Posts from — June 2008

We all know the saying about the early bird getting the worm. Your parents probably stressedthe virtue of being early. But can you be too early? There are those last minute specials on airfares and cruises we often hear about. A reward to those who are flexible in terms of when they can travel. I like being on time even when I know others will not be. As I get older, I am realizing that maybe that’s not always a good thing. How much of my life have I frittered away waiting on others? Timing as they say is everything. I have a friend who sold a house at the top of the housing bubble and another who has a house on the market for over a year. Then I know those who sold way too early before the bubble even started…

I still admire the early bird but am cognizant of the fate of the early worm too.

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Sagging pants are all the rage and I can barely conceal my amusement when I see young men holding up their pants with one hand and fumbling to carry something in the other. many older folks are disgusted with the trend. Some towns and cities are even moving to pass laws against wearing such seemingly senseless clothing. Apparently this trend started in prisons where belts are not allowed and one has hold the pants up by hand. It’s also thought to be used by prisoners as a sexual signal of some kind.

The older generation shouldn’t complain too much though, for one thing,  that will only make it more popular as it gives the youth something to rebel against. And look how long the necktie has been around. Now if there ever was a bad clothing idea, that gets my vote but look how entrenched it is. Grown men willingly constricting the blood vessels of the neck to be considered properly dressed. If there is any justice then the guy who came up with that idea surely died a horrible death…

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I recall reading a book entitled The Dime Dollar several decades ago. It predicted back then the demise of the US dollar. The author seems to have been proven right, although it took a while. As the US government and people continue to spend what they do not have, it’s only a matter of time before no none wants to accept the dollar. Don’t be surprised if we’re dealing in euros in just a few years. Of course, things could turn around but it’s not likely. We are too locked into the destructive patterns of spending and consumption.

Other countries are beginning to look attractive to Americans contemplating gloomier days ahead for the US. Oh, the companies may do well but the average wage earner is already feeling the pinch of rising inflation and health care costs. People in the US whose parents were born overseas–especially in Europe–may claim EU citizenship based on parentage. And some are finding the life style and pace of life more attractive there. They may have more stuff in America but many would quickly trade some of that stuff for more vacation time and a better social safety net.

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I read recently about some farmers who had ditched their tractors for mules due to the soaring price of gasoline. With economists predicting no end in sight for rising prices, we may be seeing more horses and mules on and off the farm. And this morning I heard about some kids who actually rode horses to school. The principal did not object and even provided food for the horses. Can you see it now, special lanes for this original mode of transportation? Can horse “dealerships” be far behind? This could save some gas but what about the special emissions ?

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