So prices are lifting up faster than you can say "dirigible". No, not talking about the greenie fantasy known as "peak oil" - this is real world: we're running out of helium. In fifty years or so, your kids may not get to be the life of the party with those funny, helium-laden squeaky voices, so they'll have to get their kicks some other way. Fortunately, we'll still have politicians, so there'll be enough hot air to fill balloons.