Still sinking

The nation’s unemployment rate was released this morning. It’s now at 9.4 percent, higher than economists (who never seem to get it right) had expected. Add in all the people who’ve given up looking for work (question: who has this luxury? If you give up looking for work, what your plan?), and the rate is 16.4 percent.

The worse the economy gets, the better for Wal-Mart.

Meanwhile, Wal-Mart announced this morning it’s going to add 22,000 jobs. The giant retailer is holding its annual shareholders meeting today. It’s available via Webcast and should be particularly enjoyable for anyone who regularly follows Up With People.