of quarters into the meter. And when I finally returned to my car, the "Expired" warning was flashing. A glance at the windshield slowed down my pulse - no ticket.

After a few stop-offs, I'm now back home with my new bag of goods. Unlike most days, instead of going for the predictable, I went with a few risks today. Alright, that is not really true. The one real blind purchase would've been some Merle Haggard and the Strangers LP that I ended up sliding back on the racks on the way up front.

Here's what ended up remaining in the cart, all the way to the car:

LPs
The Replacements Tim - were these just re-issued on vinyl???
Sufjan Stevens Come on Feel the Illinoise - this is a record made for vinyl.
Scruffy the Cat Tiny Days - at $2, if it sucks I'll just bring it back and get some Forbert.
Peter Case Peter Case - $3. can't lose.
Son House The Legendary Son House: Father of Folk Blues - only $12.99?!??!

CD
Richard Buckner Richard Buckner - this is the oop Overcoat release. mighty nice find.

Until next time....

A Place To Live

Posted by Chris Campbell at Monday, January 12, 2009 1 comments

One of the most pressing decisions I have to make in the coming weeks is whether to move. I keep that sentence a bit open on purpose. Now edging towards my third month without a day job, one thing is certain: I can't remain in my current apartment. The rent is simply too high on a government stipend of $405/week. I have made tentative plans to be out of this apartment by March 15th at the absolute latest.

The bigger question is: Where do I move to? Do I remain in the Bay Area, an area that is awash in unemployed (or soon to be unemployed) folks with strong business development backgrounds. I know many, many highly qualified people who are out of work right now, looking feverishly and coming up empty. I can only imagine that the competition for these jobs is greater than at any time in Silicon Valley. Last year (prior to the massive economic drop that we're now swirling in), I interviewed for a role that I wanted. There were four openings in the group and I was looking to grab one. It would've been the first time that I stepped into a role as vice president, and I was very impressed with the folks I met with. It turns out that over 400 people sent in resumes for the openings. I made it down to the final four and figured I was in. I received a call a few days later and was informed that they'd decided to go with two positions as opposed to four and the role I was set to take had been eliminated. Now remember, this was well before the market tumbled, unemployment rose at a rapid rate and the "recession" was official. That should shine some light on where things are right now.

So where do I go? When I consider that my next career ambitions are still a bit hazy, the cost-of-living in the Bay Area is nearly the highest in the country and there are business development folks here scratching for work, at least as far as paying my bills goes, there appears to be little justification in staying here. However, as should be evidenced on this blog, my affection for this city has grown. But if it's draining my already somewhat meager account, a move seems almost necessary.

But where? Do I simply move to a town outside of San Francisco? Do I move to another major city, such as Seattle, Los Angeles or Portland (is Portland a "major" city?)? Do I move to the country and do the things I'm doing right now and see how this whole economy thing plays out?

These decisions will likely play out in the coming weeks. And as of this writing, I honestly have no idea where the chips will fall.