Top 10 Signs the Economy Is Improving
Well, thank goodness THAT’S over. Or almost over. The recession/depression, I mean. When Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told the Senate Banking Committee today that the bad times will end this year and recovery will begin in 2010, I could have sworn I heard “Happy Days Are Here Again” playing in the background.
I exaggerate. But there has been a lot written in the last week or so about the “self-fulfilling prophecy” aspect of the free market economy: too much talk by our leaders and economists about how bad it is, and sure enough it gets worse; make more upbeat assessments, consumers start to come out of their bomb shelters, and things start to pick up. Perhaps Mr. Bernanke made a policy decision to try and scrape off at least one layer of gloom after these last few dismal weeks, to see what the effect would be. The stock market certainly shot way up, which is nice.. for a day.
Imagine the difficult balance that must be struck by the Psychologist-in-Chief. In an excellent essay in the current Newsweek, Jonathan Alter writes:
Well, I stand ready to do my part. Here are a list of the Top 10 signs the economy is beginning to turn around:
1) I purchase a new necktie. (Seriously. If you’re a regular viewer of the PIX News at 10, and one night I’m wearing a tie you haven’t been seeing for the past five years, the recession is over.)
2) People stop asking you, “How in the world could you afford that?” when you tell them about your vacation to Delaware.
3) A Republican House member strays from the pack. Just one.
4) Fewer Prix Fixe menus at restaurants. (It’s always something with pasta or chicken, anyway.)
5) You don’t stop your car and stare in amazement when you drive past a new home being built.
6) Newspapers! Still around!
7) Mayor Bloomberg has to find new rationalization for busting the term limits law.
8) Replacement hot water heater no longer seen as optional purchase
9) You can tell kids you were just joking when you said Santa was “taking a couple of years off.”
10) I purchase another new necktie. (Hey, you think it’s easy coming up with 10 of these things?)
Comments: 16
your fake letterman blows dude
This was a complete waste of my time. I found it utterly stupid that you even decided to advertise this list on your so called news. You should be ashamed of your selves. I'm never going to watch your broadcast again. And your station should put family guy back on at 11.
Funny Jim!
1st time blogger.
I really liked this! Good job.
Great job Jim!! I really enjoyed this, and please, ignore "hunter" and his comment. He seriously seems more interested in Family Guy. Go figure lol.
Keep up the good work!!
To JIM,
I would think with your salary Jim, you could afford more than 2 neckties. Personally, I don't deprive myself of anything. I plan to go to Hawaii and England in the near future. I planned my life out well, however, I still feel sorry for the people who didn't.
I spoil my children and grandchildren constantly, probably too much, but I don't care.
They are mine, and that's my excuse.
I recently gave my baby granddaughter a diamond heart and 2 rings. They are heirlooms and are to be saved for her. If my daughter has another girl, I have things saved for the baby "in excrow to be".
Material things don't mean much to me, but I like passing things down the chain of life. My family means the world to me and I would do anything for them.
The recession or depression is just that. It doesn't change my everyday life, and I am so thankful for that. I still like honey in my coffee.
If I were younger and single, I would probably join the peace core, or do some solitary work that would benefit others. However, now my life has turned into a daily day of events, my grandchildren and their well being, being most important on my list.
I did do alot of volunteer work when I was a young mother. I have a lot on my resume. But, now I am retired, and a writer, and I do my own thing, at my leasure. I am a lucky girl.
I am still young enough to enjoy the fruit of my labor in my past, and that is my strength. I am older now and getting somewhat tired, but not of writing. I just have different priorities.
As I said many times before on here, as long as my children and grandchildren have their health, I am happy. I have a sick daughter, but I pray that she will live long enough to see her children become men.
I love life. For that I am grateful.
The economy is a woe that will be with us for a long time. There is no quick fix. My children will feel the brunt of it, more than I ever will, so I will help them whenever I can.
Yes, they are spoiled, and yes, sometimes I resent it, but I usually forget about it. When I look into the eyes of my grandchildren, it's like looking into heaven.
LEE
Not a bad list. For #5 though, it's more like, you stare in amazement when you see actual people, and not workers occupying those newly built homes.
AFSCME: Considering how Letterman's Top 10 blows in itself, as 'lame' as it is, Jim's list is pretty much on par (sorry Jim, then again I do appreciate corny humor in itself).
Hunter: Family Guy is on channel 11 @ 6p and 7:30p, maybe you should consult TV guide next time.
Okay, I'm going to apologize to Hunter, I misread his statement about FG. Will agree with him though, Family Guy should be on at 11p again, take off Friends, and get rid of those stupid infomercials @ 1a!
The last time I start skimming through comments. Blarg.
I don't usually watch Letterman. Sometimes his top ten list is funny and sometimes it is "lame", as Mel stated. Personally, I would like to watch a good movie, Seinfeld, or 2 1/2 Men, which I think is hysterical. And, some of the cartoons, are better than actual shows. I am also a big fan of Sex and the City. Pure fantasy.
Lee *since I mostly write non-fiction, fantasy is not my game
Has anyone noticed that the portions in restaurants are getting smaller? Maybe this is good for the dieter. I even noticed this in my local diners, as I go out for breakfast a lot. Tomorrow, I am going out with a friend, and I will see if the portion was as small as it was today.
Lee *I really don't need large portions.
The economy isn't going to improve for a long time, and it is not a thing to joke about. You must have more money than God, so how could you make that tie joke.
you're annoying.
You are annoying!!!!!!!!!!
Geez Jim...tough crowd here! I thought those top 10 were quite amusing...I mean your a news anchor for Pete's sake...not a comedian. People ought to lighten up a bit.
You tried Jim, but you are not Letterman.
JJB SPORTS SHARES ARE VERY UNDERVALUED AND EXPECTED TO FLY IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS