Russia

America’s Electro-Harmonix and its sister company in Russia, Sovtek, have manufactured one of the most popular guitar pedals ever: the Big Muff Pi. This equipment offered three coveted characteristics to artists: reliability, a distinct sound, and relatively low cost. In the 1970s, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd used it on two albums: Animals and The Wall.

Inflation is a challenge for any family’s plan to retire.  Ask Tom Brady.  After leaving the NFL last month, he announced a comeback earlier this week.  Could soaring prices have been the driver?  Ok, probably not, especially since he will reportedly earn $25 million for playing the season.

Over on the right-hand side of the periodic table is a column of six elements which collectively comprise the noble gases.  These elements have single-atom molecules and don’t typically interact with others the way, say, two oxygen atoms might with a hydrogen to produce a molecule of water.  Instead, these nobles are content to remain on their own. 

Headlines are grim.  Russia seems hell bent on establishing a new Iron Curtain.

Here we are just on the other side of the holiday season.  It’s that cold part of the year without the festive decorations.  A new calendar offers an excuse to consider just what lies ahead, but we’re too far from Valentine’s Day to run out and buy cards and candy.  That doesn’t mean we can write about the heart.