> we have to keep in mained to we rely on the kindness of strangers to buy our treasury notes and bonlds. and up to now japan has been the largest buyer behind china of treas reaps owning nearly a trillion dollars of our securities. should expenses build up, and japan needs to rebuild, they're likely going to not only sell the current treasury holdings, but potentially prevent them from buying more. >> tom: so that may lead to higher consumer interest rates in the u.s. while we're dealing with 3.50 gas or higher. what's the price that it begins to impact consumers? >> i think we're at it, tom. 3.50 is probably the magic number. we look at the percentage of retail sales actually fueled by gas purchases, so to speak, and when it gets to be above 10%, it tends to crowd out other spending. in other words, forcing consumers to make tough choices whether to drive less or perhaps cut some of their other discretionary spending like going out to dinner or buying apparel. >> tom: we've seen energy stocks rally, and despite the rally, you still like energy. what parliament of it, though? >> i -- wh

the judge ruled the voice mails were not relevant to bonlds lied when he denied knowingly taking steroidsty of santa clara may dodge the governor's budget cutbacks by investing redevelopment funds into the quest to bring the 49ers to town. the plan would give $4.5 million in new stadium money to the 49ers to make sure it is used for construction. it would let lawmakers skirt arnold the governor's plan to use the dollars towards education. they say it's an investment in new jobs and taxes for the school district. >>> lawmakers in san francisco will be looking at caltrain's budget problem this week. the examiner reports the chief of the cash-strapped rail operator plans to give an update on the situation tuesday and how planned cutbacks could affect the serious. caltrain will update the board of supervisors on its $30 million shortfall at that point. transit officers will also discuss the plan and proposed cuts. >>> all of the the day's news coming up for you at 7:00 this morning including libya, japan, and what's happening at home. >>> sunday morning, march 20th, 2011. first day of spring.