The Cody News (June 9, 2006)

With Oil's Cash, Venezuelans Consume

By JENS ERIK GOULD
Published: June 8, 2006

CARACAS, Venezuela, June 7 — On a recent Sunday morning here, free-spending customers have emptied Vintage, a trendy upscale bar, of nearly all its best vodka. At the Castellana Chevrolet dealership nearby, buyers wait eight months to get the keys to cars they paid for long ago.

Confusing how this author seems to take some of the concepts of supply-side economics and writes as if this evil despot's methodical theft of the property and wealth of Venezuela's people has some parallels. While it's nice to read the anecdotes of how a few cronies and otherwise privileged few in the country are spending, Venezuela's certainly not in any type of cycle of empowering the "consumer".


None Too Friendly: Allegations Swirl At Ice Cream Shop

By JOHN HECHINGER
June 9, 2006; Page A1

WILBRAHAM, Mass. -- In a tweed jacket and paisley bow tie, 91-year-old S. Prestley Blake strode to the microphone at Friendly Ice Cream Corp.'s annual meeting last month. His voice quavering, he accused directors of "covering up" improper spending by the chairman. Executives gave the shareholder a frosty reception, interrupting him and even threatening to have him removed.

Sad story, but if the CEO's making self-dealing business transactions and using company money for private purposes, what leg does he have to stand on? It is what it is, no?


What Happens if Inflation Is Overstated?

By FLOYD NORRIS
Published: June 9, 2006

AMONG some Americans, it is almost an article of faith that the Consumer Price Index understates inflation — there are conspiracy theories about why that happens. After all, holding down the C.P.I. saves the government money in a variety of ways and hurts those with pension or Social Security benefits linked to the index.

Heads, the bulls win. Tails, the bears lose, I guess. Why does anyone even care what inflation rate is reported by the endlessly manipulated and adjusted and re-adjusted numbers from those who have political motivations to lie to the public?


At MoMA, Douglas Gordon: The Hourglass Contortionist

By KEN JOHNSON
Published: June 9, 2006

THOUGH relatively few have seen it, and hardly anyone has sat through the whole thing, Douglas Gordon's "24 Hour Psycho" has become one of those mythic monuments — like Robert Smithson's "Spiral Jetty" or Vito Acconci's "Seedbed" — that embody the dreams, anxieties and aspirations of a generation.

Sounds trippy. I'm in.


To Find a Mate, Raid a Dungeon Or Speak Like an Elf

By DAVID KESMODEL
June 9, 2006; Page A1

Over the years, Mark Brown searched for Ms. Right in all the usual places: at parties, work functions and the occasional singles bar. He ended up meeting her inside a videogame.


The revolution! You see, every day, we're all growing closer. And that's the single best remedy to stop future wars, by the way.