7/18/2010 Mickey's Baltic Ballyhoo!! Part 2

[jilljill]

OMG as much as I'd love to see you over here Dan I pray to g-d it doesn't get that low

You don't want visitors?!?

 

[jilljill]

I wont!

I think we need neves of steel here and we will see a rolloacoster on £ and it most likly will fall a bit more, I cant see a pick up shoert term, but I expect the $ will start to be less of the favoured currency in the new year.

The new presidents honeymoon period and start up period will be over with a bump and the real issue of the USA debt hasnt been addressed.

There are companies in a very bad way, in the USA, I read General motors and Ford, to name two big ones.

We know you all don't want to see it drop like that.

Chrysler is also another one that is in trouble. They are closing the plant here in town the end of next month instead of next year. We know lots of people losing their jobs because of the plant closure.

I do have to say that I like the price of gas right now. It's $1.88 a gallon at the station closest to us.

The world's economy is very bad right now.

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

You don't want visitors?!?

Oh I would LOVE visitors but if the £ gets any lower and it's still that low when it comes to paying for this cruise I think we may have to rethink the financial viability of this holiday

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

OMG as much as I'd love to see you over here Dan I pray to g-d it doesn't get that low

You don't want visitors?!?

Yes we do want visitors this Christmas who will spend spend spend in our shops and keep people in work and return our £ from monopoly money to a real currency! Europeans are already coming to London as its a great deal for Christmas.

It will make our exports very cheap but imports expensive and cause inflation here medium term. Its not good for the USA to have a high $ as long term your exports will become very expensive and stop a lot of trade.

 

[danfromca]

Yep I know all about that job bit and this current economic climate. 4 months ago I worked in a team of 4 people, now I work in a team of 1...... ME !!! However the workload has not been decreased or distributed amonst other people so now I'm doing 3 other peoples jobs as well as my own ........ hence the reason I'm now doing 7:30am till 6:30pm 4 days a week and I rarely get a lunch break and the only reason I leave at 4:30 on Fridays is so I can get Josh to his barmitzvah class. Oh yes there's been no increase in my salary either !!!

Ok I'm off my soapbox now. It does have it's upside as I sit at a desk all day and I'm pretty much left to my own devises and I get to manage my own time I get to play here during the day so it's not all bad and I get to provide you with nightly entertainment

Things are getting noticably worse. I have two friends out of work now, and several of the consultants I know have seen gigs dry up to virtually nothing. In the mid-term they should be ok - what usually happens is that companies lay off too many people, then bring on consultants and contractors because they don't want to commit to a higher head count - but that only helps independents who can last through a dry spell of a few months.

OMG as much as I'd love to see you over here Dan I pray to g-d it doesn't get that low

If it does, it won't last. As Andrew observes, the U.S. debt will sooner or later cause a shift back the other way. That's why I'd visit at 1:1 - because it would be a deal that can't last.

I wont!

I think we need nerves of steel here and we will see a rolloacoster on £ and it most likely will fall a bit more, I cant see a pick up Short term, but I expect the $ will start to be less of the favored currency in the new year.

The new presidents honeymoon period and start up period will be over with a bump and the real issue of the USA debt hasn't been addressed.

There are companies in a very bad way, in the USA, I read General motors and Ford, to name two big ones.

The pound is well out of favor, and we most likely have a rate cut on December 4th of 0.5% >1% factored in now on our currency.

The talks in Washington today will have an effect.

I think I would say if you want £'s buy short term, I hope/trust we will pick back up by 2010 and this cruise, but not back to $2 a £.

Now I think there is more chance of us getting to £1 equaling 1 Euro!

I don't think nerves of steel will do it. I've had a total nervectomy - no more nerves. I've simply stopped paying attention. Retirement is 10-15 years away, so there's no reason to look at those funds. Instead, I'm focused on what I can do proactively to get through the next few years (including being able to afford this cruise )

We know you all don't want to see it drop like that.

Chrysler is also another one that is in trouble. They are closing the plant here in town the end of next month instead of next year. We know lots of people losing their jobs because of the plant closure.

I do have to say that I like the price of gas right now. It's $1.88 a gallon at the station closest to us.

