Golden threads

I think this material has gold thread and cost a minute fraction of the price recently paid by an Indian for a gold shirt. There was news today of man who made his money through property speculation and money lending and has paid $250,000 (£162,000) for a shirt made entirely of gold. Although it is very heavy to wear and can't be washed he says it makes him feel good and together with his innumerable gold jewelry that he also wears, gives him status as the "Gold Man". He has plans to get a pair of gold shoes and is not worried about security as he has a guard and several relatives to protect him and his wife who owns 500kgs of gold. It is of no concern that the cost of the shirt could pay the salaries of very many Indians in a country where an estimated 42% of children are malnourished.