Amtrak sells alcohol in most of its dining and lounge cars but permits the consumption of private stock only in sleeper cars.

WSJ: End of the Line for Midnight Drinkers

Second, Stiglitz says that the Fed hopes that lowering interest rates will increase stock values and lead to increased consumption among stockholders.

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The weaker environment for consumption weighed on earnings hopes crushing stock prices along the way.

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And if the productive economy of the mind flourishes, consumption of existing and future housing stock will surely take care of itself.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Foreigners are going the other way, recognizing that aging shifts the world's largest per capita stock of individually owned assets toward better housing, more consumption and greater risk-appetite for investment opportunities.

FORBES: Back In Business

The energy consumption data also could help home and business owners take stock of their energy use and take actions to save money, such as putting in more energy efficient light bulbs and appliances or running washers and dryers only when electric rates are low.

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The JOBS Act, which would allow public stock offerings through crowdfunding on the Internet, is not ready for public consumption.

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Private consumption is picking up and will continue as the wealth effect of a stock-market bull run kicks in.

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek