» Posted by Martin Weil on May 13, 2008

The NY Times has an excellent graphic (registration required) detailing the components that make up the official US inflation measurement (CPI). In it, you will learn that, of the pieces that make up CPI, the largest percentage increase in the last year was, unsurprisingly, in energy costs, with fuel oil increasing 48% since March 2007. On the other end, girls' clothes declined by 9% and TVs 18%. although the latter is a manipulated number and not a reflection of what you or I actually would pay for a new TV today.

» Posted by Martin Weil on April 30, 2008

Police in southern China have discovered a factory manufacturing Free Tibet flags, media reports say. The factory in Guangdong had been completing overseas orders for the flag of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

Reported by Neatorama

» Posted by Martin Weil on April 21, 2008

Some folks celebrate their last home mortgage payment by setting fire to their loan agreement. Lately, some people behind on their mortgages are simply setting fire to their homes.

From this article in the LA Times (registration required)

» Posted by Martin Weil on April 21, 2008

In a surprisingly populist tone, this weekend's edition of the Wall Street Journal examines the income gap between rich and poor in the US. The article (subscription required) finds vast disparities in the economy of the last 6 years, with literally all of the economic gains accruing to the top 10% of the wealth spectrum. The graph below tells the whole story in one picture.

» Posted by Martin Weil on April 15, 2008

One possibility - Give it away.

Modest Needs exists "To prevent otherwise financially self-sufficient individuals and families from entering the cycle of poverty, when this might be avoided with a small amount of well-timed financial assistance."