Articles on the Canadian federal election, America’s nuclear rethink, a frightening illustration of the barrage of earthquakes Japan has suffered since March 11, the not so big inflation risk, the Obama Doctrine, the improving American household sector, and a constructive long term chart on the Dow.

Also a fun chart comparing the price of everyday liquids by the gallon, John Harris’ vending machine crusade gets picked up by the Huffington Post, tweets in North Korea, Jon Stewart does Operation Odyssey Dawn, and why you may want to rethink buying a house.

We have been admonished recently by a few of our readers for a propensity to highlight the risks to continued rising equity markets by posting a number of negative analyses on the outlook for equities.

This is fair, and there are two reasons.

First, the speed and height with which markets boomed (double in 24 months), and the trigger, unprecedented fiscal and monetary state support raise key questions of sustainability.

George Washington's parting advice on foreign policy, love or hate no one permanently. Hmmmm... I wonder if Peter Kent understands that lesson.

I recommend you spend a few minutes reading George Washington's Farewell Address, originally published in September 1796. Read the whole thing. Our first president has many wise things to tell us today, but none is more telling than his trenchant advice on the conduct of foreign policy.

The tensions of accommodating a rising China and the growing economic links between Japan and the Asian mainland are being reflected in the changing relationship between Washington and Tokyo. Canadians need to keep an eye on this one sharers of the Eastern seaboard of the Pacific we. Remember that about 80% of total Canadian trade is with the United States, Japan, and China. It's important for our future that they get along.