I realize it's an unscientific poll (and I love the disclaimer at the bottom), but this one from the STrib asks "What's your strategy for dealing with high gas prices?" 43% answer "Cut down on unnecessary trips." What does this mean? Aren't all trips unnecessary (except the one I had to make this morning from the bagel shop after some yabbo* spills coffee on the Dockers without Stain Defender)? At some price, all trips are economic or not economic. The word 'necessary' is nonsense.

My favorite classroom example of this? The Rip Van Winkle Caper. Featuring Simon Oakland, one of those omnipresent 1970s TV character actors, whose last role as a show regular was, well, forgettable. (But then, there's Toma.)

Hat tip: Steve Gigl.

* The yabbo was me. Too busy yakking about Rathergate to notice my elbow grazing the mug.