For the entire length of the housing bubble I could find a 50 cent can of Mt. Dew, no more, 79 -80 cents everywhere, the rocket-fuel of American industrial productivity. A bit more of this price increase stuff and I may have to drink coffee. I imagine a huge productivity decrease as a result. Most likely, the Red Bull people feel the same way. And you know what Alan Greenspan said about inflation and productivity gains, don'tchya? Inflation does not count if it is accompanied by gains in productivity. So then...
 

Yeah I've noticed price hikes at the grocery store. Like I said, I don't trust the BLS' "seasonal adjustment." I think they are still downplaying inflation, because the dumb public then says, "Oh my gosh, prices aren't rising fast enough!? Ben please print another trillion."
 

Bob,
I have a question for you that I'm not sure where to raise in your blog so I'll post it here (I am, after all, looking for Free Advice). My question is about a comparison of Lehman Brothers' current financial health and future prospects to Bank of America and Citigroup. First the background, then the question. I recently spoke with a client who worked extensively with Lehman on real estate deals and he mentioned in passing that he was working on a deal with Lehman. Naturally, I thought that was curious and asked for clarification. He assured me it was in fact Lehman and that Lehman has about $7 billion in cash to use towards operations and transactions!!! My guess is that in about 6-10 months Lehman will emerge from bankruptcy with its balance sheet in order and in strong financial footing without any government bailout of any sort!So here is the question, is anyone currently preparing an analysis of Lehman Brothers' operations during bankruptcy and comparing it to Bank of America, Citigroup or AIG? I bet that many taxpayers would be surprised to learn that Lehman has not disappeared off the face of the planet and will likely emerge from bankruptcy in a far healthier position without a government bailout.