Ron—You know, when I wrote that opening, I was remembering driving around the UK long ago and paying lots more for gas even then. But Europe long ago figured out fuel-efficient vehicles, and distances are comparatively shorter. I remember once when a Brit visiting Chicago told me where he lived. I said, “Oh, that’s near [insert another town name here], isn’t it?” He said, “I didn’t used to think so until I came to the States.” All that said, I’m hoping soaring gas prices will end this country’s love affair with hulking, gas-guzzling SUVs.

Pause for hollow laughter! Here in the UK it’s gone past the equivalent of $10 a gallon.

It’s always struck me on US food blogs how much cheaper food is there (and not just due to the rate of exchange) - dirt-cheap fuel just rubs salt in the wound… Anyone want to adopt me?