----- Original Message ----- From: "michael perelman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> The main contention of the Boskin report was that the Labor Department's > statistical experts did not > fully take into account the improved quality of many products. You may > pay $1 for a razor, but if you > get twice as many shaves as before, you are really getting more for your > money. In effect, you are > paying 50 cents for that razor. ============= What about tubes of toothpaste that go from 6.5 ounces to 6 ounces yet charge the same price? Has anyone watched the price of, say, pet supplies over the past 5-10 years? It would seem that the economy is loaded with as many, if not more, examples of less stuff for the same or slightly higher prices as there are stuff that gives consumers more 'bang for the buck.' Jim D's piece on hidden inflation "PE&CC" also explores lots of stuff that doesn't even appear on the mainstream's radar screen. Ian
