Pelosi doesn't feel that pain. She was dining on entrees at Alpemare that cost up to $150 a plate, while Americans back home were picking through the meat counters at their supermarket looking for affordable options. The cost of a summer barbecue is up 17% over last year for burgers, hot dogs and other humble fare. Forget steak.

Forget driving to the seashore or a lake for a swim. Not with today's gas prices.

And forget turning on your air conditioner to get a good night's sleep. Electric bills are skyrocketing. In the metro New York area, Con Edison is asking for double-digit rate hikes. New Hampshire residents are already paying $70 a month more than last year. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission warns rates in some areas of the country could soar 233% during this summer's heat waves.