Thinking Economically.

Some time back I mentioned how a major part of the reason I got into blogging was due to journal entries I had to make in one of my classes last year. It was there I shared one of those journals with you all. I was going through some of them again and decided to share another one. Here is my attempt at explaining inflation.

This is one I did back in May 2010. Just like before, I haven’t altered it except that I changed the lecturer’s name to only his initial.

********

Journal Entry VII

INFLATION – Bigger Isn't Always Better.

INFLATION: Here's another one of those things you hear getting tossed about by the politicians and journalists that you think you get... And once again, you don't. I, this time wasn't fooling myself. I knew I didn't have a clue but I was interested in finding out, though.

Our lecturer, Mr. B, described inflation as, “A persistent increase in the general price level in a country.” It's is an easy enough concept: if inflation goes up by 10% that means prices go up by 10% - simple, right? I get that. What I – and apparently many others – didn't know is that if inflation drops to 6% or 4% it means that prices are still increasing but at a lesser rate. Prices actually going down is called “deflation”... I don't remember ever hearing about us going through one of those...

So what causes inflation? There are different causes, as outlined in class that day (The stuff in blue is actually from class):

DEMAND PULL INFLATION – Aggregate Demand (AD) rises faster than supply. (Then, maybe it's time to go on a diet.)

COST PUSH/WAGE PUSH INFLATION – Cost of production increases leading to an increase in prices. (Sad, but true.) Also, an increase in wages is considered a production cost increase.

MONITARY INFLATION – Increases in money supply leading to increased AD leading to increased prices. (Who says too much money can't be a bad thing?)

PRICE PUSH INFLATION – Firms/merchants increase prices to maintain profit margins. (You greedy bastards!)

STRUCTURAL(IST) INFLATION – Bottlenecks (in the supply of raw materials or final goods) exist in the economy structure creating artificial shortages leading to higher prices. (Okay, how is that my fault?! Why  I have to pay?)

IMPORTED INFLATION (What? Our own inflation isn't good enough?) – The source of the inflation lies outside the country. High prices originate in the country of origin leading to high prices in the purchasing country. (Who needs M&M's? Cheers* are just as good.)

There are, of course, different levels of inflation. The best way to describe it is to imagine you're horseback riding – Okay, I never have either. Just follow me on this, alright. First there's an easy, slow creeping/persistent inflation which is an inflation rate of 2% – 6%. Then, ooh, there's trotting inflation and things speed up to 10% – 20%. You're okay, though. Just need to keep in that saddle. Kinda fun in a scary way. About the time you reach excessive/runaway/galloping inflation – 20% plus – you don't care anymore if the girls see you sobbing in terror like a baby, you just want someone to stop this accursed animal. At hyper inflation, which is a whopping 1000% PLUS! (Yes, PLUS!), you (or in this case, your economy) have already been shaken to death like your horse was a British nanny (are metaphors within metaphors really so wrong?) and you're being dragged along the rocks with your foot caught in the stirrup... Gruesome, huh? I thought understanding something made it less scary...

********

* "Cheers" is a locally made chocolate coated candy.

Just Where Have You Been This Week? - Dealing With Secrets & Mysteries.

This was an eventful week for me. I was stressing the whole interview thing right up until the day it happened but turns out things did turn out pretty good. But we'll get to all that during the wrap-up.

As usual, we start with what I was up to here:

- On Monday I shared another conversation with Mrs. C where she seemed to let a secret slip. I'm still investigating. 

- I didn't post again until Thursday. It was just to ramble on a little about the impending job interview the day after that.

- On Friday, after the interview, I announced that I was successful. Unfortunately, that only means that I get to go to round two, A SECOND INTERVIEW! It is true that torture is often most effective when you can drag it out for as long as possible. I guess employers (even potential ones) know this better than most.

Now a few of you have asked and, as I said in the comments to that post, this mystery question is actually the homework. One of the interviewers challenged me to figure out the correct answer for them by the time I returned for the second interview. And, while he did swear me to secrecy, I really do want to see if I can figure it out on my own. Be patient. I'll share it as soon as I can. Promise.

