Bloomberg: Fewer Americans filed first-time claims for unemployment insurance payments for a third week in the last four, indicating progress in the labor market.
Applications for jobless benefits decreased 16,000 in the period ended March 12 to 385,000 …. the four-week average of claims dropped to the lowest level since July 2008
Fewer firings along with increased hiring and a lower unemployment rate may help lift household spending, which accounts for 70 percent of the economy. Federal Reserve policy makers this week said the expansion is getting stronger and the labor market is “improving gradually.”
“As demand has picked up, and the labor component of the economy has been relatively tight, businesses are now seeking to add more to their employment ranks,” said Russell Price, a senior economist at Ameriprise Financial Inc
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The Obama Diary 
Hi Chip. Hi TOD family. Just stopping in to ask you all to say a prayer for me today. It’s been a struggle the past couple weeks, but today is bad. So, as you say your prayers for the people of Japan, please remember me…and our dear President. I just got a glimpse of him at his meeting with Ireland’s new PM and he looks exhausted.
I hope you’re all doing well and enjoying our first days of spring-like weather.
Be good.
Thinking of you Hachikō, I truly hope things pick up for you soon, take care.
Hi Hachikō, check your email, I just passed you on a message.
saying a prayer for you Hachi.
hiya Chip 😉
THANK GOD for those who have gotten a job 😀
Philly Manufacturing index which is closely watched by the Markets blew away all expectations today. Don’t expect to hear much about it in the MSM or PL though. They will be too busy bashing Obama over something.
Philly Fed Index Has Best Reading Since 1984.
http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2011/03/17/philly-fed-index-has-best-reading-since-1984/?mod=google_news_blog
Hachikō, I am so sorry that you are having a bad day. I understand that you don’t really know me but I will keep you in my prayers daily and light a candle for you. I’m not sure how it works but if you are having a troubled day and need a good listener PM me.