[A. Pole]

So far, spending was fueled mostly by debt, as consumers took advantage of bedrock-low interest rates to whip out their credit cards and refinance their mortgages.

Don't worry, be happy!

[Brellium]

Not me, I'm on my third raise this year (past 6 months), and I might just manage a fourth.

It's not bad to see your income increase 40% in one year without having to switch companies.

[Clintonfatigued]

Republicans owe much of their electoral success to crossovers from patriotic, socially conservative, working-class voters. Their views on non-economic issues are the reason why. But if this trend continues, it gives the 'Rats an opening. Republicans are already hobbed by an image as the anything-business-wants-to-hell-with-everybody-else party. Issues such as stagnant wages and offshoring could drive these voters away.

[snopercod]

I said "What the heck", yesterday and decided to BBQ a couple of steaks since we hadn't done that for about 6 months, the price being so high and all.

I bought two little rib-eyes, a half-pint of sour cream for the potatoes, and a head of lettuce and two tomatoes for the green salad. (I already had the potatoes, Texas Toast, steak sauce, and frozen veggies at home).

The grocery bill was $18, not counting the gas to drive to the store.

I wonder how restaurants are coping with syrocketing food prices. Beef, chicken, pork, dairy products, vegetables...all about double from last year.

Thank goodness beer is still the same.