Oct. 12, 2008

Andy Gets Down To Business

Everything Is Getting More Expensive, Except Stock Prices

  • Photo

     (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)

(CBS) 

The following is a weekly 60 Minutes commentary by CBS News correspondent Andy Rooney.



I guess we've all been reading about how bad business is. If business is bad I should think the first thing business would do is lower its prices so customers would buy more of what businesses has to sell.

Have you noticed that you're paying less for anything than you were a few years ago, or even a few weeks ago? Every time I buy something it costs more, not less, than the last time I bought it. I don't care whether it's a loaf of bread or a diamond ring - it's gonna be more. Not that I buy that many diamond rings.

Here's a full page ad for Mercedes Benz cars: the most expensive Mercedes costs $122,480. Can you imagine going to the store for a loaf of bread in a car that cost $122,000? And by the way, this loaf of bread cost me $3.19 this morning. I remember when the same loaf was about a quarter.

It isn't just cars and bread that are getting more expensive either. We went to the movies the other night and a ticket to get in cost $12. That's $24 for two of us. You used to go to the movies to escape the commercials on television, now you go to a movie and when the lights go out, they give you 12 minutes of commercials, just like television before the picture begins. So by the time the movie actually started the other night I'd already finished my $6.00 bag of popcorn.

Remember when they said that television would be the end of the motion picture business? Well that never happened, and I think $12 to get into a movie and $6.00 for a bag of popcorn is more apt to kill movies than television is.

The price of everything always goes up, we all know that but when I was a kid my mother bought a box of corn flakes for about 15 cents. Now a box costs more than $4.00 and for fewer flakes, too probably.

It just seems like everything is going up except the stock market!




Written by Andy Rooney
© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Add a Comment See all 27 Comments
by my2centsnow October 12, 2008 8:05 PM PDT
Sure, I understand and agree with the overall message, however the reality is that in the industry where I work (technology), that the price of a computer has gone down from years ago.

The truth is that not everything, has gone up! I pay less for internet service today (competition in my local market has forced prices down).
Reply to this comment
by chuckcyn October 12, 2008 8:26 PM PDT
Andy Rooney just did a piece (Oct. 12, 2008) on constantly increasing prices no matter how well or poorly the economy is doing. Agreed! But Andy used an example that had me rolling in the aisle. He recounted how he had recently gone to the movies and had to pay $12.00 for a ticket. Now, Andy is 85 if he is a minute and there isn''t a movie theater on earth that wouldn''t offer him a senior discount. Not to mention, he has told us repeatedly over the years just how cheap he is, and you can bet your *** he''d be the first to insist upon one. So, Andy, if you''re reading this, I''d like you to apologize for handing us a line. Keep it up and I might start doubting 60 Minutes coverage on just about everything.

Chuck Wahrhaftig
Reply to this comment
by chuckcyn October 12, 2008 8:28 PM PDT
Andy Rooney just did a piece (Oct. 12, 2008) on constantly increasing prices no matter how well or poorly the economy is doing. Agreed! But Andy used an example that had me rolling in the aisle. He recounted how he had recently gone to the movies and had to pay $12.00 for a ticket. Now, Andy is 85 if he is a minute and there isn''t a movie theater on earth that wouldn''t offer him a senior discount. Not to mention, he has told us repeatedly over the years just how cheap he is, and you can bet your *** he''d be the first to insist upon one. So, Andy, if you''re reading this, I''d like you to apologize for handing us a line. Keep it up and I might start doubting 60 Minutes coverage on just about everything.

Chuck Wahrhaftig
Reply to this comment
by janjan1943 October 12, 2008 8:32 PM PDT
Andy, well duh.....all prices up..you failed
to acknowledge gas prices down 1.00 a gallon!!!

All the whining for months about gas prices...
one thing good that has happened...oil prices
dropped and gas down 1.00 a gallon. But then
of course a liberal commentator like you would
never acknowledge that the price of gas which affected
us all is now way down!!!

Heaven forbid you should acknowledge anything
positive!...nor have any of your other liberal
Democrat buddies!
Reply to this comment
by kleenex3 October 12, 2008 11:15 PM PDT
Please tell Andy to clip his eyebrows. It is painless and will take 15 years off his age. I can''t understand why he hasn''t done it up to now. Fran Goldman
Reply to this comment
by kleenex3 October 12, 2008 11:17 PM PDT
Plese tell Andy to trim his eyebrows. It is painless and will take 15 years off his age. I can''t understand why he hasn''t done it up to now? Fran Goldman
Reply to this comment
by joenikk October 13, 2008 1:35 AM PDT
Dear Mr. Rooney.
There I am again, writing the story for free for you, when your write a man a permission slip to deflate your economy, you should know what''s gonna happen.

Now there''s the first comment. At least that person has the common sense to realise that. Why, anyone with a permission slip, to hold a person down and do that to him, might get in big trouble otherwise.

And, there goes Leh. Bros. again. I wonder if they found those stock papers I was looking for yet. Seems the way I remember it, everybody was for giving them permission to do exactly that anyhow.
Reply to this comment
by helloall34 October 13, 2008 9:12 AM PDT
Andy, well duh.....all prices up..you failed
to acknowledge gas prices down 1.00 a gallon!!!

