Years ago, I remember the big push for homeowners to convert from oil or electric heat to natural gas. At that time, it was touted as cheap and clean. While I am no chemist, I have no reason to believe it is no longer clean. However, based on many discussions with clients over the past couple of years, I have no doubt it is no longer cheap, and for some, it's what's pushing them over the financial edge and ultimately in my office.

So I was a little taken aback to learn that the 900 employee strong Marcal Paper company filed for bankruptcy protection today. The Chairman and Chief Executive, as well as the founder's grandson, Nicholas R. Marcalus had this to say:

The price increases in energy have proven to be immensely difficult. Demands by our lenders created liquidity pressures which caused the company to file for the continued restructuring under Chapter 11.

We believe that the decision to file, although difficult, was in the best long-term interest of our company, employees, customers, vendors and other valued business partners. We plan to take advantage of the opportunities presented by this restructuring to address both our financial and operational issues in order to position the company for long-term success.