The Great Recession at 30 Months

The Great Recession at 30 Months:
Half of Work Force Has Taken a Job-Related Hit, but Some Green Shoots of Optimism

More than half (55%) of adults in the labor force say that since the economic slump began 30 months ago, they have suffered a spell of unemployment, a cut in pay, a reduction in hours or have become involuntary part-time workers; the recession has also led to a new frugality and diminished expectations about retirement and their children's future.

Read the full article at: http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1643/recession-reactions-at-30-months-extensive-job-loss-new-frugality-lower-expectations

Peanut League Bulls Baseball!

WCIA's Rob Collins, who was our Assistant Coach this season, gives a shout-out to all the Bulls players on "The Morning Show" this morning...

http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext/?watch=1&nxd_id=157655

Attack of the Show - BP Gulf Oil Spill Devastation, part 1 of 2

Here is a link to part 1 of Attack Of The Show host's Kevin Pereira's two-part documentary on the BP oil spill and its effects on the Gulf coast... This is just so sad.

That's quite a way to light the spire, Mr. Trump

Another cool photo from last night's storm in Chicago... Who in their right mind would want to be out on Lake Michigan during a thunderstorm, anyway?!?! Looks like the photographer might have been at Navy Pier, but still...

That's%20quite%20a%20way%20to%20light%20the%20spire%2C%20Mr.%20Trump

When lightning strikes (twice), a photographer is ready

Awesome photo!!!

When%20lightning%20strikes%20(twice)%2C%20a%20photographer%20is%20ready

"Say You Will" by Foreigner

One of my favorite videos from the late '80s...

Reports: Tom Izzo to stay at MSU, will meet with players tonight | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Good decision, Coach Izzo!

Last Updated: June 15, 2010 7:02PM
The Detroit News

Tom Izzo will remain Michigan State's basketball coach, rejecting overtures from the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, WDIV Channel 4 and Tim Staudt of WILX in Lansing reported Tuesday night. WDIV also reported Izzo has called a meeting with his players at 6:45 tonight.

WDIV said an announcement would take place Tuesday evening or Wednesday on MSU's campus.

Izzo, 55, has coached the Spartans for 15 seasons. His record with the Spartans is 364-146, and MSU won the national championship in 2000.

Reports: Tom Izzo to stay at MSU, will meet with players tonight | detnews.com | The Detroit News

My proposed NEW Big Ten

Now, as for how to align the anticipated two new divisions of the Big Ten(???), here is what I would like to see:

Big Ten East
Indiana
Michigan
Michigan State
Ohio State
Penn State
Purdue

Big Ten West
Illinois
Iowa
Minnesota
Nebraska
Northwestern
Wisconsin

Oh, as for the name "Big Ten", I think we have to keep it, at least until we add a few more schools to the conference. But I would think that we will see a new logo for the conference - one that incorporates the number "12" in it somehow.

Nebraska approved by Big Ten

Welcome, Big Red!!!

Updated: June 11, 2010, 8:41 PM ET
Associated Press

LINCOLN, Neb. -- So long, Big 12. Nebraska's membership in the Big Ten Conference is official.

The Big Ten's board of presidents and chancellors unanimously welcomed Nebraska to the club on Friday, just a few hours after the school formally disclosed its interest. The move takes effect July 1, 2011.

Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman said the Big Ten offers stability "that the Big 12 simply cannot offer."

Nebraska is the Big Ten's first addition since 1990, when Penn State joined, and it comes just six months after the league announced that it was looking at expansion.

Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said he presumed there would be a Big Ten championship football game beginning in 2011. He also said the conference would "pause" from further expansion over the next 12 to 18 months. He declined to comment on whether Notre Dame or any other school was on the league's radar.

Nebraska's departure is a potentially crippling blow to the Big 12 and the biggest move yet in an offseason overhaul that will leave college sports looking much different by this time next year.

"We've had a couple disappointing days with the departure of two valued members," Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe said during a teleconference. Beebe vowed to work to keep the 10 remaining members together but acknowledged that other Big 12 schools are mulling their options.

Perlman said he believed Nebraska is much more "aligned" with the Big Ten than the Big 12 when it comes to academics, culture and athletics.

The university issued a statement that said for more than 20 years, Nebraska has compared itself to a list of 10 peer institutions established by the regents. Five of the 10 are Big Ten members; four are former Big Eight schools that joined Nebraska in the Big 12 in 1996.

"The University of Nebraska would have new opportunities with membership in the Big Ten -- and I believe the Big Ten would be a stronger conference as well," university president J.B. Milliken said.

Nebraska approved by Big Ten

Reports: Nebraska joining Big Ten

It's a formality, but Nebraska is moving forward with its application to the Big Ten Conference for membership. Welcome, Husker Nation!!!

Updated: June 11, 2010, 3:18 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

As expected, Nebraska officially accepted an invitation to join the Big Ten Conference, multiple media outlets are reporting.

Nebraska departs the Big 12 to become the 12th member of the Big Ten. Earlier this week, a source told ESPN.com that no other schools are imminent to accompany the Cornhuskers into the Big Ten.

