Economy Falling to Pieces?

Let's see, the DOW dropped nearly 400 points yesterday. The US dollar, which is used to value the companies in the DOW, is in the toilet and has been for some time. Everything seems to cost more, especially gas...and insurance, and food...everything except houses, which are practically free, available from your local bank. I'd say things aren't looking so great. What should we do in tough times like these? Buy Gold? Silver? Just lay low?

Nonsense! Go get a jigsaw puzzle! Few consumer items (or commodities) have the intrinsic value of a jigsaw puzzle. They're fun to do, mentally stimulating, they take a long time, and by and large they're cheap. They're the perfect activity for anyone sitting at the kitchen table reading the want ads. And it may be a long wait for the guy to come and repossess your X BOX or furniture. Why sit there are fret over it? Instead do a puzzle. Plus, since it's made from paper, you can always burn it if they turn off your heat. Heck you can even eat it if things get really desperate!

Seriously though, jigsaw puzzles provide lots of bang for the buck. Historically, they've sold really well when the economy slows. TUCO puzzles, one of the greatest of American puzzle brands, in fact started in 1932 when The Upson COmpany was struggling to find buyers of its wallboard products - that's why they were so thick. Other, lesser known brands started then as well. Basically, when people start tightening their belts, they look for closer-knit family activities, high value Christmas presents...you know, heavy things in bright, colorful boxes that don't cost very much. To many, this means jigsaw puzzles.

Anyway, hang in there. And, if you're really down on your luck, just remember that $10 worth of returnable beer cans not only helps the nation's recycling efforts, but it'll also buy a pretty nice 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. Bon appetit!

NOTE: please do not eat your jigsaw puzzles, and if you do, please do not say that I told you to, because I was just kidding, okay?