Here we go again with more of America by the numbers:
The question is “Do you support a manned mission to Mars?” Thirty-six percent of Americans say “yes.” Thirty-eight percent say “no.” And 27 percent haven’t the foggiest idea of what’s going on. They’re busy watching “WALL-E.” Me? I’m in favor of any program that will put a lot of people to work.
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When did the price of apples rise to $2 a pound? And when did onions go up to $1 a pound? How did ordinary cantaloupes become $1.50 each? A bucket of cream cheese is $2? A pound of bacon is $4.25? Have you shopped in a supermarket lately? If so, then I am certain that you have noticed rising cost of food. A new Rasmussen survey tells us that 37 percent of American adults are confident that the Federal Reserve will keep inflation under control. Stop laughing — 57 percent lack confidence in the Fed. They obviously have visited Waldbaums. Come on, Sen. Schumer. Do your magic.
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Between the candy counter and the sweepers, movie theatres employ many young adults. Twenty-three percent of Americans say the shooting in Colorado makes them feel less safe in the theatres. Eight percent of the nation says they’ve avoided movie theatres as a result. Movies gross mega-millions of dollars. When eight percent stay away, we’re talking serious money. Less dollars coming in can lead to less employment in the theatres, which shows that one screwball can certainly have an effect on portions of our economy.
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A survey taken last week tells us that 56 percent of likely voters favor repealing the national healthcare law, while 38 percent are opposed and six percent have no opinion (they’re also busy watching “WALL-E.). Forty-three percent believe that repeal of Obamacare will help the economy, but 27 percent say it will hurt. We’ll find out this November how important these stats are. In the meantime, 44 percent of Republicans now have an unfavorable view of Chief Justice John Roberts compared to a four percent unfavorable view just a few years ago. I don’t blame them.
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The Commerce Department announced that housing starts fell 1.1 percent last month. On that same day the Labor Department told us that new claims for jobless benefits increased by 2,000, slightly more than economists had expected. Producer prices climbed 0.3 percent in July from June. That’s the fastest pace in five months. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office tells us that the U.S. deficit is expected to grow by another $1.1 trillion in 2012. That’s the fourth straight year the national debt will exceed a trillion dollars. And the Chicago thugs who are currently residing in the District of Columbia continue to tell us that the economy is getting better. Where?
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I love cruising. I would rather be sitting on the top deck of a great cruise ship sailing the Caribbean Sea than anywhere in the world. I shop it right and I sail aboard some of the most wonderful vessels for under a hundred dollars a day…..and that includes shows, lectures, all kinds of music and 11 meals a day. More than 10 million Americans will take a cruise this year and, of course, Carol and I are among them. We have taken three already this year, number four is booked for the first week in December and, we’ve already started on 2013. On Jan. 7, our 93rd cruise is already booked. Anybody care to join us?
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Did you know that there is something in the business world known as the Sleep Industry? About one third of working Americans, nearly 40 million people, are sleep deprived. Assisting them are manufacturers of superior, deluxe, expensive mattresses, sleeping pills, sleep consultants and coaches. The 2012 value for all that will be more than $32 billion. That’s a dollar number that increases annually. I am StanGershbein@Bellsouth.net saying … I am StanGershbein … I am … ZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Read Stan Gershbein's column every Monday on BrooklynDaily.com.
