This is not a joke. If only it were.
1) Wear an “I Support the Economy Sticker.” If you live in New York, free stickers are available at The Shops at Atlas Park. If you want free stickers mailed to you, for yourself or to give out at your workplace or organization, please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to “The Atlas Solution,” Suite 8306, 71-19 80th Street, Glendale, NY 11385.
2) Spend some money! Every dollar counts! Go ahead, buy your mom or boyfriend a present, or even treat yourself! Feel better knowing that you are demonstrating your confidence in the future of our economy, and that your spending is part of The Atlas Solution.
3) Better yet, invest some money! Most people sadly buy high and sell low out of fear. Now is the perfect time to buy low and hold, which is the best way to invest. A basic guide to investing can be found here.
4) Start your own business! When you work, not only do you earn money, but you help bring value to the economy through whatever goods or services you are helping provide.
5) Tell your local shopping center about The Atlas Solution, and this site! Urge them to join The Atlas Solution.
It is, however, a “fully integrated buzz marketing campaign“, complete with YouTube trailer. Yuk.
The scheme is not just stickers. Oh no. The marketeers have dreamt up an entire Atlas Solution for the US economy around Atlas Park in Queens - “New York’s first lifestyle retail centre” (double yuk).
Mish’s Global Economic Trend Analysis is scathing, but is taking it semi-seriously, and puts this non-solution in a post along with the various monoline bailout non-solutions.
As part of the Atlas wheeze, owner Damon Hemmerdinger is giving away $20,000 - or 5 cents per square foot of retail at Atlas Park - over 25 days starting on President’s Day on Monday. So there’s intially $5,000 in $200 lumps, which will be given away in public locations around Queens by Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty.
A further $15,000 will be given away around Atlas Park itself, starting from February 22 - but only to those wearing that all-important sticker.
This is not all just a publicity stunt, you understand. This is to stimulate the local economy. It’s a mini-me for the Economic Stimulus Act. Atlas will be giving out cash until the end of April, when the government will take over. They’re even offering free parking!
And want shopping centres across the country to get involved in their quest, injecting a total of $340m to save the US from recession.
Each of us really can make a difference. Spend. Invest. Spread the word about The Atlas Solution.
Spend spend spend, people. Then lose your home.
