Just How Bad Is This Econmy?????

Here in Orlando my family / I have annual passes to Sea World.  That place is always packed full of people. 

Hi John. 

We could call it the Walters Indicator!

Blizzard coming to Chicago tonight!

Ken

John,

I find this to be true with some homeowners in trouble. I have seen this one family that I know if on the brink of losing there home, yet I've seen them on numerous occasions out to eat. When I mentioned it to someone else I know they said these people eat out almost every meal. It gets me wondering how some people prioritize their lives.

You know, in tough times, something has to go...if not game tickets or eating out, the mortgage:-)

I said the same thing over the holidays.  Everytime I went into Bestbuy they were packed.  They sold out almost every computer that they had in store.  A week before, you could not buy one cause they were all gone.

It's a testament to die-hard sports fans as well... the Cardinals are making history... It took many decades to win two playoff games... a feat they've accomplished again in the past two weeks. We're still as shocked about this as anyone.

No matter how tough things are, people will somehow find a way to buy something if they want it bad enough. I guess in this case, the Cardinals haven't been this far in the playoffs for so long that people will probably do anything to get tix.

Good point, but what is the total population of Arizona vs. how many seats fill that stadium and keep in mind that a good portion of them went to the other team as well.  Are we talking less than 10% of the total population of Arizona?

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.  I'd say  good number of those people are the same ones ready to lose their homes.  Some people will never understand when its time to cut back on spending.

John, the hold thing makes you wander. My brother in law, a general contractor flew from New Orleans to Pitt to watch the Pitt v SD. He is not in foreclosure or anything. Things are not what they were in 2006, but we continue to work. I went to see my CUBS in Aug 08 and will head down to watch the series with the marlins v cubs this Aug 09 among other trips. I said it all along about the press, I don't believe what they say.

John,

People can always find money for whats important or fun to them - and you're right we shouldn't believe the press. :)

Steve

John, I think one of the reasons it sold out so quickly was that the eagles are playing them!

There is always money, but it is just a matter of what people find important. These people aren't the ones in trouble, but they are the ones who probably employ the people who are in trouble. When I owned businesses in the past, when a tax or a fee was imposed on me, I didn't let it hit my pocket book, I either raised prices or got rid of an employee.

I know most business owners are right now making those same decisions I did. You get used to a life style and to keep it you have to make tough decisions that may mean someone else losing.

I don't think the government thinks these things out when they raise taxes or raise the minimum wage. It never really helps who it is intended to help.

As bad as the housing market is in Phoenix, it doesn't affect anywhere near EVERYONE in Phoenix. Lots of people still have money.

Hi John:

For sure those tickets weren't cheap!  I'll be watching all the games from home...

I wonder how many people are using the excuse of "once in a lifetime event" for the Cardinals to throw out the budget. It very well could be that some of the people attending the game are using credit to purchase tickets to get away from a job loss, foreclosure, etc.

The tickets were, in the opionion of many, worth every single penny. :-)