The first is whether the *cash* cost of the trip has increased faster than *cash* wages or not. Perhaps the quality of the experience has improved, but your living standards depend on *cash* cost. Most products are sold at fixed price points, and if the SUV and the Chevy cost the same, your cost of living has not improved; the basic purpose of the Chevy and the SUV is just to ferry you 1800 miles.

If you can buy now a 1974 Chevy new for half the price of a 2008 SUV then you can claim that prices have gone down; but you cannot. You income buys the same “quantity” of stuff, the stuff is merely more comfortable.

In other words, can you buy today a 1974 lifestyle for less nominal dollars than in 1974? No, your only option is to buy a 2008 lifestyle for more nominal dollars, while nominal wages have hardly budged.

Yes, we have many technologies that help us survive the family road trip. Most devices have gained mainstream acceptance because of low cost and durability. But all to avoid one eternal question. “Are we there yet?” How did our parents keep their sanity?

Also, what’s the cost comparison for coffee prices? Starbucks? A cup of coffee or a gallon of gas.

Ps. Was that tape of Robin Hood legal? I keep getting letters from the MPAA.

p.s.: I found out of your site via normblog.

Amen!

Lane