39

  Alex Hamburger Releases New Video 'Ladybug' From New Album Washington DC-based flutist, vocalist, and composer Alex Hamburger has recently shared the official music video for "Ladybug," the first track from her latest album, "What If?" Following her conceptual debut, "And She Spoke" (2021), which paid tribute to influential female creatives throughout history, Hamburger continues to showcase her immense talent and ability to transform emotions into captivating melodies. With "What If?", she presents nine original compositions that explore the realm of possibility and ignite the listener's imagination. Hamburger's musical journey began at a young age, growing up in the Washington, DC area surrounded by the artistry of her drummer and dancer parents. She has since honed her craft, studying in New York and Switzerland, and is now ready to make her mark. She was recognized as a 2022 Strathmore Artist in Residence and received a nomi...

  The other major inflation conspirator (and greatest beneficiary) is government.  Think of inflation as oxygen for politicians and carbon monoxide as a public vote cast to raise taxes. Steady (2 percent, say?) inflation creates a reliable ratcheting effect on every taxpayer in the land, and a nice, smooth, foamed runway for bureaucrats. And should our benevolent leaders decide the inflation/tax runway isn’t wide enough or smooth enough? They simply borrow the difference (i.e., the deficit) and inflate that away too! Inflation created by central banks allows government to ALWAYS have the money it wants—and be first in line to get it. If deflation were operative—as would be the case in a properly functioning economy where productivity improvements flow into lower prices—government would have to explicitly tax instead of relying on inflation to drive revenue and devalue debt. Politicians’ careers would be much, much shorter. In summary, there’s a reason deflation rarely (if ever...