All the whining for months about gas prices...
one thing good that has happened...oil prices
dropped and gas down 1.00 a gallon. ...

Posted by janjan1943 at 08:32 PM : Oct 12, 2008
===================

Wow!! you are really caught up in party politics. You need to learn why gas prices have dropped. It is one case where a drop in price is NOT real good news. The good news is the price is never going back to where it was 6 years ago (under 1.50 a gallon). This means the era of the gas guzzler is finally over in this country and we have a chance to research and move towards renewable energy. We can do this if people aren''t so resistant to change that their primary energy plan is "drill, drill drill".
Reply to this comment
by helloall34 October 13, 2008 9:21 AM PDT
Sure, I understand and agree with the overall message, however the reality is that in the industry where I work (technology), that the price of a computer has gone down from years ago.

The truth is that not everything, has gone up! I pay less for internet service today (competition in my local market has forced prices down).

Posted by my2centsnow at 08:05 PM : Oct 12, 2008
=======================

Ahh yes, the necessities of life; high speed internet and computers. R&D in this area is going to start to shrink. The huge potential profits are now elsewhere (renewable energy), the computer technology that has been developed is just a tool in the toolbox. We''ll continue to use the tools, but it is what we develop with the tools that will be important in the future. You can''t eat a computer.
Reply to this comment
by helloall34 October 13, 2008 9:21 AM PDT
Sure, I understand and agree with the overall message, however the reality is that in the industry where I work (technology), that the price of a computer has gone down from years ago.

The truth is that not everything, has gone up! I pay less for internet service today (competition in my local market has forced prices down).

Posted by my2centsnow at 08:05 PM : Oct 12, 2008
=======================

Ahh yes, the necessities of life; high speed internet and computers. R&D in this area is going to start to shrink. The huge potential profits are now elsewhere (renewable energy), the computer technology that has been developed is just a tool in the toolbox. We''ll continue to use the tools, but it is what we develop with the tools that will be important in the future. You can''t eat a computer.
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 11:17 AM PDT
WHY WHY WHY has no one at CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should!! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported. And thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then, and almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night...and even for the tears that come with bad news here & there. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 11:22 AM PDT
WHY WHY WHY has no one at CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported. And thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then, and almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night...and even for the tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 11:25 AM PDT
WHY WHY WHY has no one at CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported. And thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then, and almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night...and even for the tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 11:28 AM PDT
WHY WHY WHY has no one at CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported. And thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then, and almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night...and even for the tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 11:30 AM PDT
WHY WHY WHY has no one at CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported. And thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then, and almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night...and even for the tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 11:35 AM PDT
WHY WHY WHY has no one at CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported. And thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then, and almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night...and even for the tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 11:38 AM PDT
WHY WHY WHY has no one at CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported.

Thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then,& almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night...and even for tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 11:42 AM PDT
WHY WHY WHY has no one at CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported.

Thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then,& almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night...and even for tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 11:49 AM PDT
WHYWHYWHY has no one @ CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported.

Thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then,& almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night, & even for tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 12:11 PM PDT
WHYWHYWHY has no one @ CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported.

Thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then,& almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night, & even for tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 12:18 PM PDT
WHYWHYWHY has no one @ CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported.

Thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then,& almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night, & even for tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 1:10 PM PDT
WHYWHYWHY has no one @ CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported.

Thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then,& almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night, & even for tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 1:23 PM PDT
WHYWHYWHY has no one @ CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported.

Thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then,& almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night, & even for tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 1:31 PM PDT
WHYWHYWHY has no one @ CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported.

Thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then,& almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night, & even for tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 1:32 PM PDT
WHYWHYWHY has no one @ CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported.

Thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then,& almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night, & even for tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 1:32 PM PDT
WHYWHYWHY has no one @ CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the aerial wolf slayer? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported.

Thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then,& almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night, & even for tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
by revesdepaix October 13, 2008 1:37 PM PDT
WHYWHYWHY has no one @ CBS NEWS reported on the findings of the Alaska Ethics Board re. OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE by Sarah Palin?? Not a peep out of CBS NEWS all weekend, or Monday AM either. What gives with your lazy buddies, Andy? Are they afraid to take on the "aerial wolf slayer"? Tell them to read the pdf. file re. the findings of her insane behavior, and her veep chances will evaporate, as well they should! Thanks for allowing me to sound off on your little corner of CBS. Since the other corners have no access, I thought you would enjoy hearing some of the news that DOES NOT get reported.

Thanks for your comments on everything from rocket science to rat droppings. I wait with eager anticipation for the meager few minutes they give you each week on air...it''s pure delight, even if I don''t agree with you now & then. Besides, it''s mostly then,& almost never now. Thanks for the smile you reliably put on my face every Sunday night, & even for tears that come with bad news. I relish your time colliding with mine!
Reply to this comment
See all 27 Comments
  • MOST POPULAR
  • Viewed
  • Commented
60 Minutes RSS Feed