As you know, I also did my thing over at Sprocket Ink:

- On Tuesday I wrote about a family whose exploits in attempted murder could be right out of a movie plot. Albeit a Pegg and Frost movie plot rather than a murder mystery, though.

I dunno... This one seems a little out there. Even for us!
source

- Then, on Thursday, I wrote about boobs again (it's in my imaginary contract). This time it was about a profession I could really see myself getting into... Minus the makeup, of course.

There it is! My week's activities here on the blogasphere. Of course, I'll keep you updated on my progress on the job front and let you know when they call back. Until then, later.

Icebreaker.

 I just had my interview at the newspaper.

I got up at 3:32 this morning. I don't know why. Nerves, I guess. This was the day of my interview and all and I always had a habit of getting up early whenever there was a big event. Things like school trips back in the day, my wedding day, the first day at a new job, anything that could make me anxious did this to me.

I stayed in bed until 5AM when it was time to wake Mrs. C to get ready for work. Once she knew of my situation she then insisted that I do nothing but try to get back to sleep. I did, but try as I would, I couldn't fall asleep again.

This is gonna be fun...

Just like the rules say, I got there early (a minute and a half still counts). Fortunately I wasn't sweating as much as I normally do. Did I ever mention that I sweat? Like A LOT? Especially when I'm nervous. I know! Way to make an impression, right?! Anyway, I mopped what little was on my face and waited. To my surprise, I wasn't left to wait too long. In a few interviews in the past, even though I was early or on time I still ended up waiting for sometimes 20 minutes until they were ready. Well, let's just say this wasn't the first unusual thing to happen during the interview.

It started off (and basically ended) with an icebreaker question. One of the interviewers came in and handed me a sheet of paper with a single question on it I was told to answer it and they'd be with me shortly. Then he left. I looked at the question on the paper and the scenario presented didn't seem to make any sense. So I answered that I couldn't answer it. That is, not until some more information was provided and, instead, I wrote down my own questions that would provide me with some clarification.

Turns out that wasn't exactly what they were expecting. So, in a nutshell, we didn't get much further than that icebreaker. Sure, a few follow-up questions were asked. A formality, I suppose. But after I had answered they had already made up their minds.

To paraphrase, they basically said that my response wasn't what they were looking for but it proved that I thought outside the box and was able to dig deeper for more information. They said that these were important aspects for a journalist and that I had passed (what I was to learn was actually) the first half of the interview. Now I'm just to expect a call for interview number 2.

Holy crap! I pulled it off!?!

That's right! I didn't totally screw it up. I'm not hired (yet) but they definitely are interested. Nothing is confirmed yet other than they'll call me to set an appointment for the second interview, but things are looking good.

Plus... They gave me homework.

No kidding.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the big day. Well, not the big day. It isn't like it's my wedding day (been there, done that), or the due date of my first child (that's for sometime later, I guess), or the day the world's governments sign over total control of the planet to me accepting me unquestionably as their new overlord for life (but one day perhaps). But it's a big day to me all the same. Tomorrow is the day of my job interview at the newspaper.

I started off pretty euphoric after I got the call. I thought, "Yes!!! Finally, someone called! Finally, I was going to get out of this situation". Then, of course, a few days later, reality stepped in as it dawned on me that I might not actually get the job. I'm a total idiot when talking to people face-to-face. Especially when I feel like they're judging me, studying me, looking for my flaws and measuring me on their scale of worthiness. *Shudder*

But then, what would happen even if I did pass the interview? (Is 'pass' the right word? It is like a test, right?) I'm a total noob at journalism. I only started my first classes in the field last month. I don't know if I'm ready for this. Sure, I've researched the job description, the company, yadda, yadda, yadda. The truth is, no amount of reading up on it can ever prepare you for the real thing. Right?

I have to stop thinking about tomorrow. Tomorrow is scary. There are too many variables to consider. Too many things of which I have no control over. If I think about it too much, I'd be a complete bundle of nerves, too afraid to step out the front door in the morning. I'm not going to do it any more for today. It's just too much to worry about.

I've done all I can do about tomorrow (I hope) and all I can really worry about right now is today. All I can do is calm myself and try to be as relaxed as I can be. So that's what I'll do. I'll relax for today and deal with tomorrow when it comes. And, also, as for today, all I can really say is...

