Another sign of the times

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

We've noted how scooters are really hitting the streets lately, but I've got a new sign of the times for you. Two blocks from me there is a tiny used car lot. Recently they have had a couple bicycles and a push scooter at the front on display!

Y'all noticing anything else?

[sweeps]

Restaurants are closing left and right. People can't afford to eat out anymore.

[glock35ipsc]

I pass a guy twice a day that rides his skate board back and forth to town, about 12 miles each way.

[Broken Arrow]

I've seen several Smart Four-Twos on the road, and a lot more motorscooters nowadays. Warms my heart that people are finally doing something about fuel efficiency.

[disneysteve]

Haven't seen many places closing, but I have noticed nicer restaurants advertising more and offering coupons or specials that they never did before.

[Coleroo]

There have been a LOT more pedestrian and bicycle accidents / fatalities in our state lately due to more and more people being forced to take alternative transportation means....

high prices = more people on bikes = more bike fatalities

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Oh dear. That possibility had crossed my mind. Sorry to hear it.

[sweeps]

On the other hand, auto fatalities are down substantially.

[Snave]

There was a fatal accident recently in PA or Maryland or someplace like that. The reason I know is b/c it was the son-in-law of the Ohio State University president. His daughter was also in the crash. I believe they were both doctors someplace out east. He was in a coma and died a few days later. Very sad and a reason to keep an eye out.

[Well Spent]

College students who lived in off-campus apartments last year are now trying to move back into the dorms on campus to save money but there are no available rooms for them. And they live too far from home so they can't live with their parents to save money.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Well Spent

College students who lived in off-campus apartments last year are now trying to move back into the dorms on campus to save money but there are no available rooms for them. And they live too far from home so they can't live with their parents to save money.

That sounds really odd. It is almost always way cheaper to live off campus and prepare your own meals than to live on campus and use the meal plan. I'm not sure how moving into the dorm would save you money.

[Well Spent]

Here's the story:

Campus housing options scarce - The Boston Globe

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Well Spent

Here's the story:

Campus housing options scarce - The Boston Globe

Very interesting. Not what we typically hear.

[aukxsona]

The trend hasn't caught on out here. I have seen more motor cycles, but I have the only scooter. I drive it 15 miles to and from town. Oh yes and my husband wrecked the first day and ended p with 3 broken bones, so still no income.

[red92s]

Sales of food storage containers are WAY ahead of manufacturers budgets. Apparently this trend has been observed before: in times of recession, people eat out less, store more leftovers, and sales of food storage containers jump big time.

[Coleroo]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

That sounds really odd. It is almost always way cheaper to live off campus and prepare your own meals than to live on campus and use the meal plan. I'm not sure how moving into the dorm would save you money.

wouldn't living in a dorm mean for many that student loans would now pay for it all, thus eliminating the need for the student to worry about paying it upfront? That's what I would think of if I were a student - live on campus with student loans, walk to class, and eat bare pickens from what I could find (either purchase in the cafeteria or sandwhich machine).

Plus, most young adults do not have the home skills needed to properly manage their own place and serve up homemade meals - so they wouldn't mentally see this as a huge money saver like those who are already out "living life". Their mentality is a lot different.

[LuxLiving]

Another sign of the times noted here...where usually there were 10 of an item on the shelves at local groceries and Walmarts, there is now 2 or 3. Shelves look much more bare than usual. Gas prices are going back down here so that may change back to a more stuffed shelf scenario, but it was noted by me here in my town and my Mom in hers as well about an hour and a half away.

[Duchesse]

Alot more of my neighbors are gardening.

The sales at the supermarkets are not sales.

And I heard a rooster the other morning.

[momof1in150]

The last two times we took my boys to the movies we expected it to be crowded because it was the 1st Saturday the movie played and it was a matinee. These movies were Wall-E and Star Wars. My DH told me that the theaters were empty. I think this is one area people have cut back or out of their budget.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by momof1in150

The last two times we took my boys to the movies we expected it to be crowded because it was the 1st Saturday the movie played and it was a matinee. These movies were Wall-E and Star Wars. My DH told me that the theaters were empty. I think this is one area people have cut back or out of their budget.

Although Batman Dark Knight has been shattering records and is on track to become the all-time top grossing movie, so someone is buying tickets.

I think many of these things are very much local phenomenons. Around here, there are 2 major shopping malls and a 3rd huge shopping center that are building non-stop, expanding capacity, adding stores and restaurants. And the parking lots and stores that are open are packed with customers and diners. I really don't see much sign of people cutting back around here.