Day 5 Silver Lining

This week I've predicted considerable short-term gloom in three areas: stocks, wine and housing. There are other industries where my predictions would be similar. And, gloomy though they are, I stick by those predictions.

Yet, there is good news amongst the economic hardship stories. Here are three examples.

If you walk down Union Street in San Francisco, you see restaurant after restaurant with empty tables. But here's one — Betelnut — that’s bursting with happy patrons. Cross the street, and almost next door to a nearly silent Italian restaurant, Capannina has a full house. Even in hard times, people patronize the places they love.

In the midst of the East Bay’s horrible housing disaster, one small building firm is booked solid — for the entire year. Why? Those who offer service that exceeds expectations will thrive even in hard times.

And families who pull together will also thrive. I know a family in New England who have lost their home to foreclosure and been forced to move into a much smaller condo. Their response? “The truth is, we’re much happier now. The burden of debt has been lifted, and the family mood is much, much lighter.”

If a rising tide lifts all ships, it doesn't mean that an ebbing tide sinks all ships. Some will survive. Some will thrive. Jokers, I hope you're thriving.

— jules