The world's economy is very bad right now.

It's the first time I've seen deflation. And it's not just the fuel - I'm seeing price drops even at supermarkets (though it's in the form of bigger and more sales, they aren't yet lowering the official retail prices).

If we really see substantial deflation - that will take some rethinking.

I'm actually thinking of going to WDW next summer - if the economy continues as it has been, I would expect deals to be good and crowds to be light.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

We know you all don't want to see it drop like that.

Chrysler is also another one that is in trouble. They are closing the plant here in town the end of next month instead of next year. We know lots of people losing their jobs because of the plant closure.

I do have to say that I like the price of gas right now. It's $1.88 a gallon at the station closest to us.

The world's economy is very bad right now.

Oh I would LOVE visitors but if the £ gets any lower and it's still that low when it comes to paying for this cruise I think we may have to rethink the financial viability of this holiday

Yes this needs to be co ordinated by all the governments as, there are pros and cons to each nation, Exports for the USA will be a very big problem if the $ stays high for an example, But its time for DCL to start paying for their new ships!

I will go on this cruise, but I do agree that if the currency stays as it is, it will cost 30% to much on top of DCL's high prices.

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

night, night to all who visit during the night, play nice

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Things are getting noticably worse. I have two friends out of work now, and several of the consultants I know have seen gigs dry up to virtually nothing. In the mid-term they should be ok - what usually happens is that companies lay off too many people, then bring on consultants and contractors because they don't want to commit to a higher head count - but that only helps independents who can last through a dry spell of a few months.

If it does, it won't last. As Andrew observes, the U.S. debt will sooner or later cause a shift back the other way. That's why I'd visit at 1:1 - because it would be a deal that can't last.

I don't think nerves of steel will do it. I've had a total nervectomy - no more nerves. I've simply stopped paying attention. Retirement is 10-15 years away, so there's no reason to look at those funds. Instead, I'm focused on what I can do proactively to get through the next few years (including being able to afford this cruise )

It's the first time I've seen deflation. And it's not just the fuel - I'm seeing price drops even at supermarkets (though it's in the form of bigger and more sales, they aren't yet lowering the official retail prices).

If we really see substantial deflation - that will take some rethinking.

I'm actually thinking of going to WDW next summer - if the economy continues as it has been, I would expect deals to be good and crowds to be light.

I too think the tourist industry (Disney) will be hit hard, on our side us Brits make up massive numbers for WDW, and I can see for Economy reasons and exchange rate reasons this will stop, so yes Disney will have to offer discounts.

On the USA Economy, 'speaking freely' I am very surprised that the $ remains the 'safe haven' I understand why our £ has gone off a cliff, but as you say USA, has very similar issues, they need to boost growth.

The USA debt has been 'forgotten' well maybe short term, when people wake up to that, I personally think the $ will fall from the pedestal it has been put on.

It not good for USA exports!

For people close to retirements with pension funds they will be hit hard now.

 

[MrsG]

Whoa.....I loved the Love Boat too.......I think I was twelve.......

Ok, so I'm feeling very old ....... this is Josh, "my baby", all dressed up ready to go to his 1st black tie function which is tomorrow but I needed to alter the length of his trousers that's why he's got it on tonight. Couldn't get rid of the red-eye using fotofixer I'll have to work on that one.

Oh Izzi,

How he has grown! He is certainly a handsome boy! How time flies! He looked so young last we saw him- was it only 1-1/2 yrs ago?????????

 

[Caropooh]

Ok, so I'm feeling very old ....... this is Josh, "my baby", all dressed up ready to go to his 1st black tie function which is tomorrow but I needed to alter the length of his trousers that's why he's got it on tonight. Couldn't get rid of the red-eye using fotofixer I'll have to work on that one.

very handsome! Did he have a good time?

Ok a potted history on the Chanukiah and the Menorah

Menorah is a candelabrum that has meaning in Jewish history and ritual. There is a seven branched Menorah and a special nine branched Hanukkah Menorah, which is also called a hanukkiah.

