The upheaval in the Middle East is roiling the energy markets, and that will affect CRM. Year-over-year, the price of a gallon of regular is up over half a buck nationally, and the average price for said gallon is $3.18. As gas goes, so does jet fuel. The confluence of rising prices, political unrest and a recovering economy all contribute to the price rise. The important point for business is that it takes energy to do business, and as the cost of energy for vital things like transportation rises, it has a dampening effect on business and the nascent recovery.

What a week that was. I am still digging out from two snowstorms and dealing with bone-chilling cold, and so are friends across the country, except in the Bay Area, which only makes me envious. Perhaps none were as adversely affected as people on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. I take solace in two forms: one, pitchers and catchers report this month, say no more; and second, from the Juncos pecking out a living in my back yard. To the Juncos, coming to Boston is flying south for the winter. Go figure.