There's a story about boobs on Sprocket Ink again. And I put it there. Just click here.

Just Where Have You Been This Week? Bring You Some Good News.

Good news! After months of sending out applications without so much as a phone call coming my way, I finally got called for an interview! Okay, I know it's just an interview and nothing is anywhere near confirmed yet, but I was beginning to think employers thought I had the plague or something.

I'll take my victories where I can get them.

Added to that, it's for a newspaper. How awesome is that? I sent this application in 7 months ago and they called on Friday. Totally sweet, right? My interview is this coming Friday. I'm hoping all the other crap I've got going on will have me too distracted to be nervous during the interview.

Anyway, enough of the boring stuff. It's recap time!

First, here:

- On Sunday I posted on how my child experiences caused me to create invisible barriers for myself.

- Monday, during one of my always entertaining conversations with the Mrs. we discussed a weird dream she had.

- Tuesday I did a pseudo-post where I introduced a new graphic.

- Wednesday I woke up with a stiff and painful neck. And I bitched told you about it.

- Thursday was pseudo-post# 2 and Friday, pseudo-post# 3.

Now over to Sprocket Ink:

- My Tuesday post looked at a study that would make coffee drinkers everywhere smile and silence those darn naysayers.

- Thursday I followed up on an earlier story about the arrest of a suspected criminal who had an entire town on their toes.

- I filled in on Sprocket on Friday and got all ranty and opinionated this time while discussing a proposed law that would institute temporary marriages in Mexico City.

Yeah, I'll say it's been a busy week. Wouldn't you? Anyway, the interview's not until Friday buy go on ahead and wish me luck from now, if you like. I'm not too proud to take any positive encouragement I can get this early.

I'm On Sprocket Ink Again. And I'm On A Soapbox.

I'm doing an unscheduled post today on Sprocket Ink.

Most everyone that knows me knows that I'm not one for getting too opinionated. Unless really pressed for an opinion, I tend to avoid getting involved unnecessarily in most debates by taking on neutral stance. What can I say? I hate drama.

But there are some things that get me riled up enough to say, "Enough is enough! This shit ain't gonna fly!". That's what went down today on Sprocket. I'm throwing my two cents in on a piece of legislature being proposed in Mexico City. Of course, it's is just my opinion on the matter. I don't expect everyone to agree with me.

That's all I'm going to say about it over here. You'll just have to click here if you want to know what I'm talking about *tosses candy in back of van and stands aside*. Go on ahead, you can trust me.

More On Foot Fetishes.

[Quick Update] I'm doing a lot better today. Thanks to a full night's sleep, some ultra strength painkillers (Yay, drugs!) and Mrs. C's loving "attention" (YAY, MRS. C!) I'm not in as much pain today. I've regained most of the mobility in my neck and the cold that was coming on seems to have retreated into whatever dark cave it came out of. So, basically, what I'm saying is that it's all good here.

Now, on to the real reason we're here today. And that is so I can send you elsewhere. More specifically, to Sprocket Ink for my latest article.

You may remember that, two weeks ago, I told you about a serial toe sucker striking fear in the hearts of the citizens of a town in Arkansas. Well, today I update you on that situation. So click here and head on over to see what's been going on in the town of Conway, Arkansas.

A Total Pain In The Neck.

Literally! That's my current affliction. I woke up at 2:39 this morning to a sharp, stabbing pain in the right side of my of my neck. At first I thought Mrs. C had finally had enough of me and was implementing the "til death do us part" clause of our marriage contract. She, however, was fast asleep and I wasn't bleeding, so I know she didn't try to stab me.

It has only gotten worse since then, which I think was compounded by the fact that I haven't been able to get back to sleep since. This, in turn is due to the pain I'm currently experiencing. It's a vicious cycle.

I've spent the majority of the day laid up on the couch bitching about it being consoled by some of you on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks. Even though it does hurt when I laugh (and turn my head, and lie down, and sit up and even breathe) I appreciate the you guys trying to make me feel better.

Added to that, a little sniffle I've been fighting off for the past few days seems like it's decided to take advantage of my weakened condition and I'm starting to feel a little feverish.

Resulting from all this, I've decided to take the afternoon off from class and sulk recuperate.

