Thursday, October 31, 2024

 The economy is booming, but inflation is on voters’ minds as election nears

Downbeat perceptions of the economy have been a defining force of this election cycle, with polls showing the cost of living is among Americans’ top concerns.

The U.S. economy is the envy of the world, with strong growth, easing prices and a robust job market, but voters heading to the polls Tuesday are more likely to be thinking about their experiences with once-in-a-lifetime inflation.

The pandemic-related run-up in prices has made American life costlier and loomed large over the presidential election. Over the past four years, grocery prices have risen by 22 percent, while utilities and new homes have gone up 28 percent. Although wages have also risen and inflation has come down dramatically, many families are still struggling to catch up.

“This is the first presidential election in 50 years or so where the driving issue is what things actually cost at the grocery store,” said Mark Campbell, a Republican strategist. “James Carville famously said: ‘It’s the economy, stupid.’ But that’s not really the case. It’s how much things cost.”

Vice President Kamala Harris recently has managed to narrow the polling

THE WASHINGTON POST: The economy is booming, but inflation is on voters’ minds as election nears


The economy is booming, but inflation is on voters' minds as election nears
Downbeat perceptions of the economy have been a defining force of this election cycle, with polls showing the cost of living is among Americans' top concerns.

Read in The Washington Post: https://apple.news/A-WShfOHFRyWCH1GLRBd1WQ


Shared from Apple News


Pete

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Kamala Harris Economy

 Inflation

 

High inflation has mostly been defeated around the world, the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday, providing a surprisingly upbeat assessmenton prices after warning only three months ago that progress on reducing inflation had stalled. "It looks like the global battle against inflation has largely been won, even if price pressures persist in some countries," the IMF said in its latest World Economic Outlook. The agency thinks global inflation will slow to 5.8% this year and fall to 3.5% by the end of next year. The rosy outlook on consumer prices comes less than two weeks before the US election, with inflation a key issue for voters. Meanwhile, at least 23 Nobel Prize-winning economists recently signed a letter that called Kamala Harris' economic agenda "vastly superior" to the plans laid out by Donald Trump.

Arkansas' Potential Lithium Bonanza

  • ExxonMobil aims to produce enough lithium by 2030 to supply more than a million electric vehicles per year
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  • Increased domestic production could contribute to U.S. energy security and support local manufacturing
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  • The development of this resource aligns with U.S. climate policy objectives by supporting the transition to electric vehicles
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  • Arkansas could become a key player in the global lithium market, potentially creating new jobs and economic opportunities in the region
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https://www.perplexity.ai/page/arkansas-potential-lithium-bon-Zpon6z0pQR2vJvPiG_4nxQ

Pete

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

 Sultans of Swing, the best rock song of all time as performed by the Sultans themselves The Dire Straits.



But yet another rendition that brings a smile of chagrin of like wow these guys nailed it.


I agree with many other compliments, this was quite amazing and I guess unexpected in this context. Probably one of the best rock songs of all time with intricate guitar work that requires a tremendous amount of dexterous skill and these guys delivered flawlessly.

World Central Kitchen - Episcopal Church

 Today Lori Ann Mason and I visited the World Central Kitchen distribution site at Saint James Episcopal Church in Hendersonville. Lori Ann interviewed these two members of Saint James, Ali Thomas and Bonnie Bryan who gave us a great overview of the thousands of meals they serve including these provided by Bears Smokehouse BBQ and vegetarian meals from Botiwalla by Chai Pani.

It was such a privilege and pleasure to talk with these church members and see all the great work that they are doing in the face of this terrible storm.








Perplexity AI offers this summary of the work they do:
World Central Kitchen (WCK), founded by Chef José Andrés in 2010, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing freshly prepared meals to communities impacted by disasters and humanitarian crises. Notable for its rapid response to natural disasters like Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and ongoing conflicts such as in Ukraine, WCK has served over 350 million meals globally. The organization focuses on culturally appropriate food and partners with local groups to enhance its efforts. Additionally, WCK runs culinary training programs to empower communities, exemplifying a proactive approach to humanitarian aid through food relief.

Sandy Schorr has decided to support World Central Kitchen:

Hey Sandy,
That was such an unexpected small world experience crossing paths with you and Chuck downtown during those first chaotic days after the hurricane but in the aftershock of the storm there was also a reassuring feeling of people coming together for a common cause. I had seen a story about the World Kitchen on 60 minutes coming to the aid of people in foreign nations but I never thought I’d see them serving just blocks away in our own precious little town.

All my best to you and Chuck and to a brighter future,


Pete

Dave - There are so many good organizations to give to but this and World Kitchen are the ones we’ve chosen.  Can you possibly put this on Face Book?

Arboretum is opening in a few days for the formal garden part.  Flat Rock park just opened. Rhod. Lake and Carl Sandburg still closed. So normalcy is returning in some parts. Grateful for that.

On pins and needles about the election however.