The future of the Big 12 is in jeopardy after Colorado agreed Thursday to jump to the Pac-10. The Pac-10 is also reportedly interested in inviting Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech to form a 16-team league.

University of Texas regents will meet next week to decide whether the Longhorns will remain in the Big 12 or switch to another conference.

Reports: Nebraska joining Big Ten

Boise State moves to Mountain West

This was expected by most college football fans...

Updated: June 11, 2010, 1:27 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

Boise State has given the Mountain West Conference a 10th program.

Boise State is leaving the Western Athletic Conference, a league the Broncos have dominated for a decade in football, the MWC confirmed with a statement Friday.

"We are pleased and excited to welcome Boise State University to the Mountain West Conference," commissioner Craig Thompson said in the news release. "Since our inception just 11 short years ago, the Mountain West has experienced tremendous success, and the addition of Boise State will further enhance that strength. The MWC continues to strategize regarding potential membership scenarios and bringing Boise State into the Conference is an important part of that evolution."

Boise State becomes the second institution to join the Mountain West in the past six years, after TCU was added in 2005. The conference was founded in 1998 with eight members.

The Mountain West also includes Brigham Young, Utah, Air Force, Wyoming, UNLV, San Diego State, New Mexico and Colorado State.

Boise State moves to Mountain West

Source: Izzo closer to taking Cavs' job

Say it ain't so, Coach! Personally, I would hate to see Coach Izzo leave Michigan State and the Big Ten; he is an honest, classy man and an outstanding coach who is greatly respected, not only here in Champaign, Illinois and throughout the Big Ten Conference, but all over the country. But this might be his best opportunity to try his skills in the NBA: Reports indicate that $6 million a year (for five years) is on the table (double Izzo's current salary at MSU), and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is a Michigan State alum.

As for a potential replacement for Izzo, I would guess that MSU would strongly pursue Brian Gregory, the former assistant to Izzo at Michigan State and, currently, the successful head coach at the University of Dayton. I think Gregory would be a great fit at Michigan State. But Izzo isn't gone yet...

This just in: It was just reported on ESPN News that Michigan State students have organized a rally - in support of Coach Izzo - that will be held tonight at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Updated: June 10, 2010, 4:08 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

Tom Izzo is apparently closer to saying yes to the Cleveland Cavaliers than previously thought, a source told ESPN.com's Andy Katz on Thursday.

That source discussed Izzo's future with a close confidant of Izzo's who is coaching in the NBA. The source told Katz that Izzo, who talked to his team earlier this week about his interest in the Cavaliers, is leaning toward taking the job if it is offered.

"Three weeks ago that wasn't the case, but it has changed,'' the source said.

A person familiar with his travel plans told The Associated Press that the Michigan State coach arrived in Cleveland on Thursday afternoon. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Cavs are not commenting on their coaching search.

Izzo landed at County Airport in Richmond Heights, Ohio. His plane, which left East Lansing, Mich., was diverted there because of the number of TV cameras at Burke Lakefront Airport, the person said. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert did arrive at Burke, which is a short drive from Quicken Loans Arena, the Cavs' downtown home.

"Coach Izzo made me aware he is meeting with Cleveland," Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said in a statement. "The details of any meetings are between him and me."

Izzo isn't the only coach interested in the Cavaliers' job, which may or may not include the chance to coach free agent LeBron James. Wednesday night, an NBA Eastern Conference executive with knowledge of the Cavaliers' thinking told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard that Byron Scott is a strong candidate to be offered the job.

The executive told Broussard that Scott is on equal footing with Izzo.

Source: Izzo closer to taking Cavs' job

NCAA delivers postseason football ban

"Fight on!" just took on a new meaning at the University of Southern California... How long will it take before the race card is played in this historic case? And who is laughing harder at USC: longtime crosstown rival UCLA or Lane Kiffin's previous employer, Tennessee?

Updated: June 10, 2010, 4:05 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

The University of Southern California has received a two-year bowl ban and a sharp loss of football scholarships in a report on the NCAA's four-year investigation of the school.

The NCAA cited USC for a lack of institutional control Thursday in its long-awaited report, which detailed numerous violations primarily involving Heisman Trophy-winning tailback Reggie Bush and men's basketball player O.J. Mayo.

The violations, which span almost four years, primarily involved "agent and amateurism issues for a former football student-athlete and a former men's basketball student-athlete," the NCAA wrote in its report.

The NCAA found that Bush was ineligible beginning at least by December 2004, a ruling that could open discussion on the revocation of his Heisman Trophy. Members of the Heisman Trophy Trust have said they might review Bush's award if he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA.

"The Heisman Trophy Trust will have a comment at the appropriate time," the group said in a statement. "Until that time, it will have no comment."

The NCAA also ordered USC to vacate every victory in which Bush participated while ineligible. USC beat Oklahoma in the BCS championship game on Jan. 4, 2005, and won 12 games during Bush's Heisman-winning 2005 season, which ended with a loss to Texas in the Rose Bowl.

