Gas Prices and The American Abusers

Everywhere we go today, someone is talking about gas prices. The news covers it almost 24 hours a day. Americans have one thing in common~we are all talking about it. No doubt, it stinks. Gas in my area ranges from 4.09-4.19 a gallon today. I live in one of the poorest states in the country, with one of the highest gas taxes (will save that rant for another day!). Food prices have gone sky high, everything is following the gas trend.

But now, in the big picture, it is a global economy and we are still paying far less than say, England, France and Germany. Guess they are starting to complain about the price hikes also. Personally, there is not a doubt in my mind that most Americans could care less what someone else pays... our pocketbooks are of the only concern.

Some say the oil companies are making too much money. Are they? The purpose of any company is to make money. The corporation wants to make money, the stockholders definitely want to make money, the employees want paid, as well as the federal and state governments want their piece of the pie. Is Exxon/Mobil ripping us off? Apparently not, or we would not buy their product... at least not in the quantities that we are doing.

Am I going to suggest get rid of your SUV? Absolutely not! Or suggest not driving and use whatever public transportation your area has developed? No, that is a system that America has let dwindle away-unlike other countries that have perfected the system. I would suggest slowing down.

We Americans have a problem with "obeying" speed limits. If it is posted 55 MPH, we are sure we cannot be ticketed unless the police catch us over 61 MPH. We can save up to 10% of our fuel by just slowing down. Instead of driving 65 in a 55, slow down to 50. Great trick the independent truck drivers have learned and are doing. The company trucks don't much care-they are passing the increased fuel cost to the consumer. Umm, that is you and me. If you are a company driver and can't slow down.. well explain that to you mother and your neighbor!

Make your trips count. I used to run out of milk and immediately head to the grocery store to get a gallon. Later in the day, I might drive to the mall. That evening, we went out to dinner. Dumb, dumb, dumb. One trip does it all. Make a list for the grocery store. Spend one day a week at home. Many groups have called for specific days that every does not drive. That won't work. In a society where we are used to be able to go as we choose, a specific day is impossible. But pick any day of the week and leave the car parked. While you are at home, clean, learn a new hobby, just relax, whatever.... A friend of mine is still insisting on running to McDonald's 3 times a day for coffee and going out at least once or twice more for cigarettes, groceries, etc. Everyday. Seven days a week. Buy some Folgers, buy a carton of cigarettes. Gosh, your increased usage is costing all of us!! The less we use as a population, the less it will cost. Basic supply and demand.

One of my favorites, leave the house 5 minutes earlier.. then you won't have to speed down the street because you are going to be late and cut off someone else. Common courtesy will also go a long way in saving fuel, don't try to shove your way into a line of cars... if you see someone needs let out of a parking lot, slow down and let them go. While they are idling and waiting to get back on the road, they are getting 0 MPG. We don't want anyone wasting precious petroleum.

What about all the plastic we use? Forget those Styrofoam cups and plates for the picnic, use our reusable items. They only take a second to wash. Skip the throwaway plastics. Skip those plastic yard ornaments at WalMart. Saves money and save petroleum.

Got an oil leak in your car? Umm, that costs money and petroleum. An antifreeze leak? Petroleum. Find a repairman you trust and be loyal to him. He will take care of you and a car in good running condition uses less gas.

Take care of what you have and learn to spend wisely. I am sure there are other ideas out there to save not only money, but to conserve oil... this is our only way out. The Republicans blame the Democrats and the Democrats blame the Republicans.. but face facts, this is not really about politics, it is supply and demand.

You Are a Believer

You definitely believe in God - and you're very unwavering in your religious beliefs. In fact, religion and spirituality are definitely big parts of your life. Religion shapes how you view right and wrong, as well as the decisions you make. It's hard for you to imagine how your life would be without your beliefs.

http://www.blogthings.com/areyouanatheistagnosticorabelieverquiz/">Are You an Atheist, Agnostic or a Believer?

Tofutsies Tidal Wave Socks Complete

Was not sure if I would like the Tofutsies sock yarn, but it sort of grew on me. Used the Tidal Wave sock pattern in colorways 736 Underfeet with 2.25 Knit Picks circs. On the downside, not only does the pattern not show up well, but the yarn had several knots and is quite splitty. Since I have slightly larger feet, thought I would need 2 skeins, but one would have been more than adequate... which reminds me of another downside~Same dye lot from both skeins but slightly different colors. Ahh, well it won't happen again because I will know that one skein is all it will take. Will use this yarn again in the future, but will drop to 2.0 needle for a little tighter weave in the sock, though I was able to get 10SPI and 13RPI with 72 stitch increase. These were done toe up and I used the Modified Russian Bind Off, which is just tee totally awesome!!! Will definitely use it again!

Quote For The Day

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives; be kind anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway. ~Mother Theresa

Quote For The Day

The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Quote For The Day

May you live a thousand years, and I a thousand less one day, so that I may never know the world without you.
~Hungarian Proverb