Getting Hosed

Howl

By Nicholas von Hoffman

April 28, 2006

How can gasoline prices go up and jump around the way they do? And how come no one ever sees anyone change those prices on the gasoline station signs?

Because wee people otherwise known as elves live inside of those signs, and when they are out of sorts they stick crooked numbers up on the signs. They have been very cranky lately.

Once you know about the wee people, you know why sometimes all the posted prices jump up ten cents in unison between the time you go into Starbucks and the time you come out with your latte. You also know why sometimes you can't find two gas stations charging the same price. The wee people's cell phones have gone on the fritz.

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About Nicholas von Hoffman

Nicholas von Hoffman is the author of A Devil's Dictionary of Business, now in paperback. He is a Pulitzer Prize losing author of thirteen books, including Citizen Cohn, and a columnist for the New York Observer. more...
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