I have to admit I enjoy the little “helpful” signs written for idiots. You know the ones with the pictures and the “do not” sign over them.

 Now take this one for example:

I have to assume that it is for people that like to pull out their cords from a foot away. Or is it in the way the fingers are placed around the cord? With the thumb laying gingerly above the cord? Is that why it’s forbidden?

Or how about this one?

Now I have to admit there have been times that I have wanted to place my toddler in a tupperware container for a few hours, however, are people really confused about the danger? And who has tupperware bowls this big or are their little itty bitty babies that fit into food storage containers?

Now anyone with children should be familiar with this one:

Yes, a warning to the dangers of michelen tire babies between the ages of 0-3 years. Or are these generic Q-P dolls?

Sorry, for that brief bit of nudity. I do try to keep my website porn-free. (Can you just imagine the spam I will have on this post?)

Anyway, all this to say that as I was pumping gas at my local Cosco, I noticed a very helpful sign. This wasn’t the one telling you not to smoke while pumping gas, although apparently that one is very needed see this if you doubt it. (Some people forget that smoking uses “fire” and gas + fire = very hot. ) No, I am talking about the sign showing you not to pump your gas with the nozzel turned upside down. Now I thought who would do this? Apparently, it is a “key to better fuel economy” according to this AC website. The writer says that you will not get all the fuel you paid for if you don’t turn the nozzle upside down at the end of the pumping. The next person in line will get ”4 ounces” you paid for. However, if the person in front of me didn’t know to turn the pump upside down wouldn’t I get his 4 ounces and be even? 

According to the “do not” sign it is dangerous to turn the nozzle upside down. So I am faced with a conundrum. Do I risk life and limb to get the extra 4 ounces when I possibly received 4 extra ounces from the guy before me, or do I follow the do not sign and keep the nozzle right side up? I will spend most of 2008 contemplating my choices, and I’m sure you will too.