Up, Down and Around Our Town

It's Christmas week. That one week of the year when all of the hustle and bustle of the last month comes to fruition. And, with a sense that Currier and Ives wasn't being properly represented, Old Man Winter arrived a week or so early with snow, ice, wind, rain, sleet and every other kind of inconvenience. Add to that temperatures around zero with wind chills that approached -20 and all of the Christmas Week atmosphere that one could want was all rolled up into one week. Now bring on spring.

During this week, we wish the best to those who are traveling to and from. Perhaps to and from Grandma's house or vice-versa, but no matter where or how you may be wandering, take a little extra time. Heck, stop by your neighborhood Starbucks. There's one on every corner. But, most of all, make sure that the family is well served.

Blago vowed to fight until he takes his last breath. Ah, just one more Christmas wish. His arrogance is almost as revolting as his corruption. Funny, he has been going to his office in Chicago every day, just to entertain the media. Perhaps he'll even make a trip to his office in Springfield. Or not.

W is throwing $13 large to the car companies. He is trying to offset the problems that were created by keeping the Big 3 in business for the next few months. But, there are strings attached, mostly in the area of productivity. We witnessed this week the members of the UAW who don't think they should take a pay cut to keep their job. Perhaps if there was no job, their response may be different. Flatly speaking, the hourly wage just isn't up to par with those who are actually SELLING cars and trucks. The dream age of the Big 3, just like Reaganomics, is over. This saving handout from the Fed is just meant to make sure that they have time to do the right thing. Something tells me that they will be back.

In wrapping up our studies on Global Business, we discovered an old axiom of thrift. That is, the myth of thrift. In this capitalistic world, if one doesn't spend money, others don't make money. It's that simple. It was part of this hoarding (thrift) that brought us to our knees in 1929 and while we may never reach that point, there is no doubt that keeping dollars circulating in this economy is critical. But, there is a caveat to that as well. One has to make money to spend money. Just as one has to make something for one to spend money. Catch 22.

A sidebar note on spending 3 weeks with 14 special young people. There is no doubt that you can really get a sense of what is going on when that much time is spent together. This includes some long rides on the road as well. What impressed me the most was their insight into their own world and somewhat their cynicism about their own future. Yet their worlds are filled with mega-communication, via cellphones, iPods and computers and to watch each of them text-message is a lesson in dexterity. But, most of all, their enthusiasm for their world and their friends was contagious. And, oh by the way, we learned a few things along the time as well. Frankly, I'll miss them.

One wouldn't sense the downturn if you travel Broadway in Quincy. Seemingly wall to wall traffic that permeates each and every stop. Some gift certificates, some big purchases and lots of shopping carts heading out for the surprise on Christmas morning.

Housing is down, mostly due to the greed on Wall Street. And wasn't is nice that the major bonuses were given to the folks from AIG? Isn't that our money being handed out for the second home in Boca Raton? Reigning this bunch in may be President Obama's biggest challenge.

Lastly, my hope is that all have a most enjoyable holiday and time with friends and family. In our busy world, we sometimes just don't have the time to do what is needed. The gifts, the cards and most of all, the pictures all capture a sense of belonging that is something to behold. May that never wane.

Finally, this will be our first Christmas with our newest hero. Already she boasts a smile that can melt you from across the room and with her tag-team partner of Big Brother, they make quite a pair. Our Christmas gift is simply being in that very special room.

Or, as Bobby Flay stated, "I care little about nor do I count calories from Thanksgiving to New Year's. But, I do work out more." In other words, enjoy it, capture it and make memories for the next generation as you know it.

Back next week with the last thoughts on 2008 and even more. Drop us a note if you are so inclined or better yet, just enjoy the time with your own special group. Merry Christmas to all and we'll see you next week.

Till then and as always, I remain....