Smile Politely. Speak Directly. Champaign-Urbana's Alternative Daily

Like most Americans, I’ve been worried about the state of things these days. While I’m not in danger of losing my house or my job as so many thousands are, I’ve felt the pinch. My disposable income has suddenly become less so, as there are far fewer dollars left for going out to dinner, stopping by for an afternoon coffee or picking up a trashy novel on impulse. No, there are people in far worse shape than I, but there’s a general pall hanging over all of us and the notion that me and mine might soon end up on the slippery slope of financial ruin is growing. The fact that my wife and I haven’t been out on a date for over three months has less to do with our constant sense of fatigue than the fact that money for a babysitter, dinner and popcorn has gone in the gas tank or on the supper table.