Shawn, I love how you think, but we all know that everyone would run to the gas station the day before and fill up every car they own. Even the ones they haven't driven for years. I really feel for communities that are too big for the local stores and busniesses and have to go 10 or more miles to buy necessities. There is no way I could get on a bus-with my 2 year old-make a transfer, buy my necessities, wait for the next bus holding my stuff and my son, make another transfet and walk 2 more blocks home. I go to the store at least twice a week and it takes me at least 3 trips to unload my car. We are at the mercy of those who have or make their money on oil, because they are the same people that invest their money to make sure we stay dependent on that oil. Neverending cycle. So we just go with it.

Better fuel efficiency, other fuels, and less gas tax.
A national day of "Dont buy gas" might spur the refineries and giant corporations (and the Middle East) to part with their BILLIONS of dollars.

My husband and I work only blocks apart. But my job involves various trips around town and I try to schedule end of day appointments nearer the end of town where we live (15 miles, one way, from our jobs). So it hasn't been convenient in the past to ride together.

However with gas prices being what they are, I'm trying to re-organize my schedule so we can carpool twice a week. We definitely think twice about where/if we need to go somewhere in the car, take the smaller car when possible, combine errands.

Hopefully, this shortage will spur innovation and industry will come up with more fuel efficient models and alternative fuels as well as people changing behaviour.

Originally posted by C. Brooks:
Guess whose tank and checkbook are empty? I have been able to work some but not enough. Most of whatever I make goes into my gas hog. I don't know what regular people are supposed to do, but we will make it.

My husband is willing to teach me how to ride his bike or learn how to roller blade! I thught he was joking but I filled my van and I could buy a new pair of Nike Shocks and walk alot farther!!! He is also talking about taking the bus again, kinda a pain as the routes are goofy to get to the store he is at right now, but it could help! $60 to fill my van and $40 for his "little" car! $100 was what we could budget for two/three weeks and I don't have a credit card!

They should "pass the hat" at those football extravaganza's ya'll call HS football games.

We used to go to the local HS games when I was stationed at Ft Sam Houston in the early 90's (always thought NBA sized basketball arena's in my home state in Indiana was cool and fanatical- ya'll got us whupped) they could cover it in one or two Friday nites.

In Texas it's $2.89-$2.99 (at least yesterday).

As far as fundraisings, yes, I think between the hurricane disasters and rising gas prices, people will have less to work with.

I went to our school board meeting last week. They are facing a $3 million deficit this year, rising transportation/fuel costs and looking for things to cut. They made it pretty clear that our school leaders were to focus on the mission critical functions and that might not include anything that included extra transportation such as field trips, reward trips, optional band contests, etc.

They are also looking at cutting bus routes. Apparently, schools can designate a route as "hazardous" because of no sidewalks, a dangerous area, a busy street, etc. and provide busing even though it's within the 2 mile limit. Over the years, the situation might change, but it's hard to take back a route once granted. (I think we have 66 of those.) Anyway, they are going to seriously examine those and see what should be cut for 2006-2007, notifying everyone this year.

They'll have to make some tough decisions.