Gloom and Doom?

**Fezz** · 09-25-2008, 08:09 AM

We all are aware of how bad things are going for the economy. We all fear the financial collapse and the coming apocalypse.

But, just this morning on my 15 minute ride in, I saw 6 help wanted signs on local businesses. The businesses ranged from the local pizza spining joint to the metal shop that had a sign for 4 positions, including; machinist, welder, tool and die maker, and shipping.

It gave me hope. Things are not always as bad as we fear they are.

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

**obxeyeguy** · 09-25-2008, 08:51 AM

But, just this morning on my 15 minute ride in, I saw 6 help wanted signs on local businesses. The businesses ranged from the local pizza spining joint to the metal shop that had a sign for 4 positions, including; machinist, welder, tool and die maker, and shipping.

Those are to replace the people in those positions that were let go because of their "high" salaries.

Here, things are typically slower at this time of year, but in the strip plaza I am in, rumor has it 2 more stores leaving. We already have about 6 empty storefronts, as the rents are as high as ever.

**Spexvet** · 09-25-2008, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Fezz

...
It gave me hope. Things are not always as bad as we fear they are.

There's no shortage of beer, is there?

**Johns** · 09-25-2008, 09:57 AM

Last Thursday, I drove to Vernmont to pick up a piece of "equipment". It was a hot-dog cart that my 11 yr old bought for the purpose of paying for the college he wants to go to.

(Secretly, it's my insurance policy in case my business tanks!)

**gemstone** · 09-25-2008, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Fezz

We all are aware of how bad things are going for the economy. We all fear the financial collapse and the coming apocalypse.

But, just this morning on my 15 minute ride in, I saw 6 help wanted signs on local businesses. The businesses ranged from the local pizza spining joint to the metal shop that had a sign for 4 positions, including; machinist, welder, tool and die maker, and shipping.

It gave me hope. Things are not always as bad as we fear they are.

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Se busca ayuda

**Fezz** · 09-25-2008, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by Spexvet

There's no shortage of beer, is there?

There sorta is!

There is a hop shortage=much higher price and harder to find!
Grain prices sky high!

The hop shortage is really hrting some breweries!

I'll do my best to keep them all afloat!

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::D

**Jubilee** · 09-25-2008, 10:09 AM

Perhaps your son and mine need to get together. MY son is always talking about his next big business. He has made plans for lemonade stands, baked goods and all sorts of food based stuff.

He seems to over look the allowance he would receive if he would simply clean his room and the game room though..

**Johns** · 09-25-2008, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by Jubilee

Perhaps your son and mine need to get together. MY son is always talking about his next big business. He has made plans for lemonade stands, baked goods and all sorts of food based stuff.

He seems to over look the allowance he would receive if he would simply clean his room and the game room though..

His first venture, when he was 7, was to spray paint the rocks in the driveway, put them in sandwich bags with a ribbon tied around them, and sell them at the local Community Days as "fake gold". Every kid between 3 and 10 was begging their parents for a dollar so he could have some pirate gold! He sold out, and made $67.

I know what you mean about the allowance thing. It's hard to compete with entrepeneur when they see what they can make on the "outside".

**Spexvet** · 09-25-2008, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Fezz

There sorta is!

There is a hop shortage=much higher price and harder to find!
Grain prices sky high!

The hop shortage is really hrting some breweries!

I'll do my best to keep them all afloat!

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::D

I do my best by drinking malty beers. I'm not a big hops fan.:cheers:

**LilKim** · 09-25-2008, 09:12 PM

Originally Posted by Johns

Last Thursday, I drove to Vernmont to pick up a piece of "equipment". It was a hot-dog cart that my 11 yr old bought for the purpose of paying for the college he wants to go to.

(Secretly, it's my insurance policy in case my business tanks!)

I like hot dogs, especially ones from the street vendors...which intersection will you be at if I need to buy a couple for lunch? hehehehe...:bbg: I hope you have bags of chips....

**For-Life** · 09-25-2008, 09:15 PM

Part of this, I believe is the media (and the politicians). The sky is falling, the sky is falling!!! The more we hear it, the more we believe it, and then we panic.

FYI - This is when you invest. Pick a company, that will not go bankrupt tomorrow, and invest. Most likely, the market will not go much lower. In five years, that company will be on tops.