Well, I think I've griped enough for today. How are things on your end?

Oh, For the Love Of Coffee!

Yes, this one is new.
[UPDATE: I switched it out. Put up the unfinished one by mistake.]

I'm sure you're all well aware of my obsession affection for the quirky and lovable nation of Japan. But, think back. There is one thing that I do love more that. In fact, this one thing the top spot in my heart-next to my lovely wife, of course!

Hi, sweetness! (*whispers* - She may be reading this. *wink*)

But, I digress. Of course, we're talking about coffee, java, the cup o' joe, the sweet, sweet nectar from those wonderful magic beans.

So... beautiful...
source

Why do I bring this up? Because it's the subject of my post on Sprocket Ink today, that's why.

It's some great news for coffee drinkers-nay- coffee lovers everywhere. News so wonderful you'll feel like cheering, like celebrating, like lifting a toast (with a cup of coffee, of course). This news will help to further silence those anti-coffee Nazis. Don't believe me? Well follow the link over to my post on Sprocket Ink and see for yourselves.

Invisible Fence.

The other day Mrs. C & I were out. I looked in a store window and saw a jacket I liked and immediately I thought up half a dozen reasons why I couldn't have it. Excuses like, "It was too expensive," or "I shouldn't even think about buying new cloths until I get another job," or "You already have a jacket! Sure, the zipper's broken but it could still do the job."

Then I walked away. Before I even pointed it out to my wife, I had already argued myself out of it and we continued on our way without her ever knowing. And the truth is, I was right. Any one of those reasons was valid. Money is tight right now and I can't be careless of selfish with my spending. I'd get those things when things got better. But then I realized that I had been saying that too for quite a few years.

"You can't have it now. You will when things are better."

How many opportunities have I passed up in my life because I kept waiting until the stars aligned and there were no consequences to worry about? Saying to myself that I'd get what I wanted "when the time was right" was like one of those invisible fences that your dog couldn't see, but just knew was there. Some imaginary barrier that he couldn't cross when, in fact, all he had to do was just walk right through it.

To be honest - depriving myself, waiting for 'the right time' - this has been my way of doing things for a very long time. I learned to have low expectations of certain things growing up. As a child, things started out pretty good for us at first. Poppa C was employed with the government in a supervisory capacity. Added to that, he had just started his own business on the side. He opened a video club - back when video cassettes were all the rage in home entertainment. And business was good.

We had money. What also helped was that we were living rent free in a relative's home while they lived in the US. We went to the malls to go shopping every weekend. We always got new clothes, a big colour TV (a big deal here in T&T back in the early 80's), furniture and endless toys for us kids. Our cupboards and fridge never went empty. Life was good.

Unfortunately, things took an about turn when he decided to leave his very secure government job to focus full-time on his booming business. Soon afterwards, it tanked. I was too young to really remember the reason it did but all I know is the entire thing came crashing down faster than any damage control could fix. After struggling for a few years trying to eek out an income from the remnants of the club, my father returned to his government job. Well, not exactly. He got a job. But he wasn't supervisory anymore. He had to take an entry level position with significant less pay and minimal benefits.

Then that relative in the US decided to return home soon after that so we had to find a place to live. Now there was rent to think about too.

And so, the tides turned. Children who were always accustomed to hearing 'Yes' had to learn to take 'No' and like it. Though I was still very young when all of this started happening, I was still the oldest. I understood the situation enough to know sacrifices would have to be made. I learned to deny myself for the greater good.

At least until things got better again someday...

Years later, I've allowed that same mentality to show up in my own adult life. So much so that, even when we were doing relatively well, I still had a tiny pang of guilt whenever I indulged in something. If something went wrong I would blame myself for not being more responsible. And if things didn't go wrong, then I'd tell myself that if I waited long enough, eventually it would. Because I took a chance. Because I couldn't wait until everything was perfect.

Now I know better, of course. Situations are never going to be 'perfect'. The right time can pass you by a million times over and you'd always miss it because you let that invisible fence of fear keep you from stepping forward. Sometimes, you just have to have faith.

I don't plan on becoming careless or reckless, but I think I'm going to say 'Yes' to myself a little bit more from now on. And try not to make myself regret it.