[ClearCase_guy]

I hate to say it, but the Black Death killed more than a third of Europe off in the 14th century, and it sparked enormous economic and cultural growth.

[central_va]

The problem is greed. Every tom, dick and harry wants a mobile phone, cable tv and a euro sedan. These things were luxuries 30 yrs ago. I remember my Dad bringing home our first color TV - in 1967. It was a big deal. We got a window A/C unit and I thought we were royalty...

[Colinsky]

I hate to say it, but the Black Death killed more than a third of Europe off in the 14th century, and it sparked enormous economic and cultural growth.

The Black Death disproportionately affected the urban poor because of their rat-infested living conditions.