In the July 14 issue of Time, Amanda Ripley puts into words something I have been feeling. This is that the recent increase in gasoline prices in the United States is not all bad. In an article titled "Ten Things You Can Like About $4 Gas," she points out some of the good results. These are that higher gas prices:

1. Cause globalized jobs to return home;

2. Stall urban and suburban sprawls;

3. Encourage four-day workweeks;

4. Produce less pollution;

5. Encourage more fuel frugality;

6. Cause fewer traffic deaths;

I posted a news item on this guy awhile ago and he's still going strong. . .at least with the news stories.

"Stephen wants you to buy Barbara Ehrenreich's book so she gets super rich and has to swallow her words."

As it has circled the globe, protestors have chased the Olympic flame as it traveled to Beijing. That China has been involved in human rights abuses and untoward activities in Tibet is a fact, and a boycott of the Olympics would certainly send a signal to the authorities that the world is paying attention.