What's In A Number?

Did you ever notice that pricing signs at gas stations only have the ability to list prices that are three digits or less?

It seems the gas companies have designed these signs under the assumption that, so long as gasoline remains the dominant fuel source for automobiles, prices are likely to remain three digits or less (of course, the 'or less' really refers to the "good old days" right around the time my generation was acquiring our right to drive and gas cost a measly 89 cents a gallon, and kids respected their elders...oh wait, no we didn't).

Then again, what if there was some sort of major international oil crisis (say 'World War III: Middle East Mayhem')? Wouldn't gasoline prices almost certainly exceed three-digit numbers? Considering that the average gas prices in the U.S. are currently hovering around $3.21 (and are expected to rise to around $4.00 this summer), I don't think it's crazy to think of a future that potentially includes gas prices breaking through the $9.99 ceiling set by the presumptuous gas station sign manufactures.

With the help of my trusty Adobe Photoshop, I present to you a portrait of the not too distant future...