I realize it's the specific numbers that are news, but don't you find yourself chuckling a little when the labor department announces that prices have gone up? 

I admit not being fully aware that the increase was 1.1 percent in June.  But there are some things I figured out all by my lonesome.

I am fully aware that I no longer fill my gas tank up all the way at the BP. 

I'm also clued in on the fact that five tomatoes cost me north of ten bucks at Schnuck's last week. 

I don't need a government report to tell me that my wife and I are going out to dinner less frequently because we can save by cooking at home. 

A federal economist also is not necessary in the equation where I discover any exotic vacation plans will be hindered by the skyrocketing cost of airfare combined with the worthlessness of the U.S. dollar.

I'm also fully versed in the fact that any advertiser who makes the claim that, "mortgage rates are near record lows," is a flat-out liar.   A full half percent over rates in 2005 and 2001 is no more "near a record low" than I was "near" pitching for the Cardinals by virtue of being invited to a baseball tryout in college. 

I know the numbers matter to the folks on Wall Street who are trying to read the tea leaves of the economy.  Just don't act like you're breaking the Watergate story when you tell me my wallet is emptier than it once was.  I've managed to figure that out on my own.