Thanks for the update. I'm glad he has family in Oregon to help him, and you told him that the local employment office can help him with computer applications. Always wonder how people's lives are going. Family help is what makes or breaks the situation. God bless you for helping your brother, and his wife.

Celanith Hello everyone, stop and set awhile. My brother and his wife and a friend spent two months living with us and got things going enough that they are back in The Dalles, Oregon again. Where he knows people and has lots of contacts. I told him the employment office will help him with applications for jobs requiring computer applications. He has also contacted Swift Trucking as he used to drive for them about 10 years ago before he got his bus driving job. His step daughter is grown up now so he has no need to be home as much. His wife stays with her mom if he goes on the road. He is planning or may already be taking a re-fresher course to drive for them or someone. Meanwhile he picked pears for a month which helped some. He is not one to be out of work long but finds it harder to get work at his age. Right now he is getting Oregon extended 13 weeks which runs out Mid January. He is hoping to be working before then but I will let him know to check into the federal extension as well in case he needs it while he finishes training or something.

Celenith. The state is so far behind processing unemployment that I hear they are 10 weeks behind. It seems every Tom, Dick, and Harry thinks Phoenix, AZ is a Mecca for jobs, and move here, and then files. You can file here and AZ will collect the money from other states.I won't see a check for 10 weeks. Compounding this problem, Arizona is now the foreclosure capital of the US, and construction had fueled the economy. Anyway he can't move here. There are no jobs. Once people get here they have no social network, and they fail. Have him stay where he is. You can help him. I am also middle aged, and know enough that I have to increase my computer skills to survive in this economy, and it is not discriminatory. If nothing else, you need to offer to give him lessons, and he can help you apply on-line for him. Ask at his local library where he can find free computer classes in his community. Also, have him ask what job hunting classes are available. Here in Maricopa County, we have a center which offers free computer classes, resume writing, etc. Even the library offers free computer classes. He needs to take advantage of this time off to increase his skills. And good luck to him.

I don't disagree with the idea of unemployment insurance, but I do have an issue with those who caused the need for it with bad policy decisions at the corporate executive and government levels not being held accountable for their self-serving actions, while people who are just scraping by ourselves (that's you and me and every other taxpayer) being expected to foot the bill. The bureaucracy in Washington is being awfully free with our children and grandchildren's futures. JOIN XOMBA IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD!