I turned 19 as btc was launched. I remember sitting in the college cafeteria and vaguely noting the newscaster discussing an issue with the economy. I dropped out a few months later. When I returned to my hometown I was able to get another job at a prior employer, a copy shop. There was a banner on the wall proclaiming, “where’s my bailout?”

All of this went over my head. Life continued as normal. I got married, had kids, got divorced, had to move back to my hometown again. This time I feel the money issues. We talk about how far a few hundred dollars goes at the local grocery store. How a few years ago it was $50 for a full basket and now it’s $200. Fast food for four routinely exceeds $50. It once was less than $20. They all complain about people gouging us. I meekly explain why supply and demand is an important concept.

Anyhow…