Thanks to you and WWR for clearing it up - 150/month would not cover my groceries, that's for sure and I buy like you do - cheap and cheaper. Still averages around more than 132/month. or even 150 month.

In the late 70s, we used to visit family in Houston and at that time, one of my uncles took us out to see all the oil tankers sitting out in the Gulf - waiting for the prices to go up before they unloaded. So this 'price gouging' has been going on for quite a long time. Money talks and bs walks.

Well - until the West Coast gets as efficient with public transportation as Europe with public transportation - I figure around 2200 - then we can talk about gas not being a necessity. As for the rest of your comment - right on - I think this recession WILL force people to make changes in their own life and hopefully press forward with changes for future generations - but it will be a long time coming as you still have to deal with big government to get these things going and working.

LOL - don't you know that last sentence in your 2nd paragraph is government-speak for the first sentence ...'yeah, we screw you..." ;)

It's good you've got money to go to Malaysia and that you can pay $400 for a cell call. Me, that would not be possible.

132 a month for food? Sheesh, most families spend that and more in a week.

It's also a case of human cruelty that no one seemed to care for and about this poor man, knowing his situation, they stood by and did nothing and threw their rocks at him as he slowly melted into darkness.

Thanks for the very kind update on a very tragic situation. :) This truly is a very sad case and I sure wish someone could have helped this poor man sooner. Helping humans, helps animals and vice versa.

There's a big difference between not taking care of a dog or a child because you are an 'asshole' or because you have a mental condition that makes it difficult for you to even live, let alone take care of anything else. I think there should be some better way of checking up on people and animals in this condition but there isn't just yet.

Excuse me?! I hate to butt into your conversation with WAav8tor but I really had to with your asinine comment about being physically ruined from uterine or ovarian cancer.. What?! My Mother had both and she was never physically ruined. What a disgusting comment to all cancer survivors everywhere - no matter the gender.