When Gov. Distorts the market place!

[TOM4CWB]

Fransisco,

"Unintended economic consequences"

"TOYS

India is struggling to prevent millions of condoms from being made into toys or sold as balloons. The contraceptives were distributed free to control the country's population and restrict the AIDS virus. However, they are being used to strengthen roads, provide extra waterproofing for houses and to carry water. Millions were melted down for their latex and made into toys. Others were dyed and sold as balloons."

These folks have some really interesting economic issues they bring forward @ http://www.aacb.com/publications/ed/index.asp

[TOM4CWB]

Here is an interesting item that WILL affect our food markets:

"CITIES

Most of humanity will be living in cities by next year, raising the threat of increased poverty and religious extremism unless the needs of the growing urban populations are met, according to the United Nations. Some 3.3-billion people will live in cities by 2008 and by 2030, the number of city dwellers is expected to climb to 5-billion." [From the October economic digest link listed above]

[Fransisco]

I liked this one...

CAMP

In a country where credit is king, this summer, U.S. parents have been sending their kids to "money camps" designed to teach the value of saving and the pitfalls of massive debt.

[Fransisco]

Here's one for parsley

INDIA

Part of India's economic boom has been the growing emancipation of women. This trend is being watched carefully by Indian and global companies hoping to sell to the country's fast-growing middle class. It is predicted that the rising incomes and consumption of women could add US$35-billion to India's gross domestic product over the next five years, lifting consumer demand by 10 per cent.

[Fransisco]

Here's a real dusey. Looks like some Arabs have their own cute little supply management ideas.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=101912&d=1&m=10&y=2007&p ix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom

Oh well, I guess society has spoken, the Saudis after all are a distinct society and it is their right as a society and a culture to decide what is right. Or something like that, (Fransico says with tongue planted firmly in cheek) isn't that right Tom?

[parsley]

Fransisco:

So, uh, ......does that mean women are an asset?

[Fransisco]

Definitely! Especially when they're not 'Asset Hounds'.

[wilagro]

Oh my gawd, that is a groaner...

Please get back to Commodity Marketing...yuk yuks can wait.