High Gas Prices...

...aren't all bad. Trust me, I am no cheerleader for paying $4.09/gallon (the current price for regular unleaded here in CRW), nor am I a cheerleader for where some of this money we're paying goes. But, there are positive things that can come from this major and often difficult shift in everyone's budget.

Time Magazine illustrates the half-full perspective in the ever-emptying glass of gas we've been sucking down. My favorite line from the article's introduction (emphasis mine):

...it's also true that Americans are finding options where there seemed to be none. They're ready to change — and waiting for their infrastructure to catch up.

One thing I have often thought since fuel prices began rising at such a rapid rate: I would love to see the United States implement a rail system comparable to that of Europe's. A network of high-speed, cross-country trains would be awesome.

Anyway, without further ado, here's the article:

10 Things You Can Like About $4 Gas (via)

I would like to add one more item to the list: Hopefully this means seeing fewer and fewer douchebags driving Hummers.



The cost of filling my Honda CR-V in May 2008.

While I'm on the subject, I'm reminded of some billboards I saw a couple weeks ago on my drive to Alabama. There were several of them along the Interstate during the eastern Tennessee leg of the trip. They were very simple; dark gray with the Exxon/Mobil logo and the following line of text in a slightly lighter shade of gray: "We're Drivers Too."



We're just like all y'all sorry suckers!

My initial reaction? It's condescending. It's passive-aggressive. It doesn't make me feel any better about skyrocketing gas prices. The Time article above helps shine a positive light on the topic, but Exxon/Mobil's new little tagline just... grates.