We know we've been "spoiled" by low gas prices as compared to Europe. We need to get our public transportation back to being a priority. In Germany I visited: Dortmund (Buffalo, NY's sister city)I lived with a family for a month when I was 18, we visited all over the area close to Dortmund, Berlin in 1977, Hamburg - been there 3 times, Munich (took the train from Munich to Hamburg), Frankfurt ... I think that's it. It's been many years, I need to visit again. It's one of my favorite countries. I'll need to look at a map to see where you are.

wanda under the previous regime the Treasury dept announced no COL increases for 2-3 yrs, this was in Nov 2007. the last time we discussed this topic i did a search under the treasury dept and found a link for the formula they use. gas, prescriptions and a few other items are not included in calculations. interestingly i also found most ag products in this country are at an all time low such as grains and that is figured into the calc. the calc is an average on the whole country not one area. unfortunately due to so many boomers retiring there will probably never be another increase as there are too few workers now supporting this program. there is already a treasury dept consensus that there can only be cuts and there are many 'rumors' there is nothing left for those under 30. it will be interesting to see the outcomes of the deficit reduction committee. back to gas cost of gas... here in orlando $2.95. oil is a limiting factor in our lives so those who own the most, want to control supply. since we don't, we have to pay up. using up our reserves puts us in a good spot for enemies. i found it VERY interesting that in the summer of 2007 when gas was easily close to $5.00gal for no reason other than consumption & supply, everyone was believing that lol. when the oil spill happened gas didn't rise one bit and we were wasting millions of barrels...hmmmm wonder what caused gas to skyrocket in 2007??? BTW in financials a rise in gas is considered a good things as it points to a rise usually in consumption ie more driving, more ability to spend more ~ liz

We're in the process of a remodel and I'm looking for a 36" gas range (to replace an electric stove that I did not like!) Looking at a Bertazzoni or Thor because they seem to fit in our price range.

It’s called an outdoor grill, where you won’t have 15K invested in the required *ventilation* to not choke everyone out and have black walls from the smoke and grease.