As never before, Americans have united in an effort to put fewer miles on their car. In early August, a Leo J. Shapiro & Associates study found 90% of motorists cutting back on their driving to conserve gas.

A study just completed by Leo J. Shapiro & Associates, finds that 47% of adult Americans are watching less television than a year ago, and 21% more. Just the reverse is true of time being spent with computer screens; 49% say they are spending more time on computer screens than a year ago, and 22% less.

As it becomes more costly to get anywhere, retailers and others that serve the public are challenged to become nicer. Trips to stores and providers of service demand more welcome to gas-thrifty consumers.

Real estate values are a consequence of where Americans decide to live, where they go to work, and where they shop. As Americans are rethinking how they live in the face of the costs of energy, real estate values are shifting in each of these areas.

Anyone who has ever traveled internationally or has even placed an overseas telephone call knows the potential pitfalls that come with communicating in a language other than one’s own. When vacationing abroad, accidental miscues can result in erendipitous adventures and good stories to tell back home.