Rate Pauses, Starbucks & Heroes
I can't believe it's been almost an entire week since I posted!
There is so much that has been happening. First, the Federal Reserve has paused on it's rate hikes. Therefore, the Federal Funds rate will stay - for the moment - at 5.25%. It would appear that energy prices (we know) are beating up the consumer a little and housing prices are not defying gravity as some have tried to argue. There is a convenience store (chain) called Wawa in PA, NJ and other states. Some of these stores have gas stations. After paying $3.05/gal, I recently drove by a Wawa that advertised $3.01 !
I'm still waiting for my own gas station when this Iraq thing is over.
There is a nice article today in the WallStreet Journal about what this rate pause could mean to you.
On a separate note, on my way to pick up my household "risk manager" - the wife - I stopped by Starbucks (SBUX). It is true!! It is true!! They are having problems making those frozen drinks. To be fair, I did not have to wait 20 minutes, but the gentleman who greeted me said, "I will be right with you..." Usually, someone is at the cash register as soon as you arrive. This was 3:45pm!
Anyway, I can tell you that the atmosphere at this particular Starbucks aint so grand, my friend. The last time I checked, Starbucks was at $29.55 after hours.
Late last week, I was able to get together with a college buddy. I forgot to ask him what I thought was a very painful and difficult question, so I phoned him today and put the question to him. I wanted to know how he was coping with a couple of recent losses (family member, pet). The interesting thing is that through him, I am learning a little about coping and dealing with setbacks, although I have not experienced them on his level yet. It amazes me how people, who you expect to be overwhelmed with grief, turn out to be the ones who are encouraging you, when all along your issues pale in comparison to theirs. But then again, everyone can't be a hero.
There is so much that has been happening. First, the Federal Reserve has paused on it's rate hikes. Therefore, the Federal Funds rate will stay - for the moment - at 5.25%. It would appear that energy prices (we know) are beating up the consumer a little and housing prices are not defying gravity as some have tried to argue. There is a convenience store (chain) called Wawa in PA, NJ and other states. Some of these stores have gas stations. After paying $3.05/gal, I recently drove by a Wawa that advertised $3.01 !
I'm still waiting for my own gas station when this Iraq thing is over.
There is a nice article today in the WallStreet Journal about what this rate pause could mean to you.
On a separate note, on my way to pick up my household "risk manager" - the wife - I stopped by Starbucks (SBUX). It is true!! It is true!! They are having problems making those frozen drinks. To be fair, I did not have to wait 20 minutes, but the gentleman who greeted me said, "I will be right with you..." Usually, someone is at the cash register as soon as you arrive. This was 3:45pm!
Anyway, I can tell you that the atmosphere at this particular Starbucks aint so grand, my friend. The last time I checked, Starbucks was at $29.55 after hours.
Late last week, I was able to get together with a college buddy. I forgot to ask him what I thought was a very painful and difficult question, so I phoned him today and put the question to him. I wanted to know how he was coping with a couple of recent losses (family member, pet). The interesting thing is that through him, I am learning a little about coping and dealing with setbacks, although I have not experienced them on his level yet. It amazes me how people, who you expect to be overwhelmed with grief, turn out to be the ones who are encouraging you, when all along your issues pale in comparison to theirs. But then again, everyone can't be a hero.
posted by Blueshift2 at
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
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