Friday, May 29, 2020

SPOX's Daily Briefing –The Winners. The Losers. The Heroes.

The pandemic has changed our lives and created a new normal.  The economy has changed with some big winners and some people that suffered greatly. But from this, we created new opportunities for many people. As we go through Phase 1 of the recovery, we can deal with this up-side-down environment.

Essential Businesses and Activities

We declared upfront, that grocery stores, pharmacies, and hospitals are all essential and all should stay open.

But that is where things get fuzzy. The states are making their own lists of what’s essential for the people in their state. There is some sort of an agreement that hardware and home improvement stores, pet supplies (pets need pet food) and distribution centers followed by Churches and Houses of Worship are essential.

Here is a list of some questionable businesses that are open in some states. Gun shops, Marijuana Dispensaries, and Golf courses are open for business.

The Winners

Expanding Business
Many businesses expanded their operations and hired people to take care of the extra load. Some of these were for disinfect supplies, large food chains, meat producers, medical equipment including masks, video games, and on-line ordering all increased.

There were some problems with the meat packaging and a shortage of products but those are getting resolved. The only problem I had was availability of ice for my beverage at night. I solved this by buying a couple of ice trays and making my own.

Stock Market
The stock market fits into the Winner and Loser categories. On 2/12/2020 the market hit its all-time high (29,551). Then the shit hit the fan and the market crashed to the bottom (below 19,000). A month later it started its rally back.

Some people lost their life savings. Others, who had a heads up, dumped their stock before the crash. Now the big spenders are riding the waves of the market and making lots of cash. They start by buying at a low price and waiting for the regular buyers to get into the market which raises the price and then they sell, make a profit and wait for the next wave.

The Losers

Unemployment
Thank God the government stepped in and supported the people who lost their job. For many, it saved their homes, their family, and their sanity.

For others, it was a pay raise.  Some found out they got paid more for staying home and playing video games. Some workers are refusing to go back to work until the subsidy ends.


One unemployed worker said this in his defense, “I have two dogs to take care of. Why should I go back?”

The New Normal

Working at Home
This is definitely a New Normal candidate. It solves so many problems. Travel. Pollution. Social Distancing. Annoying co-workers. Availability of food and drinks.

Of course, so many jobs can’t be done this way. As previously reported, baseball is looking into umpires working from home. It could improve accuracy especially balls and strikes besides there is one less person gathered at the plate.

Personal Masks
Masks have become regular clothing for us socially concerned citizens. One whiskey company is carrying it to the next level. They are furnishing their masks with their logo printed on the front. What makes this unique is they have provided a hole in the middle of the mask to allow the customer to easily slip a straw through the mask. Enjoy.

Delivery Services
The delivery of food and other supplies to your door has become normal. My family regularly orders from our favorite restaurant. They have started a new service: Delivery by Drone.

Last week we ordered a three-course meal and sat on the porch and watched the delivery. Four drones came sweeping over the neighborhood. It looked like a Blue Angels flyover.

Restaurant and Bars
The reopening of these establishments has started with a bang. One owner said that her business did 30% more for the first two weeks than last year. The consumption of alcohol is up although the draft beer drinking curve is flat because of the shortage of CO2.

Our Heroes

Our condolences to those who have lost love ones and to the patients and their family members that continue to fight COVID-19. Salute to our doctors and medical workers and our first responders.

Conclusion
We may change jobs and buying habits but in the end, we will get back to normal. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

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