The Seven Branched Menorah

According to the Bible Bezalel made the original Menorah from a single mass of gold for the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was the temporary, mobile center for worship of God used by the Israelites from the days of Moses until construction of First Temple in Jerusalem. When the First Temple was destroyed, it was demolished.

The Second Temple held one Menorah. This Menorah, according to the story of Hanukkah, was looted by Greek Syrian soldiers and then restored, purified and rededicated by the Maccabees. When the Second Temple was destroyed, Titus took the Menorah and other artifacts and displayed them on his return to Rome.

The Hanukkah Menorah

During the festival of Hanukkah, a special Hanukkah Menorah, also called a Hanukkiah is lit.

The Hanukkah Menorah is a candelabrum with eight branches of equal size that all sit in a row (one for each night of the festival of Hanukkah) and a separate candle holder for the "Shamash." The Shamash candle is used to light the other eight candles since it is forbidden to use the Hanukkah lights for any purpose other than viewing. When lit, the Hanukkah Menorah should be placed in a front window or by a doorway for all to see.

The Hanukkah Menorah is lit to commemorate the Jewish Maccabees' miraculous victory over the Greek-Syrian army and the one-days-worth of pure oil that miraculously lasted for eight days in the Temple.

So there you have it and please don't get the wrong impression that I am a religious fanatic, please believe me I'm not, it's just that Josh had to do a project this past year on all the major Jewish festivals so I'm a bit clued up on it at the moment.

Very interesting! I had no idea there were 2 kinds! So when would you use the 7 branched as opposed to the 9 branched?

 

[jilljill]

I too think the tourist industry (Disney) will be hit hard, on our side us Brits make up massive numbers for WDW, and I can see for Economy reasons and exchange rate reasons this will stop, so yes Disney will have to offer discounts.

WDW is already seeing the effects of the economy. I have a friend that works down there, she usually works 3 8 hours a week and is down to 1 6 hour day a week.
Not to mention that Disney stock has taken quite a hit.

 

[jlawall]

Ok, so I'm feeling very old ....... this is Josh, "my baby", all dressed up ready to go to his 1st black tie function which is tomorrow but I needed to alter the length of his trousers that's why he's got it on tonight. Couldn't get rid of the red-eye using fotofixer I'll have to work on that one.

He looks great!!!

 

[jilljill]

Oh Barb .......stay safe

We made it thru the tornado warnings with nothing but more rain. Sunday brings on the temps.
I really don't like winter and

 

[danfromca]

I too think the tourist industry (Disney) will be hit hard, on our side us Brits make up massive numbers for WDW, and I can see for Economy reasons and exchange rate reasons this will stop, so yes Disney will have to offer discounts.

On the USA Economy, 'speaking freely' I am very surprised that the $ remains the 'safe haven' I understand why our £ has gone off a cliff, but as you say USA, has very similar issues, they need to boost growth.

The USA debt has been 'forgotten' well maybe short term, when people wake up to that, I personally think the $ will fall from the pedestal it has been put on.

It not good for USA exports!

For people close to retirements with pension funds they will be hit hard now.

I totally agree - the strength of the dollar makes little sense. It's certainly not in America's best interest. Export was the only saving grace in our economy, and those must be crashing now between the high dollar value and the recession spreading.

As I read it, deflation is worse for the country than inflation is. Yet, for individuals who have reliable income, deflation seems not has harmful as inflation - in that everything becomes cheaper.

But then, it all seems very complex - and made more so by the exchange rate issues.

WDW is already seeing the effects of the economy. I have a friend that works down there, she usually works 3 8 hours a week and is down to 1 6 hour day a week.
Not to mention that Disney stock has taken quite a hit.

Of course this is the off season. I'm wondering what next summer will look like.

 

[jilljill]

Of course this is the off season. I'm wondering what next summer will look like.

This may be the off-season down there, but it's been years since the CM's have been hit this hard with hours being cut. Even f/t CM's have had their hours reduced to about 32-34 hours a week. Usually there are extra hour shifts to be found for the CM's and it's been a few weeks that has been offered.

