I feel heavy...

~E~

MADISON, Wis. -- Celebrants at Madison's citywide party will be ringing in the New Year without the traditional helium balloons. In past years, as many as 1,300 helium balloons were distributed at the U.S. Bank Eve celebration. Not this year. The event's supplier, A to Z RentAll, has stopped selling helium because of a worldwide shortage. Party planners will do a giant balloon drop instead with 2,000 balloons. That won't require any helium. Producers said supply is not meeting demand for helium. It's used in medical MRIs, in liquid crystal display screens and welding and manufacturing. So, balloons aren't high on the list when it comes to demand. Mike Keeney owns Airigami Balloon Creations in Madison. He said helium prices have tripled in the past year-and-a-half. Keeney's company creates balloon displays as well as supplying some helium. Current a tank of helium is selling for up to $175 -- up from $75.

It appears a lot of things are running out. It makes me inventory my life and think more about where the things come from that I use.

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