Houston Chronicle a few days ago ran an article about the lottery ticket sales have declined around the state. They are ignoring the ecomnomy/credit crunch, and instead are blaming low sales on scratch off designs. The Texas lottery commision will rededign the lottery tickets to attract more buyers.

and lastly, about 2 weeks ago i went to the antique shopping event in Roundtop TX, and not many people were there, vendors have noticed less people shopping, to the tune of more than 50% from 6 months ago.

The Oregon Symphony for the past three months has offered two-for-one ticket bargains, which were unheard of nine months ago. Today's newpaper ad inserts have kiddie and adult Christmas toys already heavilly discounted. I'll be looking to see what the impacts are if any at several of the annual fundraising events I attend in Oct. and Nov.