**MarcE** · 09-25-2008, 09:55 PM

You know, things have changed. There are at least 6 job openings within 1 block of our store. But people don't want those jobs. They want $50K/yr jobs.
Interesting little story. When I was shoveling snow from the sidewalk in front of the store this past winter, I was talking to my neighbor who was doing the same. He said that 10-15 years ago when it snowed there would be a small army of kids that would come downtown (no school ya know) to shovel all the businesses and pocket a quick $100 for a couple hours work. Not one kid has ever come by in the 3 winters we have been there. Same thing for lawn mowing. Not many kids doing that anymore.

My point? The economy isn't bad. It's better than anytime in human history except for 2004-2007. It's our expectations that are too high. Everyone wants to make tons of money with little responsibility. And completely FORGET manual labor. When people get motivated enough to get out from in front of the TV and mow a lawn or work a little overtime or lay some tile, or any of the hundred things that I can't find anyone to do around here - then we will know the economy is bad.

**Barry Santini** · 09-25-2008, 10:41 PM

Oh...it's bad!

WaMu just failed, and was taken over by the Feds. Just how many more "pie-plates" do you think the ol' USA can keep spinning before they all start to fall for lack of resources or...(wait for it)...$$$$$!

B

**Snitgirl** · 09-25-2008, 11:44 PM

ugh.. that's my bank!! arg

Originally Posted by Barry Santini

Oh...it's bad!

WaMu just failed, and was taken over by the Feds. Just how many more "pie-plates" do you think the ol' USA can keep spinning before they all start to fall for lack of resources or...(wait for it)...$$$$$!

B

**For-Life** · 09-26-2008, 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by MarcE

You know, things have changed. There are at least 6 job openings within 1 block of our store. But people don't want those jobs. They want $50K/yr jobs.
Interesting little story. When I was shoveling snow from the sidewalk in front of the store this past winter, I was talking to my neighbor who was doing the same. He said that 10-15 years ago when it snowed there would be a small army of kids that would come downtown (no school ya know) to shovel all the businesses and pocket a quick $100 for a couple hours work. Not one kid has ever come by in the 3 winters we have been there. Same thing for lawn mowing. Not many kids doing that anymore.

My point? The economy isn't bad. It's better than anytime in human history except for 2004-2007. It's our expectations that are too high. Everyone wants to make tons of money with little responsibility. And completely FORGET manual labor. When people get motivated enough to get out from in front of the TV and mow a lawn or work a little overtime or lay some tile, or any of the hundred things that I can't find anyone to do around here - then we will know the economy is bad.

A lot of it has to do with what people are currently making though. Yes, laziness is part of it, but if I am making $50k, even if I am unemployed, it will take me a while to take a pay cut. This is why the market, itself, does not just fix the problem. They expected it would in the Great Depression, and that is why it got so bad.

The problem is that Conservative or Liberal Economics tends to be based on the idea of tax cuts/increase spending during an economic slowdown BUT constriction during good times. So basically, during good times, pay down the debt, gain some surpluses, and be prepared for recessions. This did not happen. Personally, I do not think the bail out pisses people off as much as it is coming at a time when there is no money left.

**Leo Hadley Jr** · 09-26-2008, 08:00 AM

Yesterday, one of the biggest chevrolet dealers in Tampa Bay closed its doors. This place has 13 locations. Some employees featured on the news said they went to lunch and came back to locked doors. No warning, just closed.

On the other hand, Ive been looking for a good lab tech who wants a great opportunity to advance their career and I am getting no response.

**Fezz** · 09-26-2008, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by OpticLabRat

On the other hand, Ive been looking for a good lab tech who wants a great opportunity to advance their career and I am getting no response.

I know you would get at least one-if you would open a mid-atlantic, SE PA office!

;):cheers::cheers::cheers::D

**Leo Hadley Jr** · 09-26-2008, 08:15 AM

Originally Posted by Fezz

I know you would get at least one-if you would open a mid-atlantic, SE PA office!

;):cheers::cheers::cheers::D

You dont need a ticket to fly with me!!!

**Bill West** · 09-26-2008, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by Johns

His first venture, when he was 7, was to spray paint the rocks in the driveway, put them in sandwich bags with a ribbon tied around them, and sell them at the local Community Days as "fake gold". Every kid between 3 and 10 was begging their parents for a dollar so he could have some pirate gold! He sold out, and made $67.

I know what you mean about the allowance thing. It's hard to compete with entrepeneur when they see what they can make on the "outside".

GOLD that is?