Wonder what the holidays and spring break weeks will be looking like as well. We will be down Easter week, but since it's so late next year we should notice a differnce in the crowds but won't be able to tell if it's because it's so late or the economy.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

WDW is already seeing the effects of the economy. I have a friend that works down there, she usually works 3 8 hours a week and is down to 1 6 hour day a week.
Not to mention that Disney stock has taken quite a hit.

I totally agree - the strength of the dollar makes little sense. It's certainly not in America's best interest. Export was the only saving grace in our economy, and those must be crashing now between the high dollar value and the recession spreading.

As I read it, deflation is worse for the country than inflation is. Yet, for individuals who have reliable income, deflation seems not has harmful as inflation - in that everything becomes cheaper.

But then, it all seems very complex - and made more so by the exchange rate issues.



Of course this is the off season. I'm wondering what next summer will look like.

This may be the off-season down there, but it's been years since the CM's have been hit this hard with hours being cut. Even f/t CM's have had their hours reduced to about 32-34 hours a week. Usually there are extra hour shifts to be found for the CM's and it's been a few weeks that has been offered.

Wonder what the holidays and spring break weeks will be looking like as well. We will be down Easter week, but since it's so late next year we should notice a differnce in the crowds but won't be able to tell if it's because it's so late or the economy.

MORNING ALL,

Yes I expect DISNEY to take a bit hit, I consider it a luxury vacation, people will still have holidays but will cancel or put off expensive ones and go to local places instead, WDW , Will take a massive hit with a massive reduction of Brits not going now.

USA Exports will be hit very bad by the strong $.

 

[salliep]

The Love Boat was one of my favorite shows. I remember watching it in our studio apartment when DH & I first got married, sipping Kaluah and cream and dreaming of one day being on a cruise..............

It brings back such wonderful memories

Thank you Maryann!! I know JUST HOW YOU FEEL-

Was Jimmy there as well? Sallie, I am not going to be able to be around Jimmy without humming the theme!

I knew I shouldnt have posted that beautiful, warm, kind, tender loving story between two young love birds!! I just knew it!!! There goes all my souvenirs when he finds out!! I can only hope the memory fades as the many months go by until our cruise- I can only hope you all fall down, hit your heads ( gently) ,get amnesia ( only for the Baltic cruise), and forget just that one little post.. I can only hope!!

Ok, so I'm feeling very old ....... this is Josh, "my baby", all dressed up ready to go to his 1st black tie function

unbelievable- gorgeous- if only I was 10 years younger !!

I already have it on my ipod, and I have a little speaker that plugs into the earphone port. Why hum when we can all sing along!?!

I liked you up till now Mike!!! ... so..... you left me out of Palo, and now you side with the masses against a beautiful memory of young girl, in love for the first time, fresh out of high school, innocent, lovable, just sharing a special moment with cyber friends...... what kind of a human are you?????

 

[salliep]

MORNING ALL,

Yes I expect DISNEY to take a bit hit, I consider it a luxury vacation, people will still have holidays but will cancel or put off expensive ones and go to local places instead, WDW , Will take a massive hit with a massive reduction of Brits not going now.

USA Exports will be hit very bad by the strong $.

Yes Andrew- we have been spending every Easter vacation in Disney for at least 14 years now- unless there a miracle in the economy n the next few months we will not be going this year!!!
I was in the mall yesterday- haven't been there in a few weeks- I must say, the sales are unbelievable- the Gap for instance , had half of the store marked with signs that said 50% off, buy one get one free- it was all brand new merchandise- I have never seen that before Christmas- it was like the after Christmas sales!!

 

[bellelinus]

I knew I shouldnt have posted that beautiful, warm, kind, tender loving story between two young love birds!! I just knew it!!! There goes all my souvenirs when he finds out!! I can only hope the memory fades as the many months go by until our cruise- I can only hope you all fall down, hit your heads ( gently) ,get amnesia ( only for the Baltic cruise), and forget just that one little post.. I can only hope!!




unbelievable- gorgeous- if only I was 10 years younger !!

Sallie, there are just too many of us now for ALL of us to forget . . .

Izzi, your son looks very handsome -- clearly you need to keep him away from Sallie on the cruise . . .

 

[RJAYL]

Happy Sunday Everyone!