Depression. What Depression?
Is it me or are things starting to feel a teen tiny bit brighter this week? Last week we were down in the dumps. This week, we have a bit o' hope.
The stock market came roaring back on Monday only to drop by 200-plus points on Tuesday as the country waited to see how the feds carry out the rescue plan.
Apple announced plans to start selling a $999 laptop. Still not cheap, by any means, but hey... at least they're acknowledging that there's room to price Mac's a bit more attractively to everyone coveting Apple products, but also watching their wallets.
And last, but not least, gas prices have dropped across the country, says AAA's Fuel Gauge Report. Dude. I filled up my 18-gallon tank for less than $50 on Monday. I think I did a happy Snoopy dance because I can't remember the last I've been able to fill my tank for anything below $65. Lots of Marylanders are feeling a little better about gas prices, too, according to this Mike Dresser story.
This is not to say that I think gas is cheap. I don't, especially when I still find myself reminiscing about the old days when I complained about how high $1.05 a gallon gas seemed back then. And it certainly wouldn't prompt me to go out and buy a gas guzzler because I think prices will stay down.
How many Harford County residents got to take advantage of that gas war in Bel Air last Friday? My good friend Jaime (from high school, not Real Estate Wonk-ette Jamie who sits next to me) said a glitch in the computerized board at WaWa (I hope I'm remember the gas stations right) priced regular gas at $2 by mistake so the 7-11 nearby immediately lowered their price to below $2 to compete.
It caused a feeding frenzy. Jaime said the gas lines snaked around the stations for hours to take advantage of prices you won't see anytime soon.
Anyone get in on that? Give us a shout here. If you're feeling slightly upbeat like we are today, shoot us a comment to share in our slightly more positive attitude. Because, really, you gotta take advantage of the good news while you can. It probably won't last.
Categories: Computers, Economy, Gas prices
Comments
Yes, I join in your celebration of all good news! But in a crazy kind of way, I saw some long-range advantage in the high gas prices. I thought it would force the nation to pursue a comprehensive alternate energy strategy and greener technology: not to mention a more realistic transportation plan...all in all, making us more productive, competitive, and-- healthy!
I fear that lower gas prices bring a false sense of 'prosperity' and will lull folks back into the same-old-same-old. Bad habits are hard to break! And we really can't have that.
But by all means, enjoy this break in the clouds! :)
DD: Terry, you're right. That thought crossed my mind, too. But I'm hoping most people will stay on that path toward conservation and the country will stay committed to developing alternative energy. After all, $3 gas is still NOT CHEAP!
Posted by: Terry | October 15, 2008 11:48 AM
Perhaps the 10/24/2008 decision by OPEC to reduce supply will help keep us cognisant of the frailty of relatively inexpensive gasoline.
Posted by: Bruce Robinson | October 25, 2008 11:54 AM