"I have a great love for the University of Southern California and I very much regret the turn that this matter has taken, not only for USC, but for the fans and players," Bush said in a statement.

"I am disappointed by [Thursday's] decision and disagree with the NCAA's findings. If the University decides to appeal, I will continue to cooperate with the NCAA and USC, as I did during the investigation. In the meantime, I will continue to focus on making a positive impact for the University and for the community where I live," Bush said.

NCAA delivers postseason football ban

Colorado leaves Big 12 for Pac-10

The dominoes are falling. The Big XII Conference appears to be on life support.

Updated: June 10, 2010, 3:16 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

The Pac-10 announced Thursday that the University of Colorado has agreed to leave the Big 12 to join its conference.

"This is an historic moment for the conference, as the Pac-10 is poised for tremendous growth," commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement.

"The University of Colorado is a great fit for the conference both academically and athletically and we are incredibly excited to welcome Colorado to the Pac-10."

Colorado's president said his school was a "perfect match" for the Pac-10.

"The University of Colorado is a perfect match -- academically and athletically -- with the Pac-10," Bruce D. Benson said in a statement.

Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe said he was aware that Colorado had accepted the Pac-10's invitation and is working toward solutions to keep the Big 12 together in some form.

"I continue to work through the process that was agreed upon last week by our Board of Directors to address membership issues, and are working tirelessly towards the long-term viability of the Big 12," Beebe said.

A source with direct knowledge of the Pac-10's discussions about adding more Big 12 teams told ESPN's Joe Schad on Thursday that from the Pac-10's perspective, it's "simply a matter of who signs next."

Colorado's move might spell the end of the Big 12 Conference. Nebraska is also poised to announce its move from the conference to the Big Ten.

Colorado leaves Big 12 for Pac-10

Sources: Nebraska move likely

Updated: June 10, 2010, 1:14 AM ET
ESPN.com news services

All signs are pointing to a Nebraska move to the Big Ten.

A source close to the Nebraska program told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that athletic director Tom Osborne informed some staff members within the past 24 hours the Cornhuskers were going to make the move to the Big Ten conference.

A source with knowledge of the Big Ten's plans confirmed to ESPN.com that Nebraska will join the Big Ten by the end of the week or early next week. The source said the formal process of accepting a candidate either has started or would be under way shortly, as Nebraska must formally apply for admission to the Big Ten.

"It's going to happen, unless something crazy happens in the final hours," the source said. "I think by this weekend, it's going to be wrapped up."

Big Ten bylaws state any applicant to the league must receive at least eight votes from the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors to gain admission.

Besides Nebraska, no other candidates are imminent for the Big Ten, which could stay put with 12 members, the source said.

A source close to the Nebraska Board of Regents told Orangebloods.com the regents met informally Wednesday and have agreed to move to the Big Ten and that a formal announcement Nebraska is leaving will come Friday -- the deadline set by the Big 12 for Nebraska and Missouri to state whether they intend to leave the conference.

A Big 12 football coach, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach on Wednesday night that if Nebraska left the Big 12 the conference would dissolve, according to his athletics director and university president. The coach said Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Colorado would join the Pac-10, leaving Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri and Iowa State behind.

"Nebraska is the key," the coach said.

Sources: Nebraska move likely

Moody's cuts Illinois' bond rating

CHICAGO (AP) — Moody's Investors Service has cut Illinois' bond rating, citing the state's shrinking revenues and growing debt.

The lower credit rating usually means it'll cost the state more when it tries to borrow money.

Sen. Bill Brady, the Republican candidate for governor, cited the bond rating as evidence that Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn is driving the Illinois economy "into the ground."

Quinn defended himself Tuesday, noting that the rating agency said the state government's financial problems had stabilized a bit. He accused Brady, who opposes raising taxes and has not specified where he would cut spending, of not having a plan to address the state's massive budget deficit.

saukvalley.com | Moody's cuts Illinois' bond rating

U.S debt to rise to $19.6 trillion by 2015

June 8 (Reuters) - The U.S. debt will top $13.6 trillion this year and climb to an estimated $19.6 trillion by 2015, according to a Treasury Department report to Congress.

The report that was sent to lawmakers Friday night with no fanfare said the ratio of debt to the gross domestic product would rise to 102 percent by 2015 from 93 percent this year.

"The president's economic experts say a 1 percent increase in GDP can create almost 1 million jobs, and that 1 percent is what experts think we are losing because of the debt's massive drag on our economy," said Republican Representative Dave Camp, who publicized the report.

U.S debt to rise to $19.6 trillion by 2015

UI's Scott Langley wins NCAA national title

Despite being ranked 26th in the country when entering the NCAA men's golf championships, junior Scott Langely won the championships Thursday.

He joins Anglea Bizzarri of cross country and track as a national champion this year.

“This is pretty special,” said Langley, in a press release. “I’ve worked really hard for it. It’s been a year of ups and downs for me, but I’ve stayed strong throughout the year.

UI's Scott Langley wins NCAA national title