Sandy

Pete - Yes - that was very cool. For the others, I ran into Pete on the corner of Main and Allen. It was Tuesday morning after the storm and the roads had started opening and I was able to drop Chuck off at PT. I’ll remember that day partly because of all the joy I felt getting  out of the house and back into the one simple routine of going to PT.  There were about 6 young therapists at the PT studio and most of them were sitting on the floor doing a puzzle. Everyone was happy to see Chuck because he was one of the few clients there. He got definite points with them for showing up.
 I had an hour free so I decided to walk Main Street and see if anything was open. There were people giving out coffee and snacks outside of mostly closed stores (not much flooding but no power on the west side of the street). One little pet boutique was open and giving away pet food. The Children’s museum had power and satellite internet and was inviting people in to charge their phones and use the internet. They had also set up a small distribution center for water and diapers and dry food supplies (and coffee for anyone who wandered by) On the street there were places to charge one’s phone- especially the South end of Main  (maybe they have the outlets for the bands that play for the Rhythm and Blues concerts?) and Pete was there with his dog and lap top and phone  making friends on the corner when I ran into him and we caught up on our lives,. 
 
Anyway Pete - Looking forward to sharing a meal and/or cup of coffee with you soon.  ☺️ 

Sandy


Aroma’s Bistro


 I met with friends, John and Judy, to have a most wonderful and yes, aromatic meal at Aroma's Bistro. I always ask the staff what they recommend and got several great suggestions. I settled on the rack of lamb which was absolutely delicious. I will be going back to partake in the lunch buffet so that I may broaden my tastes for genuine Indian cuisine. 
We also popped into Kilwinns right next door, which was Devine 😉 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RWLrdk3vZm8ugtAh8?g_st=im







Sunday, October 20, 2024

Word on the street during Hurricane Helene October 7, 2024

 


https://a.co/d/dJgRDK2

I met Barbara while charging all my electronic devices at a downtown charging station during the blackout days of Hurricane Helene, and it turned out to be such an endearing and engaging experience. Just listening to her perspective, her thoughtful and cautiously optimistic words of wisdom, truly made my day. 

I’ve been charging my devices everyday for the past week and everyday and every person I’ve met has pleasantly surprised, enriched and broadened my view of this wonderful world and our wonderful city of Hendersonville, NC. 

Seeing Barbara absorbed in a hardcover book first caught my attention, partly because it felt so out of place in our constantly plugged-in world. We discussed the not only the book but the many thoughts and experiences we shared in common. We parted, I believe, with a renewed feeling of community and In my haste, I didn’t realize that I actually own this book—or at least another by the same author, which, like Barbara, I believe is a brilliant study of human nature.

The title of the book I have in my Kindle library is The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Green https://a.co/d/dJgRDK2


Saturday, October 19, 2024

A full economic recovery in Asheville and Tampa ravaged by Milton and Helene may happen faster than you think | CNN Business

https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/17/business/hurricane-milton-helene-economic-recovery/index.html

Pete

Black Rose - Deluxe

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wkYWm9BUVKqXJZVx8?g_st=im

I had known this restaurant as Black Rose located next to Mezzaluna. I visited the new Deluxe a few times during the early days of Hurricane Helene. Deluxe was open while many other restaurants were closed. They have excellent food and service and went above and beyond the call of duty to keep their doors and hospitality open while, as I mentioned, others closed down. Under these circumstances they were suddenly inundated with hungry hoards of people. While many patrons were supportive, courteous and thankful that they had a safe place to seek shelter from the storm, other people were just plain rude. My friend and I were so disheartened to see this behavior that we made more of an effort to be supportive and give good tips. I will continue to enjoy going downtown Main Street in Hendersonville to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at all these great restaurants and places to shop. These establishments and the people who run them and the people who work here are what makes Hendersonville, Hendersonville. Without their dedication to service and exemplary work ethic Main Street would have  been dark like much of the rest of WNC and without the continued support and patronage of residents and visitors, Hendersonville, our beautiful city of four seasons, will dry up like many small towns leaving us with nothing but McDonalds on the off ramps. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! To the owners and staff of Deluxe, Mezzaluna and other namesakes like Hannah’s and Shine. Thank you for being here and making Hendersonville your home and ours.










Thursday, October 17, 2024

Hands On Children’s Museum

 We brought our grandchildren here years ago but I never knew what a treasure we had in Hands On until this week. Just the restrooms alone were a blessing but Free WiFi saved my friends and family so much worry. These people working here are special and I say that about each and every one of you but special thanks to Debbie for sharing your thoughts and vision for all. We are all neighbors, never strangers just unknown neighbors.










