I usually stop by the Packard and Stadium Circle K gas station to fill’er up and get some essential food items. Now and then I’ll even pick up two Hostess Snowballs - one red and the other white, of course. Intellectually I know it’s very bad to buy and eat these cream filled wonders, but emotionally their appearance, taste and consistency transport me to happy childhood memories. Anyhow after filling my tank on Thursday (10/22) near the new, illuminated gas price sign (now up to $2.75!) I walked inside to pick up a couple of items and chat with the attendant - Brian Beaulac. We usually comment on and sometimes solve some of the world’s major problems - quite successfully if I must say so. But something was different at the counter as I paid the bill.

Brian willingly took my money, but while returning the change he asked if I’d like a free candy bar - more specifically a Butterfinger. His question caught me off-guard. I must have looked confused because he said yes the candy is free today and pointed to a box of bars off to the left of the cash register. The top of the box read: “Dude, where is my bar?” The Dude inquiry continued: “Free while supplies last.” I knew there was a catch!

Wow - free! I thought: “What a great tactic at a time when banks, corporations and insurance companies negotiate billion dollar deals with skeptical taxpayers’ money.” Does Fox News know about this? I suppressed those thoughts and potential discussion with Brian because several people were in line behind me. We’d delve into those thorny economic questions on another day.

Free Butterfinger in hand I turned to leave, but noticed the Hostess Snowballs looking my way - plotting to activate another childhood memory. But I knew the preservatives would keep them fresh until my next visit. I joked with Circle K’s manager Peter Mahan and congratulated him on the free offer and incentives. Unfortunately he only had one box left, but seemed very pleased with the intended consequences and positive customer comments. Peter also mentioned that Circle K at Packard and Stadium will be getting a facelift in coming weeks. Great - something else to make those snowballs even more inviting.

And for those of you who might be interested, the Hostess display is right inside the north door entrance of this friendly business establishment..