Part of Obama’s costly Stimulus Plan involves alternative energy generating which should create jobs as well. At a time when many of us are in desperate need of a payday loan, a plan comes to light that just might work. Within a handful of days before getting sworn in, President-elect Barack Obama visited Ohio, making an appearance at the Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Co., a manufacturer of parts for wind turbines which generate electricity. In proposing his humongous economic stimulus plan, he has said, “It’s not too late to change course – but only if we take dramatic action as soon as possible . . . The first job of my administration is to put people back to work and get our economy moving again.”

The plan in hand is quite enormous indeed. . .

We’re talking about an $825+ billion stimulus package, representing around $275 billion in tax cuts over the next two years as well as $550 billion in federal spending to make this plan work to kick-start our critical economy. In pitching this whole idea, our 44th president explained that it is required to create long-lasting, well-paying employment positions in many fields such as alternative energy, and help out industrial states that have been hit hard by the failing economy, like Ohio, immediately and for a long time to come.

To some, his idea seems to make sense. . .

In speaking on the subject of creating jobs for the American people, he said, “We’re not looking to create just any kind of jobs here. . .  We’re looking to create good jobs that pay well and won’t be shipped overseas. Jobs that don’t just put people to work in the short term, but position our economy to be on the cutting edge in the long term.” Well said. And really, that’s all we want, right? Imagine a time where we can be comfortable enough to not have the need to take out a life-saving payday loan. That’s what we definitely could use right about now, wouldn’t you agree?

Is this all just a wind-blown idea?

Other energy related proposals will include $20+ billion in tax cuts for promoting the development of alternatives for fossil fuels, and quite a few billion more for making buildings and homes, such as federal buildings, modest-income homes and public housing, more energy efficient. Of course, such an enormous plan won’t only focus on this one angle to stimulate the economy. Besides energy, this plan is also to focus quite heavily on health care, education and highway construction which will create many jobs as well.

His call to action has a tone of urgency in his voice

True enough, Obama has a phenomenally huge mess to clean up when it comes to our economy. He hit the nail right on the head when he said, “The need for us to act is now. It’s never been more urgent”. I cannot think of any other time in history when a U.S. President ever walked into the job with an inordinately overwhelming amount of things that needs to be done. From his very first day in the office, he’ll be handed the reins to a country in one of the worst crisis situations in a good long while. In light of the reality of our country’s situation, Barack Obama also said, “Recovery won’t happen overnight, and it’s likely that, even with these measures, things will get worse before they get better.” As for myself, I’d better apply for a payday loan.

Since its inception, the Consumer Electronics Show has gotten bigger and more extravagant by the year. But amid the current recession, this yearly technology extravaganza is following the pattern seen in households and businesses across the nation: It’s scaling back.

How far back?

CNNMoney reports at http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/05/technology/electronics_vegas.reut/index.htm?postversion=2009010512 that the convention expects fewer manufacturers, retailers and attendees than past years. Many businesses that would have previously attended can’t afford it this year. Same goes for consumers.

The items featured will also be scaled back, size-wise. In past years companies focused on displaying the biggest “insert item here” EVER. This year, the focus will be on greener technology and devices that help consumers save on bills.

By the numbers

Attendance is expected to fall by about 11,000, and about 300 fewer exhibitors will be there compared to last year. The convention will cover 1.7 million square feet. This may sound like a huge area, but it’s significantly smaller than last year’s space.

Companies will be focused on hard numbers, too. The Consumer Electronics Association reports that more businesses are asking for meeting space, a sign that companies are looking to do business rather than just arouse interest. In the past, CES was designed to get widen eyes and get technology buffs salivating. This year, companies are looking to make the sale. If you’re one of those who took out payday loans to get a ticket to the convention, be wary of salesmen who are being pressed to make sales.

Making connections

Looking over the list of products consumers can expect to see at CES, it is easy to draw parallels to the economy. TVs will be there, all right, but instead of trying to be the biggest, companies are advertising their most energy-efficient models.

The hot-ticket item this year seems to be a little phenomenon called netbooks. Small, inexpensive laptops are seeing rising sales as the sales of regular PCs and laptops drop. Netbooks go for about $300 or $400, and their screens are usually about 10 inches. They also use minimal power, thus making them more energy efficient. They generally don’t have disc drives because their primary purpose is to connect to the Internet. Nowadays that seems to be just about all people need.

Broken record

Recession, recession, recession. You may feel like this is all you ever hear about anymore. But the shrinking economy has caused even this extremely popular show in Las Vegas, the city of excess, to shrink, too.

So maybe it’s time to start paying attention. Until recently, I didn’t think the recession really affected me personally, and I thought I would never need payday loans. But after watching my bank account shrink and my bills grow, I know it’s time for me to get some financial education.