Let them eat cake

Let them eat cake:

Global demand for grain and oilseeds is at record levels, causing the nation's grain stocks to reach critically low levels, according to Purdue University agricultural economist Chris Hurt.

With a weak U.S. dollar and global demand so high, foreign buyers are outbidding domestic buyers for American grain, Hurt said.

And somebody said "Time for the Atkins Diet." Well.... according Mr Hust, "More than 70 percent of Nebraska corn crop this year could go to ethanol production." And what do pigs and cows and chickens like? Corn!

And there's more: U.S. home prices dropped 9% in the final quarter of 2007 from a year earlier. That's the steepest decline in the 20-year history of the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index.

And more.... Gasoline prices, which for months lagged the big run-up in the price of oil, are suddenly rising quickly, with some experts fearing they could hit $4 a gallon by spring. Diesel is hitting new records daily and oil closed at an all-time high on Tuesday of $100.88 a barrel.

A little bit more..... Prices for finished energy goods — gasoline and home heating oil, for example — rose 1.5% in January, while food prices increased 1.7%, the biggest bump in four years. Over 12 months ended in January, prices for finished energy goods climbed 22.6%.

About that quote, "Let them eat cake." I'm told that Marie Antoinette never uttered the words.

But I think they're appropriate now.
 

Canadian Troops?

I came this piece on Canada.com: Canada and the U.S. have signed an agreement that paves the way for the militaries from either nation to send troops across each other's borders during an emergency.

Neither the Canadian government nor the Canadian Forces announced the new agreement, which was signed Feb. 14 in Texas.

The U.S. military's Northern Command, however, publicized the agreement with a statement outlining how its top officer, Gen. Gene Renuart, and Canadian Lt.-Gen. Marc Dumais, head of Canada Command, signed the plan, which allows the military from one nation to support the armed forces of the other nation during a civil emergency.

 There are specific prohibitions on the US using against civilians. The Posse Comitatus Act comes to mind, and the introduction of Canadian troops only complicates the matter.

Why is that important? Well, I don't really know. But I find it odd.

Verse: Philippians 4:8

In my last posting I set out the dangers to the lack of knowledge.

This a starting point whether you are a newcomer or veteran.

The words Paul said to the Philippians were words of encouragement, and those words hold true for us, today, too. And it's a message for every body.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Thinking precedes action. If people would lets their minds dwell upon honesty, justice, purity, loveliness, virtue, things that of good report, and Godly praise, there would be a notable decrease in swearing, lying, killing, stealing, committing adultery, blood toucheth blood. (incest)

And if the teachers let their minds dwell on honesty, justice, purity, loveliness, virtue, things that of good report, and Godly praise, there would be less need for caution when choosing a teacher. But we live in an imperfect world, and even the best of up make missteps.

Set your mind on these things, and choose a teacher who holds these things dear. And be mindful of the last sentence.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.