Time to buy some more lipstick

 

As I searched my trusty telecom dictionary for a term a potential customer used in an email which I had never heard of before, I came across an entry for "lipstick indicator".  I was intrigued and searched for the term online.  I came across this explanation on http://www.investopedia.com.  Interesting concept and it makes sense.  I just never thought of it as being an indicator of a shaky economy.  I can only imagine how much lipstick must be selling nowadays. 

 

Leading Lipstick Indicator

 

 An indicator based on the theory that a consumer turns to less expensive indulgences, such as lipstick, when she (or he) feels less than confident about the future. Therefore, lipstick sales tend to increase during times of economic uncertainty or a recession. 

 

 This term was coined by Leonard Lauder (chairman of Estee Lauder), who consistently found that during tough economic times, his lipstick sales went up. Believe it or not, the indicator has been quite a reliable signal of consumer attitudes over the years. For example, in the months following the September 11 terrorist attacks, lipstick sales doubled. 

One down, four to go

Rooster or hen? That has been the burning question at the Allen house since we first got the chickens. We have heard many things we should have looked for when we bought them, but it is a bit late for that now and I really can't remember if the sign said cockerels or pullets. So, we've been crossing our fingers and hoping for a group of hens. We're raising the chickens for eggs, so we don't need a rooster and plan to eat whoever has the, well, nerve to be male.

As much as they still gross me out, I have learned to appreciate their different personalities. The two large brown chickens are quiet and reserved. The two light brown ones are spastic balls of energy. And then there was Stimpy.

Stimpy is a silky chicken of some type, with soft white feathers and black skin. Stimp is the first one on the scene when I toss in treats like blackberries or apples, but very docile when I clean the cage - never pecking me or jumping at me like those stupid light brown chickens. Definitely my favorite.

And this morning, Stimpy greeted me by CROWING. Sigh… I feel so betrayed. I wonder how black chicken tastes?