San Francisco Firemen Application Line from Unemploymentality on Vimeo.

After companies across the country cut 533,000 jobs in November alone -- with another 3 million more predicted between now and 2010, at least so say analysts -- unemployment offices have been bombarded by applicants and people looking to claim benefits. The overwhelming turnout of turned out folks means long wait times for people trying to talk to a live person at Employment Development Departments. KCBS reports that it's next to impossible to talk to a real live human being, with one person waiting over four hours to get someone, but you can always apply online.

In other news, Unemploymentality, the "definitive unemployment blog," captured the scene down at Second and Townsend streets this past weekend where 1,200-plus people waited in line to tryout for 200 entry level firefighter positions, which can start at $68,000/year.