What if the shortages are intentional with the goal of manipulating us? I have become so paranoid! I think when money becomes the bottom line, morality goes down the tubes. When trust is ruined so is the economy ruined and who is to be trusted? Name brands don't mean anything anymore. I have been very disappointed by "name brand" items. I bought pins that bend easily and what looked like shiny silver serving utensils that lost their phony covering when left in the macaroni salad. Products with brand names that are made in China are not the quality we once had.