Up, Up, Up

The turkey and trimmings cost less than a year ago, but that was a rare blessing found by U.S. families in last week's bleak tally by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Living costs in October rose .2% over September, pushing the consumer price index to a record-breaking 125.5 (1947-49 average: 100). Only food (down .3% from September) was absent from the upcreeping price line led by 1960-model autos, housing and apparel. The price rise--sixth in the past seven months--meant that consumers had to pay $10.02 for goods and services that cost $9.85 only a year ago. It also meant that not even the White House could restrain inflation.

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