The Merc is asking: How is the recession affecting you?

The U.S. may not officially be in a recession yet, but with four straight months of job losses, an imploding housing market, gas at nearly $4 a gallon, and food prices spiraling up so quickly that some stores are rationing rice, most Americans don't need anyone to tell them that times are tight.

Columnist Mike Cassidy at the San Jose Mercury News wants Silicon Valley residents to tell him how the downturn is affecting their lives. Read all about it on his "Loose Ends" blog -- and send him your stories.

Some possible discussion sparkers:

• On top of immediate strains to your household budget, how is the recession affecting you through its impacts on your neighborhood and community?


• What fallout are you feeling from the housing market collapse and the credit crunch?


• Do you worry about being affected by recession-inspired budget cuts to services like schools, health care, parks, libraries, public safety, and other proposed cuts?


• In the longer term, do you see a hopeful future for your kids if they stay in Silicon Valley?