Gas...

No, for once, not THAT kind of gas. I'm talking about petroleum. I got a rather interesting email from a friend of mine concerning the increasing gas prices and an idea of how to stop it from going up. I'm not going to say what it is, 'cause for one, I don't think it's a very good plan, and two, gas prices going up aren't that bad. "WHAT? Did you just say that? I thought you liked cars and everything?" is what you're probably saying to yourself. Ok, here's the thing. Firstly, although I have no real proof either way, I don't think the gas companies are price fixing and driving the prices up due to monopoly. Secondly, the increase isn't really that much. Oh, but you say, "I remember when gas was 49.9!" Sure, I do too. But that was 8 years ago. Adjusting for inflation and some increases in gas taxes, 65.9-69.9 is about right. The increase in the per-tank cost (for me, driving a Civic) is probably around $5. Which brings be to the third point. One of the main gripes people have is that they're paying significantly more than they used to. These particular people are generally those who enjoy driving frigging SUVs with massive engines that were never engineered with fuel economy in mind. Here's your answer.... GET RID OF YOUR DAMNED SUVs. My fourth and last point has to do with the price in general. We here in North America live in a fantasy world where gas has been ridiculously cheap. And I mean ridiculously. Countries in europe and asia pay somewhere in the neighbourhood of $1.50/L. And this was in 2000! The prices going up a couple cents doesn't change the fact that we're still getting a pretty freaking good deal here (and why do you think NA is the only place where people buy massive cars with massive engines???). Also think about this. People buy bottles of water (around 600ml) for $1+. That's $1.60/L of WATER. Ummm.... does that sound reasonable?? And people are complaining about GAS being expensive. Come on, get real. Suck it up, the prices aren't that bad.

Up next: my opinions on instant messagers.