What cost $0.25 in 1970 would cost $1.37 in 2009.
You could also compare the cost of bread, the minimum wage or other items on a current year to a historical price.
In the end, you realize - we are soooooo screwed, so why bother - there is nothing you can do but watch.
Published inflation. A 1964 quarter, contains $5.00 in metal. To me, that is actual (measured) inflation.
And yes, we are sooo screwed.
No, it is not necessarily inflation.
It is the ever expanding cost of MONEY, the cost of using money backed by debt. Watch the video when you have the time. It is entertaining, and covers a lot of basics.