For something that big to turn around, it takes a lot longer than 14 years, my friend. Especially when the civilization it pertains to continues on the same economic path. Not to say that it won't turn around if it doesn't stay on that path, but it definitely adds time to it.

Regarding the tables that you cited, if you look at just 08-09 there is a change in the percentage of exports to imports with China. Maybe not overly significant, but a change nonetheless (about 2% if you trust my usually-off mathematical skills)....

If you look at 1985 (in the tables you cited), they ratio of exports to imports is relatively close.

I'm not saying that the tables are incorrect, as I do not know for certain either way, but about.com is not exactly a reputable source either. Now, if you linked this data to a government or esteemed academic site and the data read the same....it would be more believable.

quote:

I'm not saying that the tables are incorrect, as I do not know for certain either way, but about.com is not exactly a reputable source either. Now, if you linked this data to a government or esteemed academic site and the data read the same....it would be more believable.

The charts are U.S. census bureau reports.

Quote."For something that big to turn around, it takes a lot longer than 14 years, my friend. Especially when the civilization it pertains to continues on the same economic path. Not to say that it won't turn around if it doesn't stay on that path, but it definitely adds time to it"

Like I said. Hope sprins eternal.

I thought I saw that in the credits on there, but *shrugs* you never can tell and I didn't have the time to check the Census Bureau's site to be sure that they are an accurate depiction.

I think I agree about the medical deal as an anchor - just based on when I lived in Elmhurst - right now, friends tell me, everyone is very happy that Elmhurst Hospital will still be using the old building for ancillary services, as well as Elmhurst Clinic still maintaining a presence in the downtown area. Heck, I still go to Elmhurst Dental and Elmurst Clinic, as a long-standing patient - and manage to spend some time in Elmhurst every time I wander by (which is four times a year for my internist alone).

But I remember some residents whining when the hospital wanted to upgrade the downtown location and when the Clinic was swapping some parking space with Jewel.

Honestly, I don't think it would hurt to have some major service chain store in the CBD - the way downtown Elmhurst has a Jewel and a Walgreens, plus the medical facilities. Yes, sorry, not a big fan of that grocer downtown, since they're never open when I get off the train, and the other drug store was cute, but hours were awful for a working woman.

Also, does anyone know why Classic Cinemas never took a run at the Glen? Although, I remember when the York wanted to fix itself up, the then-treasurer (a Cronin sister) was dead-set against offering any town money. Thank goodness she lost, thank goodness the York upgraded, and thank goodness there are actually a few places at different price points to eat in Elmhurst, both quickly and for more of a sit down experience, that go along with the folks going to the York for a show.

Also, what does it take to get building owners to actually upgrade their buildings - I don't see the point of cutting a tax break for rundown buildings if money isn't put into upgrading them as a trade-off. Maybe I just don't understand why people let their retail buildings get so, ah, less than useful? That said, the BW Snackery is beautiful - I've gone there on purpose just to support them, but it's often a lonely walk by darkened store windows on the way back to the train parking lot.

quote:

Originally posted by GESingleMom2:
I thought I saw that in the credits on there, but *shrugs* you never can tell and I didn't have the time to check the Census Bureau's site to be sure that they are an accurate depiction.

They are!

[quote From GESM2.Do you have any data (from a reputable source, please) that supports where we stood in comparison (as far as exports vs. imports) to Canada and Mexico when NAFTA first came to be?[/quote]
Canada

Mexico

But hope springs eternal!

The more I read about the trade deficit and the decline in manufacturing jobs the more unnerved I get. It's starting to appear to me that our economy has basically been a ponzi scheme for the last 30 years or so. Private sector job losses have been replaced by new public sector jobs, and the growing service economy and much of what's left of manufacturing appears to profit to various extent directly or indirectly from servicing government. Basically we invest, (pay tax) a bit of our money and earn incredible returns through Federal deficit spending, and State and municipal borrowing (which is our money that must eventually be payed back with interest). I'm hard pressed to think of an industry that does not profit from government spending on goods and services. Doesn't seem to matter if you're a public or private employee- governemnt borrows money in our name and spends it on us to invest in the economy. A game that can only be temporarily sustained through constant borrowing.

Thanks for posting the Census Bureau's direct link, Graham.

Exactly, Bio! Nail on the head, my friend. I am in support of NAFTA, though it absolutely has its downside(s). But what you said is exactly right. We can't depend on one or two particular programs or solutions to our problems. Our economy is constantly changing and the available programs to combat the negative aspects also must constantly change in order to keep up and efficiently do what they're intended to do. Unfortunately, the bureacracy in our government doesn't allow for the necessary speed which causes every program to appear completely useless by the time their all embraced.

I was just at Town Square on Sunday. I was chatting with one of the retailers and she said the 10 year lease was a false rumor. Apparently the Oak Brook William and Sonoma is doing bad so they are closing the Wheaton and Naperville stores.

It has been my experience that retailers will "blame the landlord" when their business is going poorly.

You will tend to hear rumors (10 year lease thingy)

Or see the ever so stupid "Lost our Lease" sign.

It's a lame way for a retailer to "shift" blame.

So, you lost your lease? Well come over to the office and I'll print you up a new one.

I don't know of any landlord who would terminate the lease unless the tenant was not abiding by the terms memorialized in writing.

quote:

Originally posted by southge:
I was just at Town Square on Sunday. I was chatting with one of the retailers and she said the 10 year lease was a false rumor. Apparently the Oak Brook William and Sonoma is doing bad so they are closing the Wheaton and Naperville stores.

Interesting and I just received this email tonight from Williams-Sonoma which makes you wonder what is happening.

"We are Closing Williams-Sonoma Wheaton Town Square
121 Town Square
Wheaton, IL 60189
Nearest Locations


Williams-Sonoma Oakbrook
142 Oakbrook Center
Oakbrook, IL 60523

Williams-Sonoma Naperville
9 West Jackson Ave, Suite 103Naperville, IL 60540Williams-Sonoma Geneva322 Commons Drive, Space #2120Geneva, IL 60134

Our store at Wheaton Town Square will permanently close for business as of Sunday, January 17th, 2010. Make sure to drop in for your last chance to shop at this Williams-Sonoma store. "

It's the whole 10-year lease thing; I heard about this last week when I was getting my hair cut at Frank Gironda. There may be more defections soon...

Had a friend who worked for W&S. They've been hurt hard by the downturn.

Other than Bed Bath and Beyond, who hasn't been hurt?

Depends on how you define hurt I guess. Some retailers hold their own or even thrive in recessions.

See my post above. Its not the 10 year lease ( thats a bad rumor). William sononma is going to close the Naperville store too. Although I have to admit. I went in at Thanksgiving and the table cloths were over $100. Who wants to spill gravy on that?