The Elks Lodge #1616 546 N Justice St, Hendersonville, NC 28739

 https://maps.app.goo.gl/U4HkugCftXyeSaTSA?g_st=ic

I had the opportunity to help my neighbor and Elks member Cindy Long deliver meals prepared by the Elks to Hendersonville neighbors facing hurricane hardships. To see all these Hendersonville Elks Lodge family members working side by side to prepare thousands of meals for those in need was truly amazing and inspiring. I was privileged and honored to help out by delivering some of these meals and please know that all of your efforts were greatly appreciated 🥰🥰🥰
















Raymond’s Nursery

 https://maps.app.goo.gl/RJHhxhrPLfHLCzyBA?g_st=ic

10/15/24 It’s been 3 years and 1 Hurricane 



since my last review. All the accolades from my first review have stood the test of time but Nothing could prepare us for the destruction caused by this storm. Still the staff and crew of Raymond’s Nursery have not missed one step in their determination to achieve full recovery. Offering steep discounts while working side by side they still make every customer feel special and appreciated while lifting the spirits of their  Hendersonville Friends and Neighbors. Now, like never before, it is So Important that we, as consumers, Buy Local and find that botanical delight to brighten up our home as we recover from the darkness of Helene.










The Best Garden Center in Hendersonville! If you want to work with a very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff and actually choose the best plants for your home, garden or yard, then Raymond’s is the place to go.


Column | Climate change is transforming homeownership in the U.S. - Washington Post

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/interactive/2024/home-insurance-climate-change-housing-market/

Pete

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Volunteer Hendersonville

It was a cool, crisp, clear, autumn day where the foliage in view was that of neighbors helping neighbors and new friends coming together to lend their time, support and helping hands to those who have been impacted so harshly by the arbitrary wrath of Hurricane Helene.





My neighbor Cindy Long, a force of nature in her own right, was volunteering again and recruiting others for the cause.

I signed up with Sign Up.com which hosts a large number of volunteer opportunities and….

All you have to do is Sign Up! 🤔

To Volunteer in Hendersonville 

https://signup.com/mobileweb/2.0/vspot.html?activitykey=3613728180100#choose_event_page




I signed up to help out at a food collection and distribution warehouse at 118 McAbbe Ct. Flat Rock, NC
You can choose the Time, Date, Place and Hours and the type of work you want to do. When you arrive you log in, you are assigned to a leader and then roll up your sleeves and go to work.





As per what has become the Usual, this turned out to be another productive and greatly rewarding experience. The purpose was to provide food to families impacted by Hurricane Helene. The building is huge, probably measured in acres and had thousands of pounds of donated food, clothing and basic necessities. The process was to fill a box with essentials for a family of four including proteins, vegetables, fruits, grains and snacks for the kids. I spent 3 hours working side by side with some of the nicest people in Hendersonville and beyond. I met a group of computer programmers with the company IMPLAN https://implan.com/ located in Raleigh and  Charlotte 




and dedicated members of the armed forces directing the flow of traffic for the lines of patrons lining up needing supplies.



There was even a Llama providing a therapeutic calm to workers and patrons alike.







Thursday, October 10, 2024

Boodas Brewing Company

https://maps.app.goo.gl/da1pvGRoEMTNRdA19?g_st=im 



When hurricane Helene blew into Hendersonville many local candles were blown out but several were able to stay open and among them was Boodas. On this particular day, just a few in the aftermath, the sky’s were deceptively sunny and blue. I walked Zeke to Boodas and after ordering my beer and burger we took our seats outside. Within minutes we were greeted by Erin who asked how we were doing and offered Zeke a doggy treat. Really that’s all I need to say… Erin, the owner, with her husband, opened their doors as soon as possible after Helene and welcomed us with an open heart and We will always make room for Boodas.
A new food Mecca in Downtown Hendersonville. Opens at 12:00!!!
That’s the headline for me because often times I’d like a cold brew with lunch and Boodas serves up a Great Lunch! I’d say my Boodas Smash burger was one of the best of all time. I’ve been before and I’ll Be Back!




Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Wild Mountain Trading Co.

 Wild Mountain Trading Co.

My Shih Tzu buddy Zeke and  I were so blessed to meet Ed and Dee, owners of Wild Mountain, in the time and circumstances when we made our first acquaintance… the days immediately following the impact of Hurricane Helene. With deviation all around us especially in Asheville and Chimney Rock, Main Street Hendersonville became a golden strip of electric charging stations, providing a glimmer of hope and light for many of us seeking refuge from the storm. Wild Mountain had just moved to the beautiful blue ridge mountains from the 14’rs  of Colorado to reopen their business when their plans were rudely interrupted by Helene. Nonetheless they persevered to open their doors and their hearts to the community providing a warm and welcoming space for us as we made our daily trek for coffee at the Black Bear. Speaking of Coffee, Wild Mountain will soon be brewing up their own blend of essential morning joe. So for myrth, memories, music and mocha that will warm your heart and soul I am so happy that we discovered Wild Mountain and I hope that many more visitors, close friends and new found friends will…

Welcome to Hendersonville 

Wild Mountain Trading Co.


A newfound treasure has emerged on Main Street downtown Hendersonville.



Animal lovers are special people and that only begins to describe how special are Dee and Ed, owners of Wild Mountain Trading.


Musicians are special people too and Ed is an accomplished musician on the classic and yet trending instrument, the Ukulele.