The facts of life...

Recently I had a conversation about all the old TV shows I used to watch when I was younger. While looking over stories for today, "The Facts of Life" popped into my head, particularly the theme song chorus - "You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have, the facts of life..."

Ain't that the truth?

The downturn in the economy has been bad for a lot of things, but apparently it has succeeded in a small way in bringing jobs back to the US. Sallie Mae reported earlier in the week it will be bringing out-sourced jobs back into America. The company is looking to bring 2000 jobs in by October 2010, with 600 located at the Wilkes-Barre, Pa. facility. (Yahoo!)

The New Jersey Leader reported on a local success story, a man who has turned the economy into an opportunity. By lowering his rental prices slightly and connecting with tenants who also thought outside the box in terms of launching or expanding businesses now, he's generating revenue for himself and helping local residents access necessary services. 

And I know I've said this before, but the most satisfying (for me at least) good news is the kind that comes out of a bad situation. The New Britain Herald tells the story of a young military couple surprised by a large rental bill and how the town's elected officials came to their aid. Politicians can get a bad rap, but in this case, you meet some people you wish were in your town government.