I ride my bike sometimes in the summer.  Nine months out of the year I normally have to take the kids to school.  Matthijs, you do make a valid point though.
Rich

Okay, I've had a little time for some self-reflection.  I have to admit that, to some degree, I have a case of rectal-neck.  I have my reasons why I don't always use a non-motorized means of getting the kids to school or myself to work.  Some are valid, like when it's -30 or -40 F.  Other reasons are just in support of my habit of climbing in the car ten minutes before I need to be at work.
It's easy to look at the values and habits of other cultures and point out their stupid aspects, but is harder to spot the same things about yourself.  BTW, Matthijs, I'm not talking about you, I'm looking at myself.  I think that because my cars aren't in the worst class of gas guzzlers that I'm doing my part.  I'm sure it is making some difference but there certainly is more that I can do.
It's confronting when someone puts the spotlight on some part of your lifestyle and shows you that you probably have a pretty good look at your own colon.  But, it would probably do us all some good.
Rich

My kids almost always took the bus to school or walked. Figured if it was good enough for me growing up it should be good enough for them. :-)
I will admit they thought it cramped their style somewhat in high school but I wasn't going to buy them a car and pay $250-$500 a year parking fees.  
 
By the way I only commute 1 flight of stairs to work. It not only saves fuel but also reduces my work day a couple of hours by not driving into the plant site.  
 
Keith

FLASH NEWS!!!!!!!!
Gas has hit $1.90 a gallon in Oklahoma City

SOB! I can't get #2 Diesel cheaper than $2.53!

I just returned from a vacation in Southern Cal earlier this week and ran into a place in the high desert (Banning, I think)that was getting 3.179.... they had a note on the counter inside telling people the number to call about the high prices...
 
JP

Just been watching Disneys'  The Love Bug and there's a sequence in a fuel station in a mining town called Chinese camp where the fuel was $0.41 a gallon. i had to smile - that would have been about 20 pence in my money. If only I had a time machine ;-)
 
Graeme

Well, gas and diesel are still high here (gas is about $2.79 or so).  I have started to walk the one mile to work.  My 8 year old walks with me and turns off at one point to go to school.  I can get more aerobic activity in my lifestyle and save fuel and fumes at the same time.  I can easily walk 3 or 4 times a week right now.  Winter isn't the best time to start something like this here in the high country but I could still do it many days during the winter.  
Thanks to you guys (especially Matthijs) for helping me take a closer look at my habits and make a change.
Rich

I remember running across the border into Juarez and getting gas for $0.17 pre gallon in the early 70's.  Seems like that was a long time ago!. . . No wati, that was a long time ago!!!!

Were you running to Juarez for gas or did you happen to get gas while there?

Mike,
I'm old enough to remember $0.17 gas without having to cross the border. A gallon would last me a several lawns. At $1 - $2 per lawn I thought I was rolling in the money. LOL  
 
Keith

Beatle albums were $3.49 at Sears and I'd have to mow two yards at $2.00 Each to buy an album and the rest of the money would be for gas. where has the time gone !!!
 
 
now that I'm a Senior do I get a Senior discount at Alembic ?
 
David T (TLO)

I like that idea David!