Thought of the day: It’s a rare occurrence for me to purchase an individual item when stopped at a gas station. Speaking for myself, I don’t believe that most people take the time to fully review their receipts and pay close attention to the cost of the items they purchase. More than likely, they hear the total after the transaction and simply pay the cost. So, when purchasing a single item, it gives the opportunity to fully realize the price. I stopped today at my local gas station, specifically to purchase a bottle of Ale8. I must admit I was caught slightly off guard when I heard the young man behind the counter request $2.68 from me. As I handed over the money, contemplating the unjust reality of recent inflation, I wondered: Can our society sustain this ongoing economic strain, and how will individuals navigate the challenges of adapting to a world where the cost of even the simplest commodity continues to rise to the point that it will soon be out of reach for everyone except the most ardent Ale8 supporters?