Companies pay “gas money” to attract customers

Lots of companies are giving away coupons for gas money to encourage more people to spend money with them. As gas prices rise and customer flow slows, this is a trend we will see more of. One example is at a theater. “We have never done this before,” said Brett Hitchcock, audience development director for the Circa ‘21 dinner playhouse. The playhouse is offering gas money for first-time cjustomers coming to see its new comedy, “Empty Nest.” “Theaters like Circa ‘21 are feeling the pinch from high gas prices. “I would rather have cash in my pocket than to have a pirce of paper and pay less,” said Circa ‘21 owner Denny Hitchcock. “it’s your reward for trying us the first time.”

For the full article, click here.

“Drill here now” petition started

A petition to encourage more oil drilling in the U.S. is now available for signature on the Internet. The petition says:

We, therefore, the undersigned citizens of the United States, petition the U.S. Congress to act immediately to lower gasoline prices by authorizing the exploration of proven energy reserves to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources from unstable countries.

What’s your opinion about “drilling here now”? Many environmentalists oppose more drilling.

Click here to learn more about the petition.

Oil prices solved by resources not gimmicks

Gas prices are reaching new heights as anyone with a car knows. Republican presidential candidate John McCain has taken out ads on the National Review Online site pushing his silly gas-tax holiday. Congress ridiculously refuses to green-light the project. I say “ridiculous” because concerns about preserving the vast swaths of nature and the caribou there are not serious: Congress would be giving a go-ahead to oil exploration on 2,000 — or 0.01 percent — of ANWR’s 19 million acres, which can supply 5 percent of America’s oil per year for 12 years, according to the U.S. Energy Department.”Drill here” has become a mantra on conservative talk radio.Gingrich is collecting signatures on a petition that reads, “We, therefore, the undersigned citizens of the United States, petition the U.S. Congress to act immediately to lower gasoline prices by authorizing the exploration of proven energy reserves to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources from unstable countries.” Meanwhile, we hear — and will likely continue to hear — sad high-gas-price stories such as that of Nevada’s Clark County School District: With a 62 percent budget expenditure increase due largely to the price of gas, the school district has cut its bus route and stops to reduce costs. According to the Department of Transportation, Americans are (predictably) driving less. Unlike Congress, where Democratic California Rep. Maxine Waters wants to “socialize” the oil industry, Americans don’t blame oil companies for the high prices. The legislation is a perilous road with high costs — costs Americans tell pollsters they don’t want to pay.

For complete article click here.

Find the lowest gas prices in your area

Enter your zip code and you can check the lowest gas prices in your area:

Search for gas prices by US Zip Code

Bush sings “Addicted to Oil”

Gas prices are so bad, we have to laugh (instead of cry). That’s why I’m providing some humor about the gas crisis in this blog. Watch President Bush sing about our addiction to oil!

Spend no money on gas (comedy video)

The Australians have come up with a new solution to the gas crisis. No matter what you will laugh when you watch this!

300 miles per gallon car!

Watch these videos about a 300 mile per gallon car. Warning- the price is $30,000!

Listen to gas crisis song. . .

Listen to the gas crisis song!

What are hybrid cars?

Watch this video explaining what are hybrid cars (or read the transcript below the video):

“At the dawn of a new era in environmentally conscious automotive engineering, some auto makers are taking a giant green leap into the future moving high technology into the mainstream with a new generation of gas electric hybrid cars. Advances in technology are helping break the stereotypical image of the stodgy little although ecologically superior hybrid automobile. Such negatives characteristics as a limited driving range, the need to recharge daily and small underpowered designs are no longer characteristic of these environmentally responsible vehicles.

More aerodynamic platforms insure that the new hybrids cut an environmentally clean path using less fossil fuel consequently expelling fewer tailpipe emissions. Some vehicles even use biwire technology similar to that found in modern jet aircraft. Here mechanical connections are replaced by electrical ones for the ignition, throttle, and shifting systems.

Toyota, for example, has 350 patents on its hybrid technology. Its hybrid synergy drive system closes the loop left over by other alternative energy vehicles, constantly monitoring other on road variables. This technology is able to provide the appropriate blend of power for any driving situation. Its ignition and low speed driving function in electric only mode. For heavy acceleration or highway cruising, a power split device manages the input from both the gas engine and electric motor.

Regardless of conditions, the hybrid synergy drive ensures that the most efficient source of energy is being used. Nothing is wasted. If the electric motor needs more power, it is automatically recharged using the gas engine to power the generator. Even the kinetic energy from deceleration is put to use being converted to electricity for the battery. What does this mean for today’s consumer? — Increased performance, comfort and versatility in a high tech, hybrid automobile, less dependence on fossil fuel and more economical travel. what it may mean for our planet is improved air quality and a greener future. This is George Montaro for “Fast Focus on Technology.”