Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year


As we enter the waning hours of the year I suppose some reflection is in order. The question was raised on another site and I echoed it here as to whether or not Piping was in a recession. I put together and posted a little survey. Judging from the responses I can only assume that Pipers are far too busy to take time to reply (read prosperity) or they can no longer afford their internet connection!

This got me thinking (very dangerous). There really are many different economies to consider. If you work for a large company you haven’t seen a raise, probably have experienced some manner of work furlough, and possibly a cut in wages and or benefits, all the while experiencing no cut in living expenses. This economy really sucks!

On the other hand, if you are self employed and you service a local need you are probably doing rather well. You have not experienced any reduction of income and so your purchasing power relative to your neighbor who is sweating out a “pink slip” in his next check has improved.

For example, you are the village Piper. People continue to die (sad but inevitable) and you are continuing to pipe them home. People are depressed about the current economy, but they continue to socialize at the pubs, one of the last amenities surrendered. So, you continue to get gigs there. Now your compensation may not always be in cash (maybe car repairs, meals, chickens, pigs, etc.) but you are still compensated.

Maybe we need to reorganize our society around the micro economy, rather than the macro economy and let the bankers and brokers eat each other.

Just my thoughts at the end of a rather remarkable year. Regardless, have a Happy and far more prosperous 2010.

Slainte,
Pops

Sunday, December 27, 2009

A peaceful Saturday



White Tanks Cemetery is frequently defamed by the media. It is a place where the poor often go as well as those who are “unknown” or "unclaimed". It is Maricopa County's "Potter's Field" and it is maintained and improved out of a very tight county budget, the landscaping lagging behind the burials by years.

But those resting here are not forgotten. All life is sacred and no passing should ever go unnoticed or unmourned. As you can see in the attached video, there are such humble markers as poor families can afford, and judging from the fresh flowers and arrangements I find there every Saturday these graves are visited frequently by loved ones.