28 January 2011

Linking Aid to Food, Food to Riots, Riots to Change

Obviously, with Egypt rioting, and as we've seen Greece rioting and Ireland rioting over the past 12 months or so, is it hard to wonder just where the world is headed?

Travel over to Phil's Stock World to have a look at this article discussing inflation and the correlation of the coming storm in food price shock, hunger, and revolutions (oh, and a funny cartoon of Keith Overbite).

Furthering the discussion of food, riots, and revolutions, several other interesting articles have been published today.  First, the Financial Times (Google the text of this link for the article http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/cf0a73bc-2a44-11e0-b906-00144feab49a.html#axzz1CLWPoe6W) offers an assessment that developed countries are stock piling food as fast as they can.  Some have increased their demands as much as four fold from the year prior.

Considering that items like sugar are up 30% in cost in less than one year's, today's theme is price inflation with a lack of coresponding wage inflation (for those who even have jobs).  We've now watched the PIIGS transition to the Balkans, and back to Northern Africa.  How long before the full Middle East is revolting and the revolts traverse the Atlantic? 

BOGO Champagne Causing Shortages?

Apparently, during the economic down turn, many retailers of Champagne offered Buy One Get One offers that have now caused acute supply problems.

My guess is, it's simply the Davos Ponzi Financial Conference of the world's top 1%. 

Inflation? Where? There's No Stinkin' Inflation!

Late in 2010, Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways planned to merge their companies.  Seemed like a good idea for the customer and the companies on the whole, but how about their financial? 

From the Baltimore Biz Journal, Air Tran's financial position was impacted by a 27.8% increase in fuel costs.  Though, in pure FedChair speak, HeloBen has continued to say recently that inflationary pressure remain muted.  Ahhh, what?  The treasury secretary is saying that inflation threats are not that important?

Someone please go ask the people of Tunisia or Egypt how that is effecting their lives lately. 

Toning Down the Rhetoric, Hang 'em High Edition

Seems that now that we are moving away from the whole "target" and "gun" references in political language, "rope" and "noose" references are perfectly fair game, at least according to Dem Tom Harkin.  So much for "civility" huh?





